Deforestation and mining threaten forests in Shamva

PELUM Zimbabwe Member, Fambidzanai Permaculture Centre (FPC) supported and empowered local communities in Shamva district to regenerate their forests. FPC’s work focused on natural regeneration augmented by introduction of indigenous fruit trees such as Guava (shown in this image), Sycamore fig, Waterberry, Wild fig, and Kei apple trees among others. Photo: Jerry Kudakwashe/FPC

Jerry Kudakwashe (37), the Programme Officer for Fambidzanai Permaculture Centre (FPC) says deforestation is a serious problem in Shamva district located 70 kilometres northeast of Harare in Mashonaland Central province, Zimbabwe. Jerry says unsustainable tobacco farming and mining are to blame for the loss of forests.

“The major cause of deforestation in Shamva has been tobacco farming. From the year 2000, Shamva has lost about 5 percent of its total forests,” says Jerry.

In addition to tobacco farming, forests in Shamva face a huge threat from mining activities in the area which cause widespread deforestation and land degradation.

The loss of forests threatens livelihoods of the local community and deprives other beings the right to exist. Jerry says forests create a micro climate which supports humans and the More-than-human beings.

“Forests harbor biodiversity, provide medicine and produce the much needed mulch for crop production. Thirty years ago people got 75 percent or more of their fruits, wild mushrooms and firewood from the forests,” says Jerry.

Jerry says natural regeneration is a solution to addressing the problem in Shamva district but policies have to be reviewed.

“There is need for harmonisation of policies so that while we promote investment, we do not destroy our natural environment. The mining activities in Shamva threaten not just forests but also wetlands and access to portable water”, says Jerry.