BY SAMUEL NJINGA IN MASVINGO.
Zimbabwe’s wildlife, a national treasure and critical component of its tourism industry, faces immense threats from poaching, habitat loss, and climate change. But across the country, a coordinated effort is underway to save endangered species, involving government initiatives, corporate partnerships, and village-led conservation projects. These collective measures are starting to turn the tide in the battle for wildlife conservation.
In communities bordering national parks like Hwange, Gonarezhou, and Mana Pools, villagers have taken an active role in preserving wildlife. For years, rural areas suffered from human-wildlife conflict as animals such as elephants and lions encroached on farming lands, leading to crop destruction and the loss of livestock. However, new community-based conservation programs are offering hope.
“In our village, we now have wildlife committees that work with the parks authority,” says Lisenga Chauke, a villager from Chikombedzi near Gonarezhou National Park. “We monitor animal movements and alert rangers if we see any poaching activities.”
These initiatives are part of the Community Areas Management Programme for Indigenous Resources (CAMPFIRE), which empowers local communities to manage their natural resources sustainably. Through the program, communities receive a share of revenue from wildlife tourism and trophy hunting, giving them an economic incentive to protect endangered species.
“Instead of seeing wildlife as a threat, we now view it as a resource,” says Chief Chitanga of Mwenezi, whose community has benefited from eco-tourism projects. “We’ve managed to construct clinics as well as doing other developmental projects from the proceeds, and our people are now wildlife protectors.”
The government has played a central role in fostering these partnerships, stepping up efforts to protect biodiversity through the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (ZimParks). In recent years, the authority has expanded anti-poaching patrols, recruited more rangers, and deployed advanced technologies such as drones and satellite tracking to monitor endangered species like the African elephant and black rhino.
“The collaboration between local communities and government is crucial,” says ZimParks spokesperson Tinashe Farawo. “We’ve seen a significant reduction in poaching because villagers are the first line of defense. When they alert us to poachers, we can respond swiftly.”
In addition to local efforts, corporate organisations have joined the conservation cause. Some of Zimbabwe’s largest companies, including Delta Corporation, Econet Wireless, and the Standard Bank Group, have launched wildlife conservation projects and provided critical funding for anti-poaching efforts.
Delta Corporation, for instance, has funded water projects in Hwange National Park, drilling boreholes to provide water for elephants during the dry season. The lack of water in Hwange has been one of the park’s biggest challenges, leading to animal deaths and migration out of protected areas, where they become vulnerable to poachers.
Econet Wireless, through its charitable foundation, has invested in solar energy solutions for remote ranger outposts and training programs for anti-poaching units. “Conservation is everyone’s responsibility,” says Douglas Mboweni, CEO of Econet. “Our wildlife is part of our national heritage, and we are committed to helping secure it for future generations.”
International organisations have also supported Zimbabwe’s efforts, with groups like the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) and African Wildlife Foundation (AWF) providing funding for conservation programs and helping to combat the illegal wildlife trade.
At the heart of these efforts is a recognition that wildlife conservation cannot succeed without community engagement, corporate support, and strong government policies. The Zimbabwean government has enacted stricter wildlife protection laws, increasing penalties for poaching and the illegal trafficking of animal products. Cross-border collaborations with neighboring countries like Botswana and South Africa have also improved enforcement along wildlife corridors.
However, challenges remain. Climate change is leading to more frequent droughts, which are shrinking habitats and putting additional pressure on wildlife. Human-wildlife conflict, though reduced, still poses a significant threat, and the lure of poaching persists in economically depressed areas.
Despite these obstacles, the combined efforts of villagers, corporates, and the government are making a difference. In 2023, ZimParks reported a 30% reduction in rhino poaching, a major victory for one of the country’s most endangered species.
“We have a long way to go, but these successes show what’s possible when we work together,” says Farawo. “Our wildlife is more than just a source of pride—it’s a cornerstone of our economy and our natural ecosystem. Everyone has a stake in protecting it. We keep on urging people to report any wild animal conflict. People should desist from walking during the night as they are likely to meet some of these wild animals that might be in pursuit of water during this dry season.”
As Zimbabwe moves forward in its conservation journey, the unity between government, businesses, and local communities offers a hopeful vision for the future of its wildlife. Through these collaborative efforts, Zimbabwe is not only protecting its animals but also ensuring that future generations will be able to enjoy the beauty and diversity of the nation’s natural heritage.