Bio-diversity

The kushinga group comprises of 24 households located in Sabhuku /village head Musindo and Dende in Chief Gudo `s area.It was initiated in November 2002 with an overall objective of bolstering their capacity of local communities and that of their local resources to be able to conserve and utilize them sustainably.The project initially commenced working with CHIEHA in the small grains project. This community `s conservation group protects , preserves and effectively manages forest used for burial purposes with small game including monkeys, porcupines ,reptiles ,birds and wild pigs.The community also manages a wetland area .During good rain seasons the wetland is often habitat for aquatic life including fish, crabs, reptiles, and crocodiles.A part of the project the community proposed to venture into small livestock and gardening.They perceive establishment of mechanical erosion control mechanism they propose to do include ,creation of contour ridges and storm drains. project objectives -to rehabilitate degraded land so as to reduce and stabilize the local ecological systems or subcatchment from the threat of erosion and siltation -proper and effective management and maintenance of existing forests, woodlands and wetlands -to promote use of renewable energy in particular biogas as a mitigation against climate change. -to promote water harvesting in arable woodland and forest areas as a way of increasing ground surface water levels in the target area. project outputs and outcomes -increased forest cover -increased pride and appreciation in local environment and cultural and culturwe resulting in attitude change -local communities `s capacity to manage resources enhanced -reduced soil erosion and improved soil stability -improved livelihood -reduced siltation -awareness on environment and culture increased

Zimbabwe