Bio-diversity

The project is aimed at addressing the problem of over exploitation of the ilala palm and other trees that are used in tanning of the ilala which include Rhus Lancea, Berchemia Zeyheri and Kirkia Acuminata.It also seeks to avoid degradation and extinction of the valued resources and also improve the livelihoods of the community through production and marketing of quality crafts and improved access to lucrative markets at local, regional and international levels. project goals and objectives The goal of the project is improve the livelihoods of the Ngomambi Suth ward community through sustainable utilization of illala and other biodiversity resources in the production and marketing of quality crafts and improved access to to lucrative domestic ,regional and intrnatioal markets. 1. to improve the Sivome and Mbazhe communiies ` awareness of theimportance of the palm so as to increase the availabilty of the illala through establishing new plantations of the palm 2. to equip the communities ith knowledge and skills and enrich the bodivetsity of the environs in which the ilala palm grows through planting selected trees and grasses that prevent soil eroasin and gully formation 3.to improve community`s capacity to control the exploitationof illala and other valuable natural resources like timber through training of traditional development leadership , and other relevant /legitimate local level institutions. 4. to enhance the capacity of basketry clubs and associations through training and development of administrative /managemeny systens such as constitutions, financial procedures and rules and regulations. 5.to help the illala craft producers tio improve their illala crafts through the production of quality products and im[provedaccess to markets 6. to asist the craft producers tocontrol the production and quality aspects of their crafts through establishing a communty craft production and marketing centre at Sivomo BC. 7. to document the projects best practises , processs and procedures in both print and video format. outputs -30 community and development leadership in the ward trained in natural resources management conservation and enrichmentof the environs where the illala naturally occurs. -clubs and communitis trained in enrichment planting in the illala environs -land /gully reclamation works carried out. -100 illala harvesters and frame markers trained in conservation and sustainable harvesting methods -leaders of clubs and associatins trained in applying the admnistrative /management procedures. - strategy for marketing illala crafts in the local , regional and international markets develoed and implemented -a web page for marketing of illalacrafts developed and hosted by Zimtrade -45%,35% and 20% of the quality illala craft sold in local, regional, and internatinal handicraft markets respectively. -one production and marketing centre with related infrastructure will be constructed and fully oprational at Sivomo business centre. -300 members trained in production of quality handicraft products -documentation of activities. project activities -community mobilization and awareness raising -establishing 2 illala fields measuring 2 ha each in Sivomo and Mbazhe comminities. -conducting trainings for te leaders and communities -edentification and training of basket akrs /clubs -training of illala harvesters , tanners and frame mkers. -training ofbasket weavers - training of clubs in markwting and bussinessmanagement -look and learn visits. -construction of production and marketing centre.

Zimbabwe