BY SAMUEL NJINGA IN MASVINGO.
In the face of rising deforestation and climate challenges across Africa, Zimbabwe has emerged as a leading nation in sustainable forest management. The country’s innovative approach, which blends community involvement, traditional knowledge, and cutting-edge technology, is being hailed as a model for balancing environmental conservation and economic development.
Zimbabwe’s forests, covering about 40% of the country’s land area, are rich in biodiversity and play a critical role in both the livelihoods of rural communities and the fight against climate change. Once under severe threat due to illegal logging and agricultural expansion, a national movement towards sustainable forest management is turning the tide.
A Collaborative National Effort
The success of Zimbabwe’s forest management initiative is largely due to its collaborative nature. Led by the Zimbabwe Forestry Commission, the initiative involves partnerships with local communities, environmental NGOs, and private sector companies. Together, they have implemented policies designed to preserve forest ecosystems while promoting sustainable use of forest resources.
Information and Communications Manager for Forestry Commission Zimbabwe, Violet Makoto, emphasises that local communities are the cornerstone of this success. “By empowering people who live near the forests, we ensure they have both the knowledge and the incentives to protect these vital resources. This approach integrates traditional conservation practices with modern sustainability standards.”
The commission works with rural communities to develop forest management plans that promote sustainable harvesting, agroforestry, and reforestation. This strategy not only protects forests but also creates economic opportunities for the people living in these areas, allowing them to generate income without destroying their natural surroundings.
Sustainable Solutions for Local Livelihoods
One of the standout features of Zimbabwe’s sustainable forest management is the integration of agroforestry practices. Farmers are encouraged to plant trees alongside crops, reducing the need for clear-cutting while enhancing soil fertility and providing an additional source of income through fruit, nuts, and timber.
A key aspect of the program is the promotion of indigenous tree species, such as the musasa and mopane, which are both vital for local ecosystems and provide high-quality timber. The government has established nurseries across the country, distributing millions of seedlings to farmers and communities each year.
“We’ve planted over 50,000 indigenous trees in the last year alone,” says Ellen Shumba, a small-scale farmer in the Masvingo. “It’s helping our crops grow better, and we’re seeing fewer floods during the rainy season because the trees help retain water in the soil.”
Embracing Technology and Innovation
Zimbabwe has also embraced new technology to enhance its forest management. Satellite imagery and drone technology are now being used to monitor forest health and track illegal logging activities. These tools allow authorities to quickly identify areas at risk and respond with conservation measures.
Additionally, Zimbabwe’s Forestry Commission has launched a mobile app that allows communities and forest rangers to report illegal activities and forest fires in real-time. This rapid reporting system has already been credited with reducing forest losses significantly over the past two years.
Restoring Forests, Combating Climate Change
Reforestation plays a critical role in Zimbabwe’s broader environmental strategy. In regions such as the Eastern Highlands, where large tracts of forest were lost to logging and agriculture, massive tree-planting campaigns are underway. These efforts aim to restore degraded lands, protect water catchments, and boost biodiversity.
In partnership with international conservation organizations, Zimbabwe’s reforestation programs focus on creating carbon sinks to help offset the nation’s carbon emissions. The country has committed to restoring 20% of its forest cover by 2030 as part of its pledge under the Paris Agreement on climate change.
“The restoration of our forests is not just about regaining lost trees,” says Machokoto who is the Provincial Forestry Extension Manager for Masvingo. “It’s about building resilience against climate change, protecting biodiversity, and securing the livelihoods of millions of Zimbabweans who depend on healthy ecosystems.”
Indigenous Knowledge Meets Modern Conservation
One of the unique elements of Zimbabwe’s forest management success is its integration of indigenous knowledge. Traditional leaders and elders have long been stewards of local forests, and their understanding of the natural landscape has proven invaluable in managing and protecting these areas. Sacred forests and places, known as Nzvimbo dzinoyera, have been safeguarded by local communities for centuries, and many of these areas remain biodiversity hotspots.
“People should desist from doing what they please in these sacred places. Our ancestors taught us to respect these forests because they give us what we need. These places, forests and everything in them should be preserved,” says Chief Murinye, a leader of the Shona people living around the country`s Great Zimbabwe. “Now, with the support of the Forestry Commission, we are able to protect our sacred trees while creating new opportunities for our people.”
Global recognition and future plans
Zimbabwe’s success has caught the attention of international environmental organisations, which see the country as a model for other African nations facing similar challenges.
Looking ahead, the Zimbabwean government is committed to scaling up its forest management efforts. Plans are in place to expand reforestation initiatives to drier regions in the south and west of the country, where desertification is becoming an increasing threat. By 2025, Zimbabwe aims to increase its forest cover by 10%, in line with its national climate goals.