Environmental policy and administrative management

1.0 Problem Ward 7 is prone to rampant stream bank cultivation. This activity, attributed to lack of environment awareness, a need for viable community livelihoods and water shortages for cropping due to climatic variations, is threatening the life of Mazowe River due to excessive water extraction and siltation that is disturbing normal water supply and flow in its tributary rivers namely Ruya and Dzomutizo . The rivers are failing to cope with the heavy demand that is by far surpassing supply, and hence are fast drying up as they have become seasonal. 2.0 Project goal Protection of the Mazowe River catchment by reversing land degradation and appropriately responding to climate changes impact through sustainable adaptation and mitigation strategies. 3.0 Objectives 1) To minimize cultivation along river banks by relocating market gardening activities and sinking deep wells as alternative water supply. 2) To introduce conservation agriculture, water harvesting techniques and production of small grains as environmental measures against soil moisture loss; and for enhancing crop production 3) Minimize land degradation and soil erosion by establishing woodlots, and planting of vertiver grass. 4) To reduce the demand for fuel wood and deforestation through the promotion of energy efficient stoves and biodigesters. 4.0 Project Activitie 1:1 purchase of fencing material and fencing off the designated 1 (0.5ha) plot for relocation of stream bank gardens 1:2 one training workshop on the importance and need to relocate away from river banks 1:3 relocation of gardens from river banks to the plot and on site technical assistance (pegging and replanting) 1:4 digging of 3 wells in the plot for water supply 1.5 planting of vertiver grass in denuded area. 2.1: Training in conservation farming techniques namely zero tillage, rotational cropping, progressive retention of crop residue, composting, integrated pest management 2.2: Training in water harvesting techniques namely the use of cisterns, water ponds, earth banks and terraces 2.3 purchase and distribution of small grains seed packs (sorghum, rapoko, millet) to all the 931 Households 2:4 regular monitoring and evaluation throughout season 3.1: Transect walk to determine areas where the woodlots, and vertiver grass will be planted 3.2: Hold 1 workshop on tree and vertiver grass planting. 3.3: establishment of the woodlot nursery of indigenous trees 3.4: planting of trees and vertiver grass in open and exposed soils and around the homesteads as live hedges 4.1 conduct one exchange and learning visit for purposes of establishing biogas and chingwa stoves 4.2: Conduct 1 awareness raising workshop on energy efficient stoves and biodigesters as alternative energy sources 4.3: train 10 local builders in the construction of the 3 bio digester units and household stoves 4.4: set up 3 demonstration units for biogas digesters 4.5 trained builders construct 1 model stove/village and perform a demonstration workshop; 4.6: construction of at least 25 pilot energy efficient stoves in each village 4.7: monitoring and evaluation of stoves in each village 5.0 Project Results -A well protected Mazowe River catchment area -Improved moisture levels in the ward -Improved food security and community livelihoods -Availability and easy access of water ;and Increased moisture levels -Increased crop yield and enhanced food security -Reduced land degradation and soil erosion -Viability of the biogas digesters established and possible beneficiaries established -The energy efficient stove becomes the source of cooking energy of choice in the district -Decrease in deforestation -Regeneration of trees and enhanced survival of woodland biodiversity

Zimbabwe