Story by Fungai Jachi
THE government’s reforestation drive, which targets the planting of over 700 000 trees in Masvingo Province, is gaining momentum, with more than 3 000 trees already planted in Chiredzi North, as communities take the lead in combating climate change.
Tree planting in Zimbabwe is traditionally marked on the first Saturday of December, but for the Crown Range community in Chiredzi North, reforestation has become a lived reality.
The programme feeds into the national reforestation agenda aimed at planting millions of trees to mitigate climate change, restore degraded ecosystems and enhance food security.
For residents of Crown Range, the initiative has sparked a renewed sense of environmental responsibility.
“We really appreciate this initiative because trees are important to our lives. We are committed to taking good care of them,” said one community member.
Another resident said the programme had strengthened local ownership of environmental protection.
“I now understand the importance of trees. Being given the responsibility to plant and care for them gives us a strong sense of ownership,” the resident said.
Authorities believe empowering communities to spearhead reforestation efforts is a transformative approach that will help restore degraded and unproductive land.
Forestry Commission Provincial Manager, Mr Edwin Machokoto, emphasised the importance of sustainable forest management.
“We cannot overemphasise the importance of trees. Proper management of forests is key to sustainability. By involving communities, we ensure everyone understands the value of trees and how best to protect them,” he said.
Traditional leaders have also thrown their weight behind the initiative.
Chief Neromwe said communities must take responsibility for safeguarding forests.
“As traditional leaders, we are concerned about the cutting down of trees. People must appreciate their importance. If one cuts down a tree, another should be planted to replace it,” the Chief said.
Chiredzi North Member of Parliament, Honourable Roy Bhila, called for collective action to achieve national targets.
“We all have a role to play. If we stand together, we will achieve our goal of planting many trees,” he said.
Experts note that trees and forests are among the most practical and cost-effective solutions to climate change, helping communities mitigate and adapt to environmental shocks.
Over the years, government has intensified the tree planting drive in partnership with development agencies to address rapid deforestation, which is estimated at over 330 000 hectares annually, largely due to tobacco farming, veld fires and agricultural expansion.
Reforestation remains critical in restoring ecosystems, protecting biodiversity, improving soil health and securing sustainable livelihoods for communities that depend on natural resources.
