Environmental research

1.0 BACKGROUND Jekesa Pfungwa is a membership based women`s NGO operating in rural Zimbabwe and the mission of the organization is to support, inform and advocate for women and also to controbute to sustainable development through poverty alleviation and conservation of natural resources. The project is going to be implemeted in two districts namely Goromonzi and Nswazi districts. Jekesa Pfungwa already has experience in this area since it has already been working in these districts and has introduced the concept of Homestead Development whereby members living in the rural areas develop their home sto full potential. Goromonzi and Nswazi have experienced massive land degradation due to deforestation by villagers. A survey was carried out where it was found out that most of the project members lacked knowledge on how to conserve and sustainably utilize their resources. The other area was the lack of alternative technologies that use fuel wood in an efficient manner. 2.0 OVERALL GOAL Combating environmental degration and climate change through woodlots establishment and construction of chingwas stoves for sustainable development. 3.0 SPECIFIC OBJECTIVES i) To educate women, men and youths on the chingwa stove technology and introduce conservation measures that solve the problem of desertification, deforestation and fuel wood shortages. ii) To empower women, men and youths and their leadership to participate and make decisions on how they manage their environment. iii) To promote local innovations for sustainable land use and environmental management for household food security and sustainable livelihoods. 4.0 OUTPUTS 4.1 Outputs relating to Objective 1 a) Problems relating to land degradation and climate change are spelt out b) Community understanding on the causes of land degradation and climate change is enhanced c) Acquisition of knowledge and skills in combating land degradation and cllimate change is strengthened Outcomes relating to objective 1: a) Level of awareness raised on climate change and land degradation b) Improved vegetation cover c) Increased number of chingwa stoves established d) Reduction in the formation of gullies in the two districts. 4.2 OUTPUTS AND OUTCOMES relating to objective 2: OUTPUTS: a) Acquisition of knowledge by community members and their leadership and enhanced understanding of communities on ways of combating land degradation and climate change. OUTCOME a) Increased knowkedge and capacity by mebres to implement and manage the project. 4.3 OUTPUTS AND OUTCOME SRELATING TO OBJECTIVE 3: OUTPUTS a) Detailed presentation of local innovations by community members b) Indigenous information by local community on tree propagation easily accessible c) Manual on Homestead development produced by JPV. OUTCOME Communities advocate for their own issues concerning environmental management.

Zimbabwe