The African Wildlife Foundation’s (AWF’s) commitment to wildlife conservation in Zimbabwe the organization has been actively involved in supporting Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (Zimparks) initiatives. Recognizing the unique challenges faced, particularly concerning human-wildlife conflict, the organization has recently taken a significant step towards bolstering anti-poaching efforts in Zimbabwe’s protected and communal areas within the Mid Zambezi Valley Landscape.
At a ceremony held on January 26, 2024, at the renowned Chinhoyi Caves, AWF handed over crucial ranger field equipment to the Zimparks and Rural District Councils. This long-awaited contribution, valued at over $33,000, includes a range of essential gear such as stretcher beds, overalls, military boots, tents, raincoats, backpacks, and mosquito nets, among others.
The provision of this equipment marks a pivotal moment in advancing anti-poaching work in the region, enhancing patrol effectiveness, deterring poachers, and safeguarding Zimbabwe’s precious wildlife heritage. The consignment was made possible through funding support from the European Union (EU) under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species, Monitoring the Illegal Killing of Elephants (CITES MIKE) project, the ongoing Swedish International Development Agency (SIDA) funded ‘UTARIRI – Integrated and Adaptive Biodiversity, Climate and Livelihoods Project in the Zambezi Valley, 2022-2025’ and other private donors.
Olivia Mufute, AWF Country Director, emphasized the significance of this initiative, highlighting how the equipment would empower rangers and scouts to carry out their duties diligently. By promoting peaceful co-existence between people and wildlife and addressing Human-Wildlife Conflict issues, the equipment contributes to AWF’s core pillars of leading for wildlife, caring for wildlife, and living with wildlife.
“The anti-poaching field equipment being handed over today will motivate the skilled rangers and scouts to carry out their duties diligently in a conducive environment. Rangers and scouts in protected and communal areas will be in a better position to deal with Human-Wildlife Conflict issues, promote the peaceful co-existence of people and wildlife, strengthen their anti-poaching work, and contribute immensely to three key pillars namely leading for wildlife, caring for wildlife and living with wildlife,” said Olivia Mufute, in a speech read on her behalf by the AWF Mid Zambezi Valley Program Manager Simon Muchatibaya.
“It signals AWF’s commitment to building strong partnerships with stakeholders like Zimparks towards wildlife conservation,” she added through the read speech.
Zimparks expressed profound gratitude for AWF’s support, recognizing the vital role this equipment plays in assisting rangers during anti-poaching patrols, particularly in challenging conditions like the current rainy season. Dr. Agrippa Sora, Zimparks Board Chairperson, emphasized the importance of well-equipped rangers in ensuring the preservation of key species, praising AWF’s commitment to conservation efforts in the region.
“We are very grateful and happy to receive this very expensive equipment from AWF. This will go a long way in assisting our rangers when they go out, especially this rainy season; they need this equipment when they go out looking after our park’s estates, they [rangers] must be looked after very well so that they have the zeal and enthusiasm to continue doing their work. This is going to assist in ensuring that our key species will increase instead of decreasing,” Dr Agrippa Sora said.
Through targeted donations and strategic partnerships, AWF has provided critical support to Zimparks in the Mbire District within the Mid Zambezi Valley, where the organization has been actively involved in supporting Zimparks initiatives, including the provision of essential equipment, infrastructure development, and capacity-building initiatives.
Dr. Fulton Mangwanya, Zimparks Director General, commended AWF as an invaluable partner in the landscape, highlighting the organization’s contributions to infrastructure development, provision of vehicles and boats for anti-poaching operations, and installation of digital radio communication systems. He also underscored the pressing issue of human-wildlife conflict in communal areas like Mbire District, urging AWF to consider additional support, such as providing more vehicles for rapid response.
“AWF is our all-weather friend in the landscape; they have made quite a lot of development in the Mid Zambezi Valley landscape, you can see all infrastructure development, the boats that we are using, even the vehicles and several other things, we invite you to see what AWF is doing in that landscape,” Dr Mangwanya said.
Furthermore, AWF’s engagement in the Mid Zambezi Valley extends beyond material donations, encompassing technical assistance, training programs, and collaborative research endeavors. By leveraging its expertise and resources, AWF strengthens Zimparks’ ability to monitor and mitigate human-wildlife conflicts, conserve key species, and promote sustainable land management practices in Mbire and surrounding areas.
The partnership between AWF and Zimparks in the Mid Zambezi Valley exemplifies a shared commitment to wildlife conservation and community development. By working together, these organizations strive to ensure the long-term viability of Zimbabwe’s natural heritage while fostering resilience and prosperity for local communities in Mbire and beyond.
About AWF
AWF is the primary advocate for the protection of wildlife and their habitats as an essential part of a modern and prosperous Africa. Founded in 1961 to focus on Africa’s conservation needs, we articulate a uniquely African vision, bridge science and public policy, and demonstrate the benefits of conservation to ensure the survival of the continent’s wildlife and wild lands.
