BY SAMUEL NJINGA IN MASVINGO
Mwenezi District, located in Zimbabwe’s semi-arid southern region, has long faced the challenges of poor rainfall, dwindling agricultural productivity, and a lack of consistent income sources. Yet, amid these hardships, local communities have discovered innovative ways to create sustainable livelihoods—transforming the landscape and their futures in the process.
In recent years, a combination of agroforestry, climate-smart agriculture, and conservation initiatives has breathed new life into Mwenezi, offering hope for rural farmers who have struggled with unpredictable weather patterns and the effects of climate change.
Agroforestry, the practice of integrating trees and shrubs into farming systems, has emerged as one of the district’s most promising solutions. Spearheaded by local NGOs and supported by government agencies, the initiative encourages farmers to plant fast-growing, drought-resistant tree species, such as Moringa and Jatropha, alongside traditional crops like maize, sorghum, and millet.
These trees provide a range of benefits: they help reduce soil erosion, improve water retention, and provide shade for crops. Additionally, they produce valuable resources such as firewood, fodder, and, in the case of moringa, nutritious leaves that can be used for food or sold in markets.
“Before, we could only rely on our crops, which often failed due to droughts,” explains Josphat Tawanda, a farmer in Mwenezi who has adopted agroforestry on his land. “Now, these trees are helping us grow better crops, and we’re making extra money from the leaves and seeds they produce.”
Agroforestry has also led to the expansion of beekeeping in Mwenezi. As farmers plant more trees, they have created ideal conditions for honey production. Beekeeping offers a low-cost, high-reward livelihood for local residents, requiring minimal investment while providing a steady income.
Mwenezi’s beekeepers, many of whom are women, now sell organic honey to local and regional markets, with some even exploring export opportunities following the teachings that they receive from a national expert and consultant in bee keeping, Michael Hlungwani. The income generated from honey is reinvested in the community, helping improve infrastructure and services such as education and healthcare.
“The majority of people go under bee keeping training programmes that help them earn a living. The Bee Support Foundation has always been playing a significant role in championing these sustainable livelihoods projects by funding training as well as providing equipment to most of the local people. Care International as well as Plan International have also gone miles in joining forces with us,” said Hlungwani.
“We never imagined honey could be such a valuable product,” says Susan Madendeya, a local beekeeper. “Now, we’re not only feeding our families, but we’re also helping our village grow.”
The unpredictable climate of Mwenezi has made traditional farming methods less reliable. To combat this, farmers have embraced climate-smart agriculture, an approach that combines innovative farming techniques with an understanding of local ecosystems.
The use of conservation tillage, mulching, and organic fertilizers has enabled farmers to produce higher yields even in times of low rainfall. These methods reduce the need for expensive inputs, such as chemical fertilizers, and improve soil health, ensuring long-term productivity.
Many farmers in the district are also using drought-resistant crop varieties, such as sorghum and pearl millet, which thrive in Mwenezi’s dry conditions. These crops not only provide food security but also offer surplus that can be sold in nearby towns, creating additional revenue streams.
In addition to agriculture, Mwenezi has turned to conservation as a way to generate sustainable livelihoods. The district’s proximity to key wildlife corridors has made it an attractive destination for eco-tourism, with conservation areas and community-run wildlife reserves creating new jobs.
These initiatives, which protect endangered species such as elephants and rhinos, have drawn visitors from around the world. Local guides, wildlife trackers, and lodge workers now earn a living from this growing industry, which also funds community development projects.
One standout success is the Mjingwe Conservancy in Chief Maranda, a community-driven project that combines wildlife protection with economic opportunities for villagers. The project has reduced human-wildlife conflict by encouraging sustainable grazing and offering alternative sources of income through tourism.
“We used to see wildlife as a threat,” says Enoch Ndlovu, a local villager in Chief Maranda. “But now, we’ve realised that protecting our natural heritage can bring benefits to everyone.”
Mwenezi District’s embrace of agroforestry, climate-smart agriculture, and conservation efforts is quickly becoming a model for other semi-arid regions in Zimbabwe. The combination of ecological stewardship and economic development is helping communities adapt to climate change while lifting them out of poverty.
Local government officials have praised the initiatives, which align with national efforts to promote sustainable agriculture and environmental protection. With continued support and expansion, Mwenezi’s story of transformation could inspire other rural communities to adopt similar strategies.
“We’ve learned that sustainable livelihoods aren’t just about survival,” says Marufu Madendeya, one of the beekeepers. “They’re about building a future that works for both people and the environment.”
Mwenezi’s journey demonstrates that even in the face of adversity, innovative thinking and collaboration can create lasting change—one tree, one hive, and one conservation area at a time.