The Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) of the United Nations has launched a $1.7 million initiative to promote the sustainable management of Zimbabwe’s Miombo woodlands, a critical ecosystem threatened by deforestation, land degradation, and veld fires.
Funded by the Italian government, the three-year project will be implemented in partnership with the Forestry Commission and local communities in Mudzi, Rushinga, and Chipinge districts. It is part of a transboundary effort that extends into Mozambique.
The Miombo woodlands span approximately 2.7 million square kilometers across Southern Africa and provide essential resources such as timber, fuelwood, and non-timber forest products for millions of rural residents. However, unsustainable land use practices and increasing demand for wood are placing severe pressure on the ecosystem.
“The Miombo woodlands are the backbone of rural livelihoods in Zimbabwe, but they are under immense pressure,” said Banarbas Mawire. “This new project will work hand-in-hand with local communities and the government to protect this irreplaceable resource and build resilience to the impacts of climate change.”
The initiative will focus on:
- Sustainable forest management – Implementing conservation techniques to curb deforestation.
- Livelihood enhancement – Supporting local communities through training, value chain development, and improved market access for forest products.
- Climate resilience – Restoring ecosystems and promoting adaptive land use strategies.
- Community involvement – Encouraging collaboration between multiple stakeholders for long-term sustainability.
Joyce Gombe, a key advocate for the initiative, emphasised the importance of regional cooperation, highlighting challenges such as veld fires, excessive wood harvesting, and charcoal production. “By working together with FAO and the Italian government, we can develop innovative solutions to the challenges facing this irreplaceable ecosystem,” she said.
The project is expected to improve forest cover, enhance ecosystem health, and create economic opportunities for rural communities. Additionally, it will generate and share best practices for sustainable Miombo woodland management, aligning with commitments made in the 2022 Maputo Declaration on the Miombo Forest, endorsed by 11 SADC member states.
As climate change and deforestation continue to threaten Southern Africa’s woodlands, the FAO-led initiative represents a crucial step in safeguarding biodiversity and securing livelihoods for future generations.
About the FAO
The FAO is a specialised agency of the United Nations leading international efforts to defeat hunger and promote sustainable agricultural practices worldwide.
About the Forestry Commission of Zimbabwe
The Forestry Commission is Zimbabwe’s government agency responsible for forest conservation, biodiversity protection, and sustainable woodland management.