Online Reporter
Daniel Chigunwe
Herald Correspondent
Mbire District in Mashonaland Central province, a wildlife-rich area and pioneer of the Communal Areas Management Programme for Indigenous Resources (CAMPFIRE) initiative, continues to lead efforts in wildlife conservation and human-wildlife conflict mitigation.
Since 1987, CAMPFIRE wards in Mbire have benefited significantly from revenues generated through sport hunting.
These funds have enabled communities to build schools, teachers’ houses, clinics, roads and community conference centres.
Additionally, many locals have found employment as game rangers, drivers and professional hunters.
Despite these successes, the programme faces ongoing challenges, including poaching and human-wildlife conflict, which each year result in fatalities and serious injuries among community members.
To address these pressing issues, Mbire District has launched an intensified human-wildlife conflict mitigation programme aimed at reducing deaths and injuries.
In partnership with the Community CAMPFIRE Association of Zimbabwe (CCAZ), Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (ZimParks), and with support from the Utariri programme, the district is actively involving school children in wildlife conservation initiatives.
Recently, 84 junior rangers from four local schools, Chitsungo, Gonono, Masoka and Chisunga, participated in a pass-out parade celebrating their involvement.
During the event, a 5,000-litre water tank and fruit trees were donated to two of the schools, enhancing local resources and environmental sustainability.
Mr Ishmael Chaukura, director of CCAZ, emphasised the importance of community-led conservation efforts.
“The major goal of CCAZ is to see communities leading in conservation, taking ownership and benefiting from the CAMPFIRE programme,” he said.
Achieving positive outcomes in wildlife conservation is impossible without involving the communities who bear the costs of living alongside wildlife.”
Mr Felix Chimeramombe, senior regional manager for ZimParks, speaking on behalf of Director General Professor Edison Gandiwa during the passout, highlighted the significance of youth engagement.
“The pass-out of junior rangers from Mbire’s four schools signals growing conservation education that unifies and strengthens communities,” he said.
“Through partnerships with Dan Church Aid, CCAZ and Mbire RDC, this programme equips young people with practical knowledge of wildlife behaviour, ecosystems, conservation ethics and the responsibilities of living in wildlife-rich landscapes. By educating our youth today, we are shaping tomorrow’s conservation leaders.”
In a speech read on his behalf, Mbire district development coordinator, Mr Richard Maruta said: “This event demonstrates the power of partnerships and community engagement in conservation.
“Collaborations between ZimParks, CCAZ, and the Utariri programme empower the next generation of conservationists.
“The Junior Rangers programme is a vital part of our broader strategy to promote environmental stewardship and protect our natural heritage.”
Meanwhile, the chief executive officer of Mbire RDC, Mr Claudius Majaya, reaffirmed community ownership.
“This event shows that community-driven efforts are key. Communities now understand that conservation efforts should not be led solely by the Government, Rural District Councils, or partners, but by themselves.
“This reflects real ownership at the grassroots level where both the conflicts and benefits of wildlife co-exist.”
