Environmental research

The proposed project has various mitigation interventions which includereforestation of the community, establishment of woodlots, orchards, use of renewable solar energy and construction of fuel saving stoves with improved efficiency. Rural communities in the developing world rely heavily on biomass fuels. This not only provides a minimum of life-supporting energy services, but may also represent a high financial cost, a strong negative effect on human health, and added stress on the environment. Reforestation is a major part of this project in trying to reduce global warming and also the establishment of woodlots will help in providing controlled firewood gathering thus reducing deforestation. The setting up of an indigenous and exotic tree nursery will not only help the community but the environment through reduced deforestation hence improving the quality of soil. The installation of effective, affordable and sustainable solar powered drip irrigation system will allow people to nearly double the growing season for vegetables and other crops that have high value during the dry season. From an environment point of view, solar energy is an ultimate renewable energy resource, which does not deplete reserve, or emit much carbon dioxide to the atmosphere, making it a clean source of energy and the ideal way of mitigating the challenges of climate change. Solar water system will go a long way in improving the supply of water for the humans, crops and livestock. This will act as a break through to farmers who will be able to practise agriculture the whole year and hence improving food security. With the proposed technology, the issues of labour will be addressed through the provision of drip irrigation allowing women and girls to have more time for other opportunities that contribute to household economy. The proposed village is Mawire East Resettlement located in ward 4, Hwedza district. The project is targeting at least 53 households (a total of 211indirect beneficiaries), the majority of who are female headed, 46orphans and vulnerable children.All stakeholders including villageheadmen, agritex officers will play a pivotal role in selecting the suitable direct beneficiariesto the project.

Zimbabwe