Infertile land and minimal access to infrastructure has lead to competition for natural resources between humans & animals in the Mola Community, on the shores of Zimbabwe's Lake Kariba. Conflict incidences are high and compromise the future of both human & wildlife populations. This project aims to improve human-wildlife coexistence and food security by empowering communities to improve their livelihoods, whilst developing greater trust and appreciation for the presence of wildlife in the area.
Displaced in the filling of Lake Kariba, these communities and surrounding wildlife populations were forced to adapt to harsh conditions on remote high slopes with poor soil for farming. In competition for limited natural resources, conflict between people and wildlife is high, with devastating impacts to both in the form of depredation of livestock and retaliatory killing of predators. Poor soil produces poor agricultural yields resulting in growing habitat destruction for vast farming ranges.
This project will implement lion-proof bomas to reduce livestock depredation and thereby retaliatory killing of lions. Lion Guardians will be trained and deployed to monitor lion presence and warn the community of their presence. Farmers will receive training and support to implement improved conservation agriculture and livestock husbandry methods. conservation education programs will be implemented to improve the perception and tolerance of predators and other wildlife.
This project will significantly improve food security for over 500 households. An improved perception and tolerance of predators will minimize incidents of predators being killed, leading to more abundant lion populations in the area. Improved agriculture methods will mean a reduction in the land required for farming. The long term impact of this is the restoration of large tracts of natural habitat, providing improved ecosystem services and the return of prey species for predators.
