Students plant seeds of transformation as FAO, government, and civil society come together to restore drylands in Zimbabwe

Shurugwi District, Zimbabwe – A project led by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), in collaboration with the Zimbabwean government and two key civil society organizations, is putting school children at the heart of the country's reforestation efforts. 

As part of the GEF-7 Dryland Sustainable Landscapes Impact Program (DSL-IP), FAO is partnering with World Vision, the Community Technology Development Organisation (CTDO), and the Ministry of Environment, Climate and Wildlife through the Environmental Management Agency (EMA), Forestry Commission and Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (Zimparks) to promote sustainable land and forest management practices among young students, nurturing a generation of environmentally aware individuals who can inspire positive changes in their schools and communities.

With a view to fostering students’ active engagement in land and forest management initiatives, DSL-IP’s support to school clubs  encompass gully restoration, establishing tree nurseries, planting trees, monitoring soil erosion, and producing herbal medicines from non-timber forest products (NTFPs). Students’ involvement not only aids in environmental conservation but also enhances community livelihoods. 

“By participating in these various environmental efforts, students develop valuable skills and foster sustainability,” Patrice Talla, FAO Subregional Coordinator for Southern Africa and FAO Representative in Zimbabwe, emphasized during a recent visit to Poshayi Primary School, one of the participating schools in Shurugwi district. “We believe that early engagement of children in reforestation of drylands is crucial for long-term environmental sustainability. By providing them with the knowledge and skills to manage natural resources wisely, we are paving the way for a greener future for everyone.”

Building a foundation for sustainability 

The collaborative effort between FAO, government and civil society organisations focuses on establishing and supporting environmental clubs within schools, providing them with the resources and training necessary to implement sustainable practices. The school’s environmental club initiative emphasizes practical skills, equipping students with the knowledge to contribute to the ongoing DSL-IP sustainable land and forest management activities in Runde and Save Catchment areas. 

“Currently they are 146 schools with active environmental clubs in the DSL-IP project implementation area. These school clubs are now active participants in observing significant environmental days, including World Desertification Day (WDD), World Wetlands Day (WWD), Africa Environment Day (AED), Tree Planting Day and the International Day of Forests among others, transforming these events into platforms for raising awareness about sustainable land and forest management,” remarked DSL-IP National Project Coordinator, Precious Magwaza. “This approach is set to expand to more schools in the coming years, reaching even more children and amplifying its positive impact on the environment and the community.”

Environmental days celebrations and regular club activities are providing critical lessons on topical environmental concerns. Students are learning about the importance of sound environmental management and sustainable utilisation of natural resources. Other activities conducted by the schools include sustainable waste management. “Students are incredibly enthusiastic,” said Regina Mupisa, a teacher at Poshayi Primary School. “They are also actively participating in clean-up drives, learning to sort waste properly, and even designing innovative value addition projects to address environmental challenges in their community.”

School children are also taught on how to process medicinal plants by drying, grinding, and mixing herbs like neem, kigelia, and muwunga to make natural remedies. This helps preserve indigenous knowledge on herbal medicine.

Turning awareness into action: sustainable land and forest management

“We are seeing a ripple effect: children learn about environmental stewardship at school, and then they take that knowledge home to their families and communities,” the Poshayi Primary School, Deputy Head, Darius Gamana said, highlighting the importance of empowering youth as agents of change.

Empty containers are being repurposed as seedling planters, rubbles are used to fill gullies, and empty bottles are used to water plants, demonstrating a resourcefulness that exemplifies the spirit of the program. The establishment of nurseries, woodlots, and orchards has become a common practice in many schools, offering practical learning opportunities and contributing to the overall reforestation effort. 

So far, 401 trees have been planted at Poshayi Primary School by the club members, with over a thousand plants in nurseries, demonstrating that even the smallest hands can make a significant impact on the future of reforestation and environmental sustainability.

While the initiative is still in its early stages, the results are already promising. By investing in the education and empowerment of young people, FAO, the government, and civil society organizations are laying the foundation for a more sustainable future.