Where We Work:

Mid-Zambezi

The Zambezi River and its tributaries form the lifeline of this remarkably biodiverse transboundary landscape, which stretches across Zimbabwe into Zambia and Mozambique. Key threats include human-wildlife conflict, climate change, agricultural expansion, human settlement expansion, infrastructure development, poaching, and artisanal mining.

We’re working with local communities to safeguard this landscape’s natural resources and unlock their value for people and wildlife. To that end, we employ a holistic approach with conservation and development interventions, including:

  • Investing in park infrastructure and building wildlife law enforcement capacity
  • Kickstarting community enterprises and agriculture improvements to create wildlife-friendly livelihoods
  • Collaborating with communities on sustainable, participatory conservation solutions
  • Helping rangers and community members prevent and respond to human-wildlife conflict
Mid-Zambezi Charara Chewore Chiawa Doma Hurungwe
Other State Protected Area

AWF in Action

Transboundary Support

Many key African conservation landscapes are transboundary, because wildlife don’t recognize human borders—and neither do threats to wildlife. In transboundary landscapes, we work to strengthen capacity and collaboration between wildlife authorities, communities, and other conservation-minded people on both sides of the border. We facilitate workshops to develop a long-term vision, agree on information-sharing strategies, advise on joint patrols along borders, and help plan movement corridors and dispersal areas for wildlife.

See one case in Zimbabwe and Zambia
Boat on Zambezi River

Building ranger capacity

We seek to empower and assist rangers in their vital role as wildlife protectors. Support consists of specialized training, infrastructure development, and provisioning—radio communication equipment, fuel, field and camping equipment, patrol rations, land vehicles, and boats.

See how we invest in rangers
land vehicles

Win-wins for farmers and nature

We help farmers in the Mbire district reap rewards from conserving nature by planting chilis, which diversifies farmers’ income and deters wildlife from destroying crops. Tobacco production is an important industry in Zimbabwe, and curing practices are a significant threat to wildlife habitats. In Hurunge, we helped farmers construct new or convert existing tobacco barns to be energy efficient.

Read about “rocket barns” and more
chili farm

Boosting entrepreneurship for conservation

We provide training and equipment to support small businesses and sustainable livelihoods in Mbire. These enterprises reduce pressure on natural resources by creating sustainable sources of income.

See the impact
Sustainable livelihoods training

Mapping wildlife to inform rangers’ strategy

Technology is helping rangers make the most of limited resources and labor. We train and equip rangers in the Middle Zambezi Valley to collect and map data on wildlife sightings and poaching activity, which contributes to informed decision-making on patrols.

Learn how maps elevate conservation
Training

We work with the people of Zimbabwe for wildlife. Our strategic, implementing and funding partners include:

Communities in the Middle Zambezi Valley landscape

Wildlife We Are Protecting

By the Numbers

These results come from EU-funded activities from 2018-2021, with percentages representing achievements against set targets.

97% Success enhancing capacity of scouts in Zimbabwe

100% Human-wildlife conflict mitigation success in Zimbabwe

25-50+% Estimated drop in human-wildlife conflict in areas with chili technology

Olivia Mufute

Contact

Olivia Mufute

‪Country Director