Piped water scheme tackles human-wildlife conflict in rural Zimbabwe

BIKITA – In an effort to alleviate water scarcity and human-wildlife conflicts, a pioneering piped water scheme has transformed the lives of rural communities in Masvingo province.

Funded by the government and partners, the project has not only quenched the thirst of villagers but also reduced encounters with predators, improved hygiene, and boosted economic activity.

The Save Conservancy, a protected area, is home to various wildlife, including lions, elephants, and hyenas. However, the nearby villages have suffered from human-wildlife conflicts, with animals encroaching on homes and gardens in search of water.

The shortage of water in rural Bikita has seen a sharp increase in such conflicts, with villagers living in fear of predators.

The piped water scheme, funded by the government under the Ministry of Land, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development in partnership with UNICEF, has provided a much-needed resource to the community.

The project, also supported by the United Nations’ Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF), has not only eased water shortages but also reduced human-wildlife conflicts.

Modius Murawo, a wildlife and verification expert, works with community members to educate them on securing their homes and livestock.

“Lions, cheetahs, and hyenas are the wild animals that are seen roaming around here during the day, especially during the rainy season,” he said.

“We are now looking to engage relevant stakeholders to put collars on lions for easy tracking.”

The initiative has also improved hygiene and reduced school absenteeism, particularly among young girls who no longer have to walk long distances to fetch water.

The community has established gardens, growing crops like cabbages and tomatoes, which they sell to supplement their income.

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Ward 25 councillor Winfilda Nedombwe expressed her joy at finally having access to piped water.

“We are grateful for the piped water scheme, which has ended the burden of walking long distances for water. Our children can now focus on education, and women have more time for productive activities.

“We look forward to further development, particularly the construction of a dam to ensure our ward’s long-term water security,” she said.

“No longer do our residents, especially women and children, have to walk 8 kilometers daily to fetch water. We have seen improved hygiene, reduced school absenteeism, and increased economic activity. We hope to sustain this progress through future initiatives.”

Village 15 chairperson Joseph Muchara expressed his joy at finally having access to piped water.

“We are overjoyed with the piped water scheme. For decades, our villagers walked long distances for water, exposing themselves to wild animals.

“I recall one of our residents who once encountered a lion while herding cattle. He was injured while fleeing, but thankfully survived. Today, water is at our doorstep, and such risks are minimized. We thank the government and partners for this life-changing project,” he said.

Francis Manyanga, a resident of Village 15, Ward 25, said, “We used to walk over 8 kilometers daily to fetch water from the Musaizi River.

“The piped water scheme has been a lifesaver. We no longer have to walk long distances, and our children can now fetch water safely.”

The introduction of the piped water scheme has significantly contributed to the reduction of cholera outbreaks in the community, a disease that had previously taken a devastating toll.

This development comes at a critical time, as Zimbabwe grapples with widespread water shortages and food insecurity exacerbated by the severe drought caused by the El Niño phenomenon, affecting millions nationwide.

In April this year, President Emmerson Mnangagwa declared drought, a national disaster. He said the country needed at least US$2 billion to tackle hunger.

According to the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority, the country recorded close to 1,500 human-wildlife conflict cases between 2019 and 2023, resulting in 16 human fatalities.

The authority attributed most clashes to habitat loss caused by the wild animal population explosion.