Story by Yolanda Moyo
WHAT was once a daily trek through dangerous wildlife corridors in search of water has become a story of resilience and renewal, with conservation-led projects transforming lives in Matetsi while strengthening the bond between communities and nature.
Communities living alongside protected wildlife areas are benefiting from government and conservation initiatives that are creating sustainable livelihoods, improving food security and turning wildlife into a valuable economic asset.
Only a few years ago, fetching water meant venturing into areas frequented by elephants and other wild animals. Today, a manual borehole, supported by a solar-powered water system, is supplying clean water, while a flourishing community garden has transformed once-barren land into a productive source of food and income for 36 households.
Villagers say the project has changed not only their livelihoods but also their outlook on conservation.
“This garden has changed our lives. Before, many families struggled to buy vegetables and generate income. Now we are producing food throughout the year, selling our surplus and supporting our children. We see wildlife as an asset because some of the projects that support us are linked to tourism and conservation activities in our area,” said villager Mrs Jane Weza.
Another community member said the initiative has united residents around a shared purpose.
“When visitors come to our region, they create opportunities for communities like ours. The garden has brought people together and given us a reason to protect the natural resources around us because we are now seeing tangible benefits.”
Residents say the tangible benefits flowing from conservation have reshaped their relationship with the environment.
“Conservation now has meaning for us because we are seeing direct benefits from projects linked to wildlife and tourism. The project has united our community. We are working together to protect our environment because it supports our livelihoods,” said another beneficiary.
The project forms part of broader efforts to ensure communities living near protected areas become active partners in conservation while sharing in the economic benefits generated by natural resources.
IFAW Zimbabwe Country Director Ms Alleta Nyahuye said conservation succeeds when local communities benefit directly.
“Sustainable conservation depends on communities seeing value in protecting wildlife and ecosystems. Through initiatives such as community gardens, livelihood projects and skills development programmes, we are helping create economic opportunities that strengthen both household resilience and conservation outcomes.”
Minister of Environment, Climate and Wildlife Dr Evelyn Ndlovu said the Government remains committed to ensuring conservation contributes to rural development.
“The Government of Zimbabwe remains committed to ensuring that communities living near wildlife areas benefit from the country’s natural resources. Community-based projects such as this garden contribute to food security, income generation and stronger relationships between people and protected areas. Our vision is to make conservation an engine for rural development.”
The transformation taking place in Matetsi reflects the aspirations of the Mosi-Oa-Tunya Declaration on World Heritage and Sustainable Development in Africa, which promotes ensuring local communities share in the benefits of conserving the continent’s rich natural and cultural heritage.
