Zimbabwean Village Advances Forest Restoration and Sustainable Livelihoods with FAO Support

In Muwango Village, Chipinge District, Zimbabwe, community members are actively engaging in forest restoration and sustainable livelihood initiatives with support from the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the Forestry Commission. During Zimbabwe's National Tree Planting Day, the community established a 2.5-hectare woodlot intended to provide a sustainable source of firewood and construction materials, thereby reducing pressure on nearby indigenous forests, including the Chirinda Forest and surrounding miombo woodlands.

Philip Tom, the Provincial Forestry Extension Manager, praised the community's efforts, stating that the woodlot will help meet future energy needs and support ongoing beekeeping activities by enhancing bee forage. The event saw participation from 71 individuals, 68% of whom were women, with 300 seedlings planted and plans to plant an additional 1,000 seedlings. The community aims to plant at least 1,600 Eucalyptus seedlings annually over the next three years.

In October 2025, the village harvested approximately 100 kg of honey, generating about USD 300 in income. With 30 hives currently in place, 12 of which are colonized, the project plans to provide 10 more Kenyan Top Bar hives and materials for local hive construction, potentially doubling the number of hives by year's end. If all 60 hives are colonized, honey production could reach around 900 kg per harvest, yielding an estimated income of USD 1,800 at a wholesale price of USD 2 per kilogram.

The initiative also includes producing biochar from the invasive species Vernonanthura polyanthes. Forestry Commission specialists demonstrated how biochar, when mixed with manure or fertilizer, can improve soil fertility and nutrient retention while controlling the spread of the invasive plant. Community members were advised against using indigenous trees for charcoal production to protect natural forests. To ensure safety and environmental standards, a resident officer from the Forestry Commission will support the group, adhering to FAO and Forestry Commission guidelines on biochar production.

Maxwell Phiri, FAO National Project Coordinator, emphasized FAO's commitment to supporting food security, agricultural production, and sustainable natural resource management. He introduced the Miombo Transboundary Initiative, implemented by FAO in Zimbabwe and Mozambique, highlighting planned activities for 2026, including beekeeping, capacity building, equipment provision, fire management training, and support for community-based forest monitoring. Phiri noted that through this initiative, FAO is collaborating with communities and government partners to strengthen livelihoods while conserving critical forest ecosystems.

The Village Head of Muwango expressed gratitude to FAO, government institutions, and partners for their continued support and called for sustained capacity development to ensure the long-term success of community initiatives.