When one thinks about deforestation, the image of men with axes or chain saws is likely to pop up in their head. This is because men have been the main actors in deforestation activities. However, some men are changing the narrative by championing landscape regeneration work in their communities.
Austin Mugiya (43) is a smallholder farmer from Mhototi village in Zvishavane district who is working with Muonde Trust. Austin is practicing agroecology on his 3 hectare farm. Austin says he has received agroecology training from Muonde Trust and this has deepened his knowledge and skills to practice agroecology
“Through the trainings I received from Muonde Trust over the years, I have been working with other farmers in my community to revive forests and heal depleted farmlands. I am practicing agroforestry and water harvesting and this has enabled me to contribute to the revival of forests and increase,” he says.
Austin says the work that he has been doing to conserve biodiversity and heal the depleted landscape has ensured that he can comfortably play his role as the provider for his family.
“This has improved my family’s food security. I currently use most of my farmland to produce food to feed my family. Previously, the land had been damaged by floods, leaving behind gullies which made farming impossible,” says Austin.
Austin says not only has he implemented the agroecology practices but he has also become an advocate for the agroecology practices.
“I am actively advocating for environmental protection and conservation in my community, I am also teaching my children,” says Austin.
Daniel Ndlovu (34), a Research Officer at Muonde Trust says his organization has been training men on agroforestry and landscape regeneration, supporting them with seedlings and land to practice agroforestry.
“We have been working with men who practice agroecology. Agroforestry is an important aspect of combating climate change and men play a central role in passing knowledge to others,” he says.
Stephen Duri (71), a botanist who is working with Duri Green Finger Nursery supports agroforestry initiatives. Stephen says trees are important because they promote conservation of biodiversity as they provide shelter and food to many animals and insects.
Stephen started Duri Green Finger Nursery in 1978 with the goal of planting diverse trees across Zimbabwe. To date, the tree nursery has close to 6000 different indigenous and exotic trees ranging from Muzeze (African wattle), Muzhanje (wild loquat), Mutohwe (snot apple) and Nhundurwa (bitter apple) among others, which he says are an important part of our ecosystem.
“I have been inspired mostly by diverse indigenous trees like mutohwe and muzhanje trees which are bountiful in my home village in Honde Valley,” he says.
Stephen, like Austin says he is also teaching others about the importance of planting and growing trees.
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