ZAMBIA AND ZIMBABWE (KAZA)

© Brent Stirton/Getty Images for FAO, CIRAD, CIFOR and WCSv

SWM PROJECT

The Kavango Zambezi (KAZA) Transfrontier Conservation area is home to a great diversity of ecosystems and landscapes. Each year, the area experiences large-scale migrations of megafauna. Whilst rural communities in the Mucheni (Zimbabwe) and Simalaha (Zambia) Community Conservancies have distinct cultures and local governments, they depend on hunting and fishing for both food and income. However, communities’ livelihoods are threatened by erratic rainfall, poor soils, and human–wildlife conflicts.

The SWM Project in KaZa is promoting a sustainable use of natural resources, including wildlife and fisheries, by the Community Conservancies. It is also developing alternative sources of proteins, such as livestock husbandry and aquaculture. The project is being implemented by CIRAD in coordination with the governments of both Zambia and Zimbabwe.

DID YOU KNOW?

  • The SWM Programme activities in KaZa are being developed with traditional leaders and local communities from community conservation areas.
  • The SWM Programme in KaZa aims to improve the livelihoods of communities and the coexistence between humans and wildlife by reducing the costs related to the protection of livestock and crops (watch Shupa’s video).
  • In order to reduce conflicts between populations and wildlife, and improve access to drinking water, three central water points were rehabilitated.
  • Over the past three decades, wild animal populations have declined in Zambia and Zimbabwe. The programme activities aims to improve wildlife conservation (for further information, see the Country story section, page 3).
  • The SWM Programme in KaZa supports the development of livestock value chains and encourages collaboration between farmers, researchers, extension agents and the private sector.

NATIONAL PARTNERS

Map of the SWM activities in the Kavango Zambezi (KAZA) Transfrontier Conservation area
× Map of the SWM activities in the Kavango Zambezi (KAZA) Transfrontier Conservation area
The boundaries and names shown and the designations used on this map do not imply the expression of any opinion whatsoever on the part of FAO concerning the legal status of any country, territory, city or area or of its authorities, or concerning the delimitation of its frontiers and boundaries.

VIDEOS

NEWS

SPIKED: Conserve natural habitats and wildlife

© CIRAD

THE HERALD: Joint wildlife conservation programme

© FAO/David Mansell-Moullin

Leaflet - SWM Programme in Zambia and Zimbabwe