CHIPINGE, Zimbabwe – Communities in Muwango Village in Chipinge District are restoring degraded forests and strengthening climate resilience through tree planting and innovative biochar production, with support from the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), the Forestry Commission and other partners. The initiative is funded by the Government of Italy under the Miombo Transboundary Initiative (MTI).
The programme was highlighted during Zimbabwe’s National Tree Planting Day, where residents, government officials and development partners established a 2.5-hectare community woodlot. The site is expected to provide a sustainable supply of firewood and construction poles, helping reduce pressure on nearby indigenous forests such as Chirinda Forest and surrounding miombo woodlands.
Provincial Forestry Extension Manager Philip Tom praised the community’s proactive role in forest restoration and sustainable resource management. He said the woodlot would not only help meet future household energy needs but also support local beekeeping activities by improving bee forage.
“Muwango Village is demonstrating how local leadership and partnerships can deliver practical solutions that protect forests while supporting livelihoods,” Tom said.
A total of 71 people attended the tree-planting event, 68 percent of them women. Participants planted 300 seedlings on the day, with an additional 1,000 seedlings scheduled for planting. The community plans to establish at least 1,600 eucalyptus seedlings annually over the next three years. Situated along the boundary of Chirinda Forest, the woodlot is expected to serve as a buffer zone that reduces pressure on protected areas while contributing to long-term forest conservation.
Linking Conservation and Livelihoods
Beyond tree planting, Muwango Village is implementing diversified livelihood activities including horticulture, aquaculture and apiculture. These initiatives have received longstanding support from the Green Institute, a local community-based organisation, with FAO now helping to strengthen and scale up the efforts.
In October 2025, the community harvested about 100 kilograms of honey, earning approximately US$300 through sales to the Forestry Commission. The village currently manages 30 beehives, 12 of which are colonised. The project will provide an additional 10 Kenyan Top Bar hives and timber for locally constructed hives, potentially doubling hive numbers by year-end. If all 60 hives become colonised, honey production could reach around 900 kilograms per harvest, generating an estimated US$1,800 at current wholesale prices.
FAO National Project Coordinator Maxwell Phiri said the initiative aligns with FAO’s broader mandate to support food security, agricultural productivity and sustainable natural resource management. He outlined plans for 2026 that include expanded beekeeping support, training, equipment provision, fire management training and community-based forest monitoring.
“Through the Miombo Transboundary Initiative, FAO is working with communities and government partners to strengthen livelihoods while conserving critical forest ecosystems,” Phiri said.
Turning an Invasive Species into Opportunity
The event also featured a practical demonstration on producing biochar from Vernonanthura polyanthes, an invasive plant species. Forestry Commission specialists demonstrated how the biochar can be combined with manure or fertiliser to improve soil fertility and nutrient retention. The approach also helps control the spread of the invasive plant, turning an environmental threat into a productive resource.
Community members were urged to avoid producing charcoal from indigenous trees to prevent further forest degradation. To ensure environmental and safety standards are maintained, the Forestry Commission has assigned a resident officer to support the group. Biochar production will follow FAO and Forestry Commission guidelines, with training provided to minimise risks associated with carbon monoxide fumes and fire hazards.
The Village Head of Muwango expressed appreciation to FAO, government agencies and development partners for their support, calling for continued capacity building to ensure the sustainability of the community’s conservation and livelihood initiatives.
The programme reflects a growing shift toward community-driven, climate-smart development models that combine environmental restoration with income generation in rural Zimbabwe.
Source: APO Group
