The SWM Programme is supporting the establishment and management of the Mize Community Conservancy (MiCC) in the Nyawa Royal Chiefdom of Kazungula District, Southern Province of Zambia. The aim is to achieve community-led sustainable wildlife management in a degraded wildlife corridor connecting Kafue National Park with other protected areas in neighbouring KAZA countries. Activities include supporting wildlife population recovery, improving game management, and providing economic benefits for local communities. Additionally, the SWM Programme seeks to reduce human-wildlife conflict and improve food security through fish farming. The MiCC model is part of the broader SWM Community Conservancy Project, implemented regionally in Botswana, Namibia, Zambia, and Zimbabwe, focusing on improved land-use planning, community livelihoods, and sustainable wildlife management.
In Zambia, the SWM Programme collaborates with the Nyawa Chiefdom, encompassing 500 villages. CIFOR-ICRAF coordinates field activities in partnership with the national government.
Output 1: Community rights and governance
A comprehensive review and analysis of 354 legal texts related to wildlife and other sectors was completed. This analysis was discussed during national workshops, validated by the government, and published on the Legal Hub in 2023. The legal review informed the registration of the MiCC, leading to its formal creation and registration in 2022 under the Wildlife Act, covering 585 km². This was achieved with support from national and local partners.
Output 2: Adaptive wildlife management
Twelve village Natural Resources Monitors were trained in management-oriented monitoring systems, data gathering, and interview techniques. Additionally, 22 community members from Nyawa Chiefdom received training in Human-Wildlife Conflict mitigation. A community game ranch has been planned and is being established with Peace Parks Foundation to generate income for communities and rewild surrounding areas.
Output 3: Healthy and sustainable supply chains and consumption
Comprehensive baseline studies on Non-Timber Forest Products, fish farming, and nature-based enterprises highlighted the need for skills enhancement. Training sessions in fish farming and livestock husbandry were conducted with community groups. Five fisheries groups were established, with one fully registered as a cooperative in 2022. These groups created nine fishponds, from which they are now harvesting and selling fish.
Output 4: Zoonotic risk prevention and management
The SWM Programme aims to reduce zoonotic risks through a multi-sectoral 'One Health' approach, collaborating with health and social science experts and local communities. Activities include monitoring wildlife-livestock-human interactions, building wildlife water points to reduce pathogen transmission, researching handling practices, and promoting safer wildlife handling, butchery, and food preparation practices through a behavioural change strategy.
The Kavango–Zambezi (KAZA) Transfrontier Conservation Area is one of the largest conservation areas in the world, spanning the international borders of five countries in Southern Africa. It is home to an incredible diversity of wildlife, much of which resides outside national parks and protected ...
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