SustainZim - Issue 06

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{www.sustainzim.org

@SustainZimbabwe}

Think

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QUARTER 02 Issue 06 / 17

Stay Green!

AQUACULTURE

DEVELOPMENTS

EDUCATION

Towards 02 Moving a Green Economy

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Sweden collaborates with Zimbabwe to promote green economy

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Sustainability key in aquaculture development in Zimbabwe

ENERGRY

Hybrid 14 Wind/Solar potential in Zimbabwe

F e at u r e

Last phase of Part 1 of the Green Innovations Hub (Gihub) project Page 8

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E D U C AT I ON

NO T

FO

R

SA

LE

{www.sustainzim.org

@SustainZimbabwe}

Think

Live

QUARTER 02 ISSUE 06 / 17

Stay Green!

AQUACULTURE

DEVELOPMENTS

EDUCATION

Towards 02 aMoving Green Economy

05

Sweden collaborates with Zimbabwe to promote green economy

10

Sustainability key in aquaculture development in Zimbabwe

ENERGRY

Wind/Solar Hybrid 14 potential in Zimbabwe

F E AT U R E

Last phase of Part 1 of the Green Innovations Hub (Gihub) project Page 8

SustainZim is a publication that promotes a green culture within Zimbabwean homes, schools, work places and everyday lives. It aims to step up the fight against Global Warming and Climate Change by raising awareness about the need to reduce our carbon footprint and a push towards sustainable development. It will showcase green initiatives already being done by government, civil society groups, companies and individuals.

PARTNERING We are available to work as implementing partners for projects in Zimbabwe. Get in touch if you would like to partner with us sustainzim@povoafrika.org PUBLISHERS POVOAfrika Trust (MA0001023/2015) ZIM - Harare +263 77 228 3186 / +263 773 456 797, 1 Verona Gardens, 70 Livingstone Ave RSA - Johannesburg +27 11 7603511 / +27 726005283 210 Klein Drakenstein, 31 Snipe Street, Horizon, 1724, Roodepoort CONTRIBUTE contribute@sustainzim.org ADVERTISING A rate sheet is available on request ZIM +263 77 291 8810 / +263 77 228 3186 RSA +27 72 600 5283 / +27 11 7603511 Email: advertise@sustainzim.org Limited Space Available!

KEY PERSONNEL EDITOR Archibald Mathibela PROJECT COORDINATOR Raymond Muwaniri DESIGN AND LAYOUT Baynham Goredema FINANCE DIRECTOR Rodrick Longwe CARTOONIST Tafadzwa Tarumbwa DISCLAIMER SustainZim is published by POVOAfrika Trust. The

information, opinions and views set out in this journal are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the official opinion of POVOAfrika Trust nor any of their partners. Neither POVOAfrika Trust nor any person acting on their behalf may be held responsible for the use which may be made of the information contained therein. Neither are they responsible for siting references within articles, stated facts or credits to photos supplied, this is the responsibility of the contributor. Rights to the photographs and articles remain with the photographers and with the authors respectively. Contact them respectively for reproduction.

While all care has been taken during proofing, errors and omissions may slip through and we sincerely apologise for these.

Moving Towards a

Green Economy

By Oswald Simbarashe Chishanga, Save Our Environment Trust

Moving towards a green economy holds considerable potential for advancing human development in the face of potential threats brought about by climate change. A green economy is key in tackling climate change because it facilitates access to clean and safe energy for millions of people. It can also boost social and economic development while contributing to addressing environmental challenges.

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oving towards a green economy requires several initiatives that must be undertaken and these include, promoting and adopting the use of renewable energy, promoting organic agriculture and forestry conservation among others. On renewable energy for example, the use of renewable energy technologies provides the opportunity to curb carbon emissions without compromising access to energy and this has the important implication of slowing down climate change Renewable resources that can be harnessed in the drive towards a green economy include water, sun , wind , geothermal and biomass. Successful adoption and use of renewable energy by a wider section of the country ensures that every citizen has access to affordable, reliable electricity and fuel without the negative effects of pollution and greenhouse gases.

Creation of such a society has an added advantage of ensuring an environment that creates significant economic and employment opportunities for all. At the same time it helps secure new investments in a wide range of industries, both at local and national level.

Lastly, the drive towards a green economy through the adoption and use of renewable energy guarantees and strengthens the energy security for the country since access to such energy is inexhaustible and reduces the country’s reliance on foreign energy.

Successful migration towards a green economy requires all levels of the society from the grassroots to the national level to fully embrace integrate green economy initiatives into mainstream development. At grassroots level Save Our Environment Trust (SOET), through its Schools Environmental Awareness Programme has been fostering the drive towards a green economy among young children in the Midlands Province. Under the theme ‘Catch Them Young’, SOET believes that targeting young people is essential as it assists in the development of a mind-set that is environmentally friendly in young people which hopefully can be cascaded down to future generations.

PHOTOs SOURCE: Oswald Simbarashe Chishanga

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Cecil John Rhodes Pupil Carlton Nemutenzi displays the crops and herbs he grew in the greenhouse he designed

The Case of Cecil John Rhodes Primary School Cecil John Rhodes Primary School Environmental Club based in Gweru has been one of our most outstanding environmental clubs and is leading the race towards moving to a green economy among our environmental clubs in the Midlands Province. Participation in the green economy initiatives at the school cuts across all age groups with all grades being represented from ECD to grade 7.The school under the

Cecil John Rhodes Primary School Garden and Green House

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Farming in the school garden is done using organic manure like rabbit droppings.

Crops that are grown or have been grown at the garden include maize,onions,betrude, blackjack,pumpkins, peas,sugar beans, tomatoes, potatoes, onions and vegetables.

Some of these crops are grown in old tyres, buckets plastics and wooden boxes and drawers thus integrating recycling and agriculture. Some of the crops are being grown in the greenhouse which has a state of the art drip irrigation system.

The greenhouse was constructed after the success of a model that was done by a grade 7 pupil Carlton Nemutenzi. His small green house was a huge success as it gained widespread appreciation at various exhibitions. This prompted the school to

Pupil making a biomass and solar stove using waste material

Pupils weeding crops in the greenhouse

take the idea to greater heights and this has proved to be a success.

CJR Club Patron Mrs Nemutenzi monitors pupils as they do some weeding on their crops

PHOTOs SOURCE: Oswald Simbarashe Chishanga

astute leadership of the Headmistress Mrs Nyabeze and club patrons Mrs Nemutenzi and Mrs Muchiyanja has embarked on a number of projects that include; construction of green house, expansion of the school garden and tree nursey, innovative designing of renewable energy products like biomass stoves and solar warmer. In addition, the school has been promoting the 4R concept in waste management (Recycling, Reuse, Reduction and Recover) and this has seen pupils making balloon powered cars and pencil holders using waste materials like plastic bottles and cans. Some of these products have propelled the school to greater heights as they have managed to exhibit their products and come out top at international platforms like the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair and the 11th Zimbabwe Research International Symposium.

The green economy initiative pursued by the schools has had a significant outcomes and impacts. These include, young children have been equipped with good eco-friendly farming skills, some money earned from the garden sales has managed to procure stationery and cleaning utensils for the school. In addition, some money has managed to finance other club activities and significantly contributed towards the construction of the green house at the school. The green economy project has added nutritional value to the diet of pupils and some of the produce is distributed to the less privileged pupils at the school. The herbal garden has had medicinal value for the pupils and staff.

2nd publication from the Traditional and Organic Food and Seed Festival – A Tribute to Zimbabwe’s Legumes!

In celebration of 2016 as the UN Year of Pulses, the Zimbabwe Traditional and Organic Food Forum has produced a booklet entitled A Tribute to Zimbabwe’s Legumes. This wonderfully illustrated, user-friendly guide covers the health and nutritional benefits of Zimbabwe’s favourite legumes and pulses; their contribution to food security, their benefits to agriculture and the environment. Although highly nutritious, legumes are increasingly neglected as a food. Many complain that they taste bland, take a long time to co o k a n d c a u s e bloating and gas! The legume booklet has a section on better ways to cook and eat legumes and includes some delicious recipes. The book is selling at only $3 so get yours before stocks run out!

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E D I TOR I A L

The Need for Green Economies for Zimbabwe

By Raymond Muwaniri, POVOAfrika Trust SustainZim is now in its 2nd year with this edition being the 6th. We have had such a positive response in terms of content sent in and demand for more copies of the paper, which is proof the paper is reaching out to more people and achieving its goal of; educating Zimbabweans on sustainable development issues and creating a platform for collaborations.

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n this edition of SustainZim, there is particular focus on the ‘Green Economies’ aimed at reducing environmental risks, ecological scarcities and sustainable development. Due to the high unemployment rates in the country there needs to be focus on creating jobs in the green economy as opposed to industrialisation which is responsible for the high carbon emissions into our atmosphere. Developing countries should not follow the way of developed countries in terms of mass industrialisation but rather shift to green economies which are the future. We are now living in the era of technology and energy efficiency, more investment needs to be put in these areas.

Sweden has announced they will be collaborating with Zimbabwe to promote its green economy. Wallace Mawire from the Swedish embassy explains how they intends to address; land degradation, excessive littering, urban stream bank agriculture, massive pollution and wetland destruction, among other issues. The Swedish embassy is also conducting ‘Open Forum Series’ that seek to unpack the solutions to green Zimbabwe through open and interactive dialogue. These forums are attended by various stakeholders and explore the challenges and benefits of transitioning to a society built on sustainable environmental solutions. Other issues discussed are on how the public and private sectors can join hands to create green jobs for the youths.

Save Our Environment Trust (SOET) is an organisation in Gweru that runs a very successful ‘School Environmental Awareness Programmes’ that aims to foster the drive towards a green economy among children in the Midlands province.

Their moto is ‘catch them young’ and the aim is to develop mindsets that are environmentally friendly from a young age. In this edition, Oswald Chisanga from SOET talks about their work at Cecil John Rhodes Primary School. While on youths, Ruvimbo Moyo talks about the need for a ‘Youth and Entrepreneurship Centre’ that provides space, offers skills and mentorship programs. Youths from all over the country have been sending in ideas for the ‘Rising Youth Emergence Competition’, which calls on ideas for strategic partnerships and spaces for youths to acquire the work experience and skills necessary to drive the economy forward. Such spaces bring likeminded people together creating an environment whereby solutions can be formulated. Other such spaces are ‘Climate Smart Villages’, Joy Mlambo

article that talks about fish production being the key to keeping up with the increase in the world population and demand for food.

He explains how Zimbabwe has so much potential to increase fish production because of the abundance of water sources.

writes about how these villages have been set up in Chiredzi district to help famers adapt and build resilience to climate change in a holistic way.

SustainZim receives content from individuals who are dedicated to sustainable development and have become regular contributors to the paper. In this edition, we have Nevson Mpofu who talks about how the world population is affecting the green economy. He states that an increase in population increases pollution therefore more communities should get involved in green economies. Mashoko Steven Grey discusses the importance of understanding the reduction of the impact from potential hazards by acting before the occurrence of the hazardous events. Mashoko emphasizes the lack of understanding and appreciation of disaster risk reduction planning as a tool for development by our government. Maloon Dahwa talks renewable energy sources and the advantages of combining solar and wind hybrid energy systems.

The feature article for this edition is the continuation of the Green Innovations Hub (GiHub) run by UNICEF Zimbabwe and Development Reality Institute. GiHub facilitates for the transformation of promising ideas into practical solutions. 9 young participants with green ideas were selected and given funding. In this edition, we track the progress of the participant and consider the challenges they may be facing. The cartoon illustrates examples of green projects and how farmers and other rural residents can benefit from fish farming and water harvesting. Fish farming relieves the pressure on our wild fish stocks and provides protein in the diets as well as an income. Water harvesting helps famers use rain water to its fullest potential. By collecting the water there is less runoff which is the biggest cause of gullies in deforested areas. Julius Sadi from Aquaculture wrote an

We at POVO Afrika would like to thank all our contributors and readers for their support. This shows there are organisations and individuals that are dedicated to leading Zimbabwe towards a green culture. The paper has been such a success in educating and opening the minds of Zimbabweans to the work being done and what more needs to be done around the country in relation to sustainable development. We invite comments and more contributions which can be sent to our email contribute@sustainzim. org, more information can be found on our website www.sustainzim.org.

TOP

Most read

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articles on our website

1. How can mining become more environmentally sustainable

(Environmental Management Agency)

2. Youth engaging on Climate and Sustainable Energy through U-Report

Amy Wickham (UNICEF Zimbabwe)

3. Chipendeke Micro-Hydropower Scheme Raymond Muwaniri (POVOAfrika Trust)

4. About Renewable Energy Association of Zimbabwe (REAZ) Isaiah Nyakusendwa (REAZ)

5. Accelerating Youth Participation and Involvement in National and International Development Processes through Youth Forums Darlington Tshuma (UNICEF Zimbabwe)

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Articles to be between 350 - 750 words maximum.

Content must be original work, and must not have been published/accepted for publication elsewhere.

In the event that there is a request to republish the work elsewhere, POVOAfrika will link the creator directly and will not act as a middle man.

It is the responsibility of authors to ensure that all copyright issues have been addressed prior to submission.

Any consequences for copyright law of infringement will be duly borne by the defaulting author.

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6. Young Africa Zimbabwe offers Solar Technology Courses Maloon Dahwa

7. Biotechnology Trust Of Zimbabwe Tsitsi Wutawunashe

8. Sustainable Development Goals – Zimbabwe SustainZim Staff

9. Forests For Food Security And Nutrition Makoto Violet

10. Climate change and Zimbabwe, impacts and action Anna Brazier

Read More articles at www.sustainzim.org

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D e v elo p m ent s

Sweden collaborates with Zimbabwe to promote green economy

By Wallace Mawire Sweden collaborates with Zimbabwe to promote green economy By Wallace Mawire Sweden through the Swedish Embassy in Harare is collaborating with a number of partners to create a green economy and transition Zimbabwe to a society built on sustainable environmental solutions.

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green economy is defined as an economy that aims at reducing environmental risks and ecological scarcities, and that aims for sustainable development without degrading the environment.

initiatives the organisation was working on.

According to a publication titled:Innovation-the Swedish way by Eva Krutmeijer, some of the world’s most successful innovators are from Sweden.

“ We are encouraging our member organisations and companies to adopt renewable energy for productive use for example through solar lighting and solar irrigation initiatives,” Muzamwese said.

Working with at least 60 companies in the private sector in Zimbabwe, BCSDZ is promoting the mainstreaming of sustainable development initiatives for local business.

For a country like Zimbabwe faced with economic challenges including numerous environmental problems such as land degradation, excessive littering, urban streambank agriculture, massive pollution and wetlands destruction, just to mention a few and which impact on a green economy, the Swedish interventions could not have come at a better time.

Sofia Calltorp, Ambassador for the Embassy of Sweden in Harare said that her government had just signed a new five year strategy for development cooperation with Zimbabwe. “ We are seeking new partnerships in Zimbabwe, especially in the area of climate change and environment,” she said.

Also recently, Calltorp signed on behalf of her government a $1,35 million agreement to support Zimbabwe’s Culture Fund three year programme named Culture Actions to reduce gender based violence, combat child marriages and promote environmental awareness through transformative arts.

The ag reement aims to promote environmental awareness by harnessing the power of the transformative arts. “ We want to start a discussion around environmental issues and climate change,” Calltorp said.

Also at the Culture Fund, Culture Actions agreement signing ceremony, Maria Selin, Swedish Embassy in Harare, Head of Development Cooperation said that the Swedish Embassy was seeking local partnerships with organisations in Zimbabwe to create a new green society.

Selin said particular areas of focus include environment, climate and Renewable

PHOTO SOURCE: OWallace Mawire

The same publication says that Sweden excels at environmental technology and sustainable solutions, as international rankings show. It is reported that many Swedish innovations have become highly successful exports. It is also reported that often, they address complex global challenges such as poverty alleviation and climate change.

Energy. She said that these partnerships seek to create new jobs and business opportunities.

Selin added that particular focus will be on women and children who mostly bear the brunt of climate change impacts.

Also the Swedish embassy in Harare has introduced its Swedish Open Forum 3 series focusing on the green society.

According to MartinBuch Larsen, Communication and Promotion Officer for the Embassy of Sweden in Harare, the recent forum was the first in 2017.The 2015 one was called the open society, the 2016 one was the innovative society and this year it was called the green society.

The recent open forum attended by various stakeholders in Harare sought to unpack what it would take to green Zimbabwe through open and interactive dialogue.

The forum also explored challenges, benefits and risks in transitioning to a society built on sustainable environmental solutions.

Other issues focused on how the public and private sector can join hands to create green jobs for the youths. Green jobs are decent jobs that contribute to preserve or restore the environment, be they in traditional sectors such as manufacturing and construction, or in new, emerging green sectors such as renewable energy and energy efficiency. At the Swedish Open Forum three recently held at the Ambassador’s residency, Ms Lova Nilsson representing SWECO, a Swedish organisation made remarks on the Swedish green economy experience.

Nilsson has experience in strategic planning, environmental assessment and environmental management. Her green experience covers environmental management systems, procurement, green house gas emission reduction and sustainable transport and city planning.

Nilsson said to create a green economy, it is necessary to have an enabling environment.

She said that there is need introduce lower taxation systems for renewable energy initiatives and come up with innovative ideas.

She also said that there is need to take business on board and commercialise opportunities. She emphasised the need for public awareness on the issues and engagement of communities to spearhead change.

“We also need conscious consumers who are aware of the needs of buying green to create a green economy,” Nilsson said.

She said that the public or citizens should be able to put pressure on the leadership to push for green economies. Nilsson also emphasised the need for sustained dialogue on the green economy.

She added that in Sweden, there was ongoing dialogue between suppliers and procurers of commodities for a 50% procurement threshold focusing on organic foods.

TawandaMuzamwese, Executive Director of the Business Council for Sustainable Development Zimbabwe (BCSDZ)said at the same forum that private sector in Zimbabwe was still facing challenges on greening initiatives but there were promising

He added that his organisation is also promoting industrial energy efficiency and environmental sound management of chemicals.Other initiatives include promoting the Standards Association of Zimbabwe (SAZ) environmental management systems for companies to adopt. The organisation has also working on a Public-Private-Partnership (PPP) initiative supported by the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO) called the Green Industry Initiative to replace absolete technology of the 1950s in some of Zimbabwe’s companies. The idea is to establish new green industries also focusing on recycling initiatives.

Ronny Mbaisa, Executive Director of the Zimbabwe Sunshine Group which collaborates with environmentally conscious youths and has pioneered a number of community projects in the area of waste management said that his organisation was working on lobbying the government of Zimbabwe to formalise the recycling industry. They also plan to replicate the Swedish model of recycling drop-off centres and the Malmor waste to energy transfer centre following his recent exchange sharing visit to the country. Ashok Chakravarti, Zimbabwe Country Coach, Ease of Doing Business programme, Office of the President and Cabinet said that there was a strong need for a favourable, enabling policy environment with proper regulations, taxes and incentives to create a green economy in Zimbabwe. He said that there was need to change some laws and regulations in the country to promote a green economy.Chakravarti said that the current economic blueprint, the Zimbabwe Agenda for Sustainable Socio-Economic Transformation, (ZIMASSET) being pursued by government and is coming to an end lacks green economy and sustainable development aspects and needs to be revisited.

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I N N OVAT I ON

Emerge Competition ‘Rising Youth’

BY RUVIMBO MOYO, EMERGE COMPETITION

PHOTO SOURCE: RUVIMBO MOYO

In 2016, the second *Emerge Competition was launched. Students were called to participate in the theme, ‘Rising Youth’, to confront pertinent issues faced by the youth in Zimbabwe today.

Winning Projects 1st Verney Moyo ‘The Nest’

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he brief identified the high unemployment and underemployment rates amongst the youth, the need for strategic partnerships and spaces for our youth to acquire the work experience and skills necessary to keep driving our economy and to interact with like-minded peers and mentors. The students were asked to address these issues through a proposal that rethinks the traditional youth centre typology and to portray their new visions for a Youth and Entrepreneurship Centre.

The Youth and Entrepreneurship Centre aims to enhance the youth’s economic participation by providing incubation spaces that offer skills and mentorship programs. This centre will integrate business incubation, skills training and social interaction in a safe and secure environment. It will be animated by the activity and opportunity offered in the spaces with a dynamic landscape that reflects the vibrancy of such a centre. Such a space would be vital in addressing the socioeconomic problems that plague our country

Jury’s General Comments The body of work received displayed passion, skill and optimism that excited the judges. It was interesting to see the diverse responses to the brief. Most of the projects had a sustainable undertone but care is to be taken in the implementation of these sustainable techniques and in material use so that it works with the building structure and concept.

The future of these young Zimbabwean architects is promising and we thank all the students that took time to create inspiring projects that our country needs.

University of Witswatersrand

2nd Tichaona Owen Gondo – ‘Grand Reef’

1st

2016-132

National University of Science and Technology

3rd Proud Dube – ‘Endaweni’

Limkokwing University of Botswana

Highly Commended Mthokozisi Orlence Sibanda ‘Plumtree Repurpose’. Bulawayo Polytechnic Congratulations to our winners!

Emerge would like to thank all the students who participated in the 2016 ‘Rising Youth’ competition as well as the judges; Henry Abosi, Yuki Kamiya, Prof. John Knight and Ruvimbo Moyo for their dedication and support.

Many thanks to our sponsors; the Rotary Club of Claremont, RM Design Studio, Povo Afrika Trust, Tappnology, Befront, SustainZim, Build Construct and Bora Growth Partners for their commitment to the competition.

2nd

The Emerge Competition welcomes sponsors. Individuals and organisations are invited to support our efforts in promoting innovative concepts and sponsoring tertiary education. Email info@emergecompetition. co m for more i n form at ion . Vi sit the comp e tition website at www. emergecompetition.com A total of R20 000 was awarded which went towards the winners’ tuition.

The winners were published on the Emerge Competition website, the Befront Magazine as well as in POVO Afrika’s SustainZim green newspaper. They will also be featured on ZBC’s Build Construct. More information on these proposals can be found at www.emergecompetition.com

3rd

*Emerge promotes innovative concepts that re-think the current rural and urban conditions of Zimbabwe, seeking new proposals that are a direct reflection of the country’s transformative efforts in mobilizing young designers to make vital contributions to their communities and country.

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C A RTOON

I heard you have new developments on the farm?

Yes, I have started ‘fish farming’ and ‘water harvesting’.

This is a ‘contour pond’ 200m2 and already has fingerlings inside.

You can also find seepage ponds.

How do you feed the fish and how long till you harvest them?

I put manure in the bottom of the pond to encourage algae to grow which the fish can eat, I also supplement with fish pellets.

I can harvest after 4 months when the fish mature.

Yes, it’s not expensive at all.

The fish bring much needed protein to my family’s diet and I can sell some for an income.

Let me show you my other project.

Can I afford this and what are the benefits?

Why are you collecting rain water?

Well, we had a lot of rain this year so why let it go to waste and runoff.

I can store this water and use it in the dry season for my fish pond and irrigation, among other uses.

Who taught you all this?

I googled ‘green projects’ and the other information I got from the new Agricultural Extension officer.

He is holding a training tomorrow, you can join me?

Training worksh held by the Agr op in the community hall icultural Exten sion officer Are there any other green projects we can get into?

Oh yes,

there are plenty of green projects that benefit the environment and can bring a source of income.

Give us examples!

Fish ponds, zero grazing, conservation farming, water harvesting, afforestation, eco-tourism, producing wood pellets and briquettes from sawdust.

But we need rural electrification!

There are other ways to get electricity; solar, wind, hydro and biogas. All these are renewable and do not harm the environment.

We need more information and trainings!

It’s my job to help you, so use me wisely. There are also organisations you can contact that are dedicated to saving our environment while improving livelihoods.

Fish farming helps preserve the wild stocks which are under pressure from overfishing and polluted waters.

For more information on how to start fish farming please contact Aquaculture.

Water harvesting collects rain water and prevents runoff, this water can therefore be used in the dry season for different purposes.

In deforested areas, runoff is causing soil erosion and deep gullies which are ruining the landscape and becoming hazardous.

*Fingerlings – baby fish / Contour pond – dug on dry land / Seepage pond - built where water naturally occurs

Illustrator: Tafadzwa Tarumbwa Written by: Raymond Muwaniri

These are water harvesting tanks I have filled with rain water.

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F E AT U R E

The last phase of Part 1 of the Gihub project

By Archibald Mathibela POVOAFRIKA TRUST

The This is our second and final instalment of the GiHub project’s documentation work to track the progress of 9 young innovators in their project activities since the project started. This exercise not only serves as a monitoring and evaluation tool, but provides a benchmark of the progress made by the innovators and the partners involved in the project. It is hoped that the report will be the basis of lessons that will lead to the improvement of this initiative inorder to scale up on development opportunities that empower the young innovators to create positive impact in their lives and their communities.

This process profiles the final stages of all the progress made by participants so far and features the commissioning of some of the projects which are at a semi advanced stage of implementation.

Treasure Sibusiso Mabhena

Valerie Dewah Nuisance Energy

Energy Laboratory

Masvingo

Valerie’s project tackles hyacinth plant invasion in the Mushagashe River which she plans to use in addressing the lack of access to clean sustainable energy among low income households in Masvingo. To kickstart the process, she has setup a biogas production plant, complete with a compression and packaging system. The innovator has managed to buy a makeshift mini biogas extraction system that includes a brand new compressor, piping and

Bulawayo

improvised drums to enable the distillation process of the final product. Valerie is also working towards ensuring she has a viable commercial product that she can sell to end users, however, the process still needs some perfection to that end.

Challenges

The members of the community responsible for collection of the hyacinth plant do not have adequate protective clothing safely do their job. Their equipment is inadequate and dangerous to use since they throw in

an improvised device into the river whilst standing on the riverbank without any boats to protect them from potential hippo and crocodile attacks. Also the locally sourced cow dung has to be used fresh, which can often be time consuming for Valerie and her team as they have to remain vigilant in collecting fresh cow droppings to keep the biogas supply chain process optimal.

More critical, biogas extraction equipment is still to be acquired.

28yrs

This innovation is addressing the slow adoption of solar energy due to the high cost of photovoltaic solar panels. Sibusiso’s project literally provides light at the end of the tunnel by producing electricity from sun driven convection of lightly ionized air.

After unsuccessfully headhunting affordable suppliers for components to come up with an energy efficient solution, Sibusiso has hit a brick wall. The innovator has had to make alternative plans to ensure that his dream of a more efficient and cost effective energy solution is realised.

He has bought a sun harvesting concave panel that is linked to an energy conversion device that transforms solar energy to heat and energy to power home appliances.

Challenges

Felicity Varaidzo Bgwoni Greenture Investments Bulawayo

This innovator is working on solving toxic bio digester gases emitted at a local sewage plant and her project uses a scrubbing technology to collect, purify and sell the purified gas. Felicity has already identified the project site and is now working on securing gas harvesting equipment which is calibrated to control, measure and dispense the gas from the bio digesters at a local sewage treatment plant.

24yrs

Challenges

Felicity acquired a monitoring device from China to test the levels of greenhouse gas emissions in the environment as part of her project. She hopes to lease it out to other innovators and companies in the bio-waste space where monitoring is the missing link.

However, in terms of real implementation on the ground, the innovator has not managed to do much to date as there are a number of stumbling blocks. Among them being the fact that she had under budgeted

for most of the project items critical to getting her project off the ground.

Felicity is now writing proposals to other networks in the renewable energy space for additional funding.

The innovator has missed a number of milestones on her project as she realised the sheer scale of the project on the ground against her original proposal.

Sibusiso presented a sun power harvesting contraption that he bought which is supposed to convert light energy from the sun into heat to power appliances but could not witness how it works since it was overcast. Further, the he came up with an alternative energy convertor catalyser to convert the light from the sun into a usable source of energy. This device, says S’busiso, is far much cheaper than the conventional ones used on the market and will be readily available to the masses. The challenge with the new contraption is that it is too bulky to carry and assemble and is too cumbersome for practical home use, let alone procurement of spares and materials for mass production.

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F E AT U R E

Lazarus Tinashe Manyonga Unique Innovations

Tinashe’s team is slowly growing and he has now changed his business model from a retail to a manufac turing foc used small business supplying major Zimbabwean brands across the value chain. To free up some capital for his expanding business, the young innovator has also sold his 3 tonne

Bio Jell Harare

Harare

Annoyed by rampant household waste pollution and the rising cost of energy for cooking, this young innovator came up with a thermal retention technology. Tinashe’s innovation is made from recycled material, designed to reduce the amount of energy used in cooking.

Tendai Elvis Mugovi

delivery truck as part of his new focus, with only a smaller truck available to pick up raw materials.

Challenges

Tinashe has scaled down to focus his business more on production citing competition from other players in the same space. Tinashe’s major challenge is market access and the cost of inputs for his thriving business dependent on a constant supply of material to manufacture thermal bags.

The supply chain is erratic and he needs to ensure that he has the right priced materials when he needs them. However, of all the innovators, his project seems to have taken off.

Elvis’ project seeks to address Energy problems and poverty reduction among farmers affected by climate change. His innovation is the production of cooking jell from sweet sorghum (Nzimbe).

process over 3 tonnes of sweet cane, there is a lot of optimism. Elvis also secured a bigger cane crushing machine that is stationed at the field where he grows his crop.

Elvis has managed to get a small consignment of the sweet sorghum from a farm in Chinhoyi where he says that the yield is now enough for commercial production. The product is still to match the quality standards s still not yet potent enough to the desired levelneededfor for commercial success. However, going by Elvis’s procurement of a small hand crushing machine set to

Elvis’s innovation needs a better marketing and packaging solution to make it attractive to the chosen market. In addition, the innovator needs to effectively map his product value chain to ensure that he fully appreciates the requirements that come with running a fully-fledged small business entity.

On the other hand, the product quality needs to be improved so that it becomes more cost effective and value adding for the customer.

Challenges

The final scheduled follow up trip to document the innovators’ progress in November 2016 was postponed until Project Partners felt that the innovators had covered more on the ground since the projects commenced. Ultimately, visits were made in the first quarter of 2017 inorder to cater for travel to all project sites by the documentation team to get a final picture on the various projects expected to be finalized at the end of the year. Innovators will continue to share their experiences and the lessons learnt going forward so that best practices can be replicated as a sustainable model for future projects.

Patience Majoni Solar Garden Tech Dzivarasekwa

Patience is addressing off grid energy poverty, unsafe light sources and missed educational opportunities due to lack of energy access. Her project is a one stop shop solar garden – a solar energy powered hub for distribution of solar products and services. The innovator was very hopeful and confident about her project when first interviewed.

However, the second part of the documentation project has revealed a lot of challenges in the planning and execution of the project on the ground. Patience’s project has been affected by the country’s waning economic fortunes and lost relevance to the local community which was supposed to be its anchor.

Challenges

It turns out that the Kambuzuma market which was meant to patronise Patience’s business has not found traction in her venture. Added to that, the innovator’s cash cow - selling video games playtime to junior school kids has fizzled out due to concerns raised by the local school Headmaster over truancy by students. Sadly, Patience has had to downscale and turn her office into a tuckshop of some sorts selling this and that just to survive. The idea was to sell more solar powered light fixtures and accessories as well as to ensure that school going children can study at all times hasn’t got buy in from the community.

In comparison to the previous documentation period, most participants registered some progress on their projects. However, more work still needed to be done to achieve scalability as several of the innovators interviewed cited the lack of adequate financial resources to go full scale on their projects as a major challenge. Other innovators expressed gratitude for the experience though which they gained skills in project management, marketing as well as budgeting.

The Green Innovations Hub (GiHUB) is an incubation space which seeks to ignite social change and unlock the potential of young people in contributing to sustainable development through novel ideas around smart energy. The purpose of the GiHUB is to facilitate the transformation of promising ideas into practical solutions that address real social challenges faced by local communities in which the young people are resident. The GiHUB offers a project financing facility, incubation and mentorship as well as connecting young innovators to industry giants.

PHOTOs: BAYNHAM GOREDEMA / ELTON MJANA

Conclusion

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L i v eli h ood s

Sustainability key in aquaculture development in Zimbabwe.

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By Julius Sadi, Aquaculture Zimbabwe

he world population is estimated to be at 7.5 billion and it is increasing rapidly such that it is expected to reach 8.5 billion by 2030. The growth in population will demand proportional growth in food production levels in order to avert widespread hunger. Of the food production sectors the world over, fish production has had faster growth rates than any other food industry. Over the last two decades, fish production growth rates were between 8 – 11% per annum compared to poultry at 5% and vegetables at 3.4%.

Globally, fish provides about 6.7 percent of all protein consumed by humans, as well as other minerals such as omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins, calcium, zinc and iron. The global per capita fish consumption is above 20 kilograms a year while it is at 5 kilograms in the region and 2.2 kilograms in Zimbabwe.

The primary focus of Aquaculture Zimbabwe has been the development of aquaculture and fisheries community projects for food, nutrition and income security. The organization has been pioneering low cost rural fish farming enterprises to vulnerable communities, particularly, in agro ecological regions III, IV and V which typically experience erratic rain fall patterns with prolonged dry seasons in between. AQZ activities follow the Ecosystem Approach to Fisheries and Aquaculture which are holistic strategies for managing capture fisheries and aquaculture that integrate ecological, socioeconomic and governance dimensions.

These strategies facilitate the sustainable use of natural resources and the integration of fisheries and aquaculture with other production sectors.

Making use of simple and low cost site specific pond technical designs, farmers with the high end technical expert advisory and guidance from AQZ, construct fish ponds and stock them with a resilient

and fast growing warm water fish species that do well in the drought prone low lying areas of Zimbabwe. Through participatory approaches, AQZ works w ith the communities on feasible site identification, gravity fed water drainage techniques and identification of local farm based fish feed mixes that are used as supplements to commercial feeds. The fish ponds are seamlessly integrated with other enterprises such as gardens, orchards, apiaries and poultry. Integration lies at the center of many projects that AQZ has established as this brings sustainability to the primary activity.

The integration of agriculture and aquaculture creates a system that produces nutritious food with modest labour demand and also sustains farm productivity year round even through droughts. The integrated agriculture aquaculture system design is founded on sustainability and synergetic effects where by products from one component of the system become inputs on the other component. Waste from poultry is used to fertilize water in the ponds for the effective growth of algae which is supplementary feed for the fish. The fertilized water which nutrient rich is also used to water the garden while the bees on the apiculture component will get water from the ponds and nectar from the garden crops.

While aquaculture production is increasing, there have been reports of declining catches in the rivers and dams. This has been caused by over fishing through unsustainable fishing methods particularly by unlicensed fishermen (also referred to as poachers).

Aquaculture Zimbabwe has been identifying and working with these unlicensed fishermen to enable them to form cooperatives and encouraging them to pay their fishing licenses/permits and regularize their operations. The cooperatives receive capacity building in sustainable fishing and fish resource management, postharvest handling

PHOTO SOURCE: Julius Sadi

A lot of potential is there to increase fish production in Zimbabwe due to abundant water sources. It is estimated that currently in Zimbabwe, fish production stands at 25 000 metric tonnes per annum, 15 000 metric tonnes of which come from aquaculture. Experts say that potentially, the country is able to produce 160 000 metric tonnes of from aquaculture only.

The government of Zimbabwe has in recent years developed a lot of interest in fish production and this has culminated in the launch of command fisheries and the schools aquaculture programs. Outside government, a number of players have also been working towards the development of the aquaculture and fisheries sub sector.

One of them is Aquaculture Zimbabwe, a local non-governmental organization which started operating in 2008 as a trust and was then registered as a private voluntary organization in 2012.

and value addition, business and marketing, advocacy and lobbying skills. Together with other partners working in the development of the sector, Aquaculture Zimbabwe has been participating in fisheries and aquaculture policy gap analysis as well as developing recommendations for policy amendment.

Aquaculture Zimbabwe (AQZ) is a local registered Private Voluntary Organization working towards the development of the fisheries and aquaculture subsector for improved livelihoods in the country. The organization was registered as a Trust in 2008 and as a Private Voluntary Organization in 2012. AQZ provides capacity strengthening to individuals, communities and organizations in various fields which include agriculture, aquaculture, fisheries, business development services, nutrition, water sanitation and hygiene as well as natural resource management.

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P OL I C Y

Why Governments in Developing Countries Do Not Learn the Basics of Hydro-Meteorological Disaster Risk Reduction?

By Mashoko Stephen Grey, Environment and Development Researcher

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The current hydro-meteorological hazardous events have resulted in the destruction of livelihoods in rural settings, infrastructure (e.g. houses, bridges, schools, clinics and roads) and spread of waterrelated diseases. This stalls development at all levels and makes the attainment of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) difficult if not impossible. This is mainly attributed to the lack of understanding and appreciation of disaster risk reduction planning as a tool for developments by government. For example, in Zimbabwe, even when hydro-meteorological hazards are predicted from the onset of the rain season, the government is reluctant to set aside a budget based on projected scenarios for impacts and to start engaging in activities that will reduce the impacts before occurrence. Instead, the government awaits the occurrence of a disaster for the proclamation of the State of a Disaster and then mobilisation of resources to assist the affected populace. Moreso, a high percentage of these resources come from international community and this might take time, while the population is suffering. This makes it difficult for the local authorities to promptly deal with the overwhelming impacts after the disaster strikes. An example in this regard is the 2016/2017 rain season when floods were predicted in Zimbabwe, and the country started receiving heavy rains continuously from December 2016 and yet the state of

disaster for flood victims was proclaimed in early March 2017. This was way after communities in Masvingo, Matebeleland South, Harare and Midlands provinces were already displaced, their houses and fields destroyed, clearly indicating a reactive and disastrous approach to dealing with hazards.

Furthermore, the assistance provided is not comprehensive to foster full recovery (BuildBack-Better) of the affected population but is short-lived and distributed based on partisanship as political leaders stake the opportunity to further their political mileage at the expense of Zimbabwean citizens.

An example of good practices for hydrometeorological disaster risk reduction would be based on efficient early warning systems that are backed by adequate resources to ensure implementation of the risk reduction strategies. The government in line with the seasonal predictions for each rain season must set aside financial resources to be used to reduce community vulnerability of adverse impacts of predicted hazards. Relying on aid for such actions might prove to be detrimental as has been evidenced already in the previous years. Early warning information for hydro-meteorological hazards has to be

their original ecological function in urban areas. This has resulted in flooding of some recent residential areas considering extremely high rains that have been received in recent years (e.g. 2016/2017 rain season). By building in wetlands this population is putting itself at risk and exposing themselves to a potential hazard and consequently a disaster. Therefore, the current trend of urban development in Zimbabwe is completely flawed and disregards the fundamentals of disaster risk reduction and hence vulnerable to hydro-meteorological hazards including water-related diseases (e.g. typhoid and cholera). By not considering disaster risk in development planning, new risks could be unintentionally created or existing ones exacerbated through improper planning and regulation for urban development1.

precise and localised to be of any assistance to the communities to reduce vulnerability.

A good example in this regard, is how often the Meteorological Services Department (MSD) in Zimbabwe usually gives their weather forecast indicating that some areas will be receiving normal-above normal rainfall and other areas below normal rainfall.

In this case, such information is not helpful to the population, as it does not quantify rainfall amounts and does not pin point the geographical area (e.g. provinces are too big for specification) or action that needs to be taken. Ignoring all these basic fundamentals in dealing with climate change extreme events has resulted in the loss of lives, destruction of livelihoods and infrastructure that is important to our being.

Good practices for urban planning which might have been central to reducing flooding in urban areas, included the identification of and sparing of wetlands for construction by the local authorities. These have been very instrumental in channelling the water collected in the drainage system to the wetlands. But, the recent developments in Harare and many other urban cities, are such that wetlands have been built on disregarding

PHOTOS SOURCE: Mashoko Stephen Grey

he climate is changing and the impacts are unprecedented in different parts of the world and more devastating in Africa. Therefore, it is urgent and critical to anticipate, plan for and reduce disaster risk in order to more effectively protect persons, communities and countries, their livelihoods, socioeconomic a ssets and ecosystems, and thus strengthen their resilience. In doing this, the governments should be guided by the Sendai Framework for Action (2015-2030), which took precedence from the Hyogo Framework for Action (2005-2015) and the Yokohama Strategy in 1994. Essentially, the Sendai Framework for Action builds on the understanding of reducing the impacts of potential hazards by taking action before the occurrence of the hazardous events. It reflects on the need by governments to value the development progress already made and to mainstream current development activities into hydro-meteorological disaster risk reduction. In this regard, it might be prudent to address climate change as one of the drivers of disaster risk, while respecting the mandate of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, which presents an opportunity to reduce disaster risk in a meaningful and coherent manner throughout the interrelated intergovernmental processes.

Mainstreaming disaster risk reduction into development planning should be the new planning agenda for dealing with climate change extreme events and the associated hydro-meteorological hazards. For Zimbabwe to succeed in hazard management, they have to take full cognisance of the Sendai Framework for Action, which entails the need for improved understanding of disaster risk in all its dimensions of exposure, vulnerability and hazard characteristics; the strengthening of disaster risk governance, including national platforms; accountability for disaster risk management; preparedness to “Build Back Better�; recognition of stakeholders and their roles; mobilization of risk-sensitive investment to avoid the creation of new risk; resilience of health infrastructure, strengthening of international cooperation and global partnership, and risk-informed donor policies and programs, including financial support and loans from international financial institutions2. Conclusively, it is imperative that governments do not become dormant and reactive, but rather be proactive and mainstream disaster risk reduction planning into disaster risk reduction 3 .

Thus it is essential that the process of development planning identifies and analyses the underlying causes of risk, and factors in measures for risk reduction. By mainstreaming disaster risk reduction into national development processes, disaster risk considerations can be made an integral part of development processes, especially in priority sectors such as agriculture, education, health, housing and roads4.

1 https://www.unisdr.org/we/inform/events/47559 2 Sendai Framework for Action 2015-2030 3 http://www.akdn.org/press-release/mainstreaming-disaster-risk-reduction-development-planning-process-afghanistan 4 https://www.unisdr.org/we/inform/events/47559

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C L I M AT E C H A N G E

Climate Change - Africa’s New Development Threat?

Why Africa should remain below the 20C (3.6 degrees Fahrenheit) Darlington Tshuma - Zimbabwe

PHOTO SOURCE: Darlington Tshum

In 2013, global leaders gathered at the UN Climate Conference in Bonn (Germany) to discuss the options for reaching the overarching objective of international climate policing, specifically that of limiting global temperature increase to 2oC (3.6 degree Fahrenheit). It was unanimously agreed that any temperature increase beyond this limit could be ‘dangerous’. Key research findings from climate researchers and evidence from scientific policy advice indicate that emissions will have to come down by 15 % by 2020 to stay below the threshold limit.

There are of course challenges associated with achieving this ambitious target, but this is not the focus here.

I

n this article, I attempt to outline the importance of staying below the 20C threshold, particularly for sub – Saharan Africa. The socio-economic and political impacts of climate change has removed it from the narrow confines of scientific laboratories into the public domain – to be debated and discussed by stakeholders from a range of disciplines.

Research shows that the climate of southern Africa is highly variable and follows a pronounced gradient with arid conditions in the west and humid conditions in the east, characterized by latitudinal rainfall distribution pattern with the southern part having a low rainfall index and high variability compared to the north. Scientific

research shows that the last 100 years has seen temperatures increase by about 50C in the southern African region and marked downward trends in rainfall1. In my country (Zimbabwe), scientific research shows that the northwest parts of the country will experience a 5-10 % decrease in rainfall and temperature increase of about 30C for the period 2040 – 20702. In fact, a report released

by ICCC in 1998 predicted that if unabated, climate change will have negative impacts on food security for largely agro-based countries such as Zimbabwe, Zambia, and Malawi among others. An increase in drought events over the last 3 decades is a clear warning to governments, donor agencies and the private sector for the need to redouble our efforts and commitment to tackling climate change. For example, the intensity and severity of El Nino induced droughts have become too common in sub Saharan Africa, with southern Africa alone experiencing not less than 8 droughts between 1980 and 2015. A World Bank report in 1989 suggested that about a quarter of Africa’s population were not consuming enough and adequate food to allow for an active working life. This figure has probably tripled or quadrupled with the increasing effects of climate change on food security3.

Some researchers have argued that climate change will likely alter or widen both the food production and revenue gaps – ability of families to purchase food surplus on global markets. Today, climate change is already preventing poor people from escaping poverty and in the absence of rapid, inclusive and climate smart development, an additional 100 million people could be thrown into poverty by 20304. In Zimbabwe, a significant number of rural and peri-urban households are already at high risk from climate change induced shocks attributable to massive crop failure, spike in food prices and increased incidences of disease and emergence of new pests that could potentially affect the food chain.

When crop yields are reduced, they have a tendency to push food prices up, usually to the detriment of the poor who have to change their production and consumption habits. The resultant effect of these changes are low calorie intake and high incidences of malnutrition and undernourishment, particularly among the 0-5 year age group.

The World Bank projects that food prices in Africa could be as high as 12% by 2030 and 70% by 2080. Recent medical research which shows that climate change’s effect on the food chain could affect people’s physiological capacity to obtain necessary nutrients from food consumed.

In conclusion, climate change is not only a scientific matter, it is a political and socioeconomic issue deserving full attention from different stakeholders. Lack of commitment to addressing climate change could result in a significant reversal of development gains on the continent, hence astrong call for a multi-sectoral and holistic approach to addressing climate change. 1 (Endnotes) 1 Kandji et al (2006). Climate Change and Variability in Southern Africa; Impacts and adaptation in the agricultural sector, World Agroforestry Centre and UNEP Report, p 42 2 Morton, J. F (2007). The impact of climate change on smallholder and subsistence agriculture, PNAS 104 (50).

visit our website now! www.stockproviders.com Instagram: @stockproviders

3 World Bank (1989). Sustainable Growth with Equity: A long term Perspective for Sub Saharan Africa.

The World’s Women (A teaching kit sponsored by the Population Reference Bureau and the Rockefeller Foundation).

4 World Bank (2009). Making development climate resilient; A World Bank strategy for Sub-Saharan Africa, Report No 46947- AFR.

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C L I M AT E C H A N G E

Using The Climate Smart Village Approach To Build Climate Resilience In Chiredzi

By Joy Mlambo, UNV – UNDP/EMA

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o date, three climate-smart villages have successfully been set up in Chiredzi district, helping farmers adapt and build resilience to climate change in a holistic way. This has been achieved by implementing interventions that enable communities to increase their agricultural productivity and income, while contributing to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. Dr Unganai the Project Manager explains on this more,“The approach is such that communities in a village are equipped to improve their resilience to climate change by introducing a variety of measures which are weather, water, carbon, nitrogen, energy and knowledge smart. Incremental concentration of these interventions in one place ultimately increases sustainability and increases impact to beneficiaries as a village becomes well rounded in fighting the vagaries of climate change ultimately leading it to becoming climate proof.”

Pahlela Climate Smart Village Energy Smart

The Tsotso Stove

PHOTOS SOURCE: JOY MLAMBO

Identifying herself as Mai Samuel, a resident of Pahlela Village located in ward 11 of Chiredzi District elaborates on her experience. “ The Climate Smart Village model has benefited me beyond words I could express. Being a widow who has the responsibility of playing both parental roles, time is my greatest asset. The climate smart village model has successfully managed to empower me to manage my time through the establishment of Tsotso Stoves.” Mai

Samuel speaks with a lot of enthusiasm. “ The Tsotso Stove which is fuel efficient has reduced my frequency for firewood collection. I used to make up to 4 trips per week and now only one trip suffices.

In addition, because the fire is contained, cooking time is reduced and my cooking pots are less dirty hence less cleaning time.

Lastly, the stove keeps food warm such that I do not have to go through the trouble of reheating” she adds on. “The Tsotso stoves have not only saved my time but due to less smoke, my chest no longer hurts.”

Carbon Smart Another satisfied beneficiary of the Climate Smart Village model is 58 year old Hasani

Crop, Weather and Water Smart

Rangeland Reclamation- Quadrant showing grass growth (covered by branches to protect from premature grazing)

Mukaha of the same village who has lived there since infancy. Hasani talks about how the model has changed the lives of many in the village. “Our village had lost its aesthetic value due to deforestation. We used to carry three loads of firewood per month using scotch carts for each household but because of the Tsotso Stoves we now only make two trips in four months. The model has not only helped us reduce the rate we cut down trees but through provision of seedlings and the establishment of a demonstration plot, it has taught us to grow trees everywhere as well as encouraging us to practice agroforestry thus helping to restore the beauty that had been lost” Hasani talks with hope beaming from his eyes.

“From the agroforestry trials conducted in the demonstration plot, many people have adopted the idea and have begun planting several types of trees in their gardens such as Mangoes, Oranges, Minyii, and other fruits trees. In addition, we are also planting trees we were told are good food for livestock such Moringa and Mulberry fruit trees. I personally am excited about these tress that will provide supplementary feeding to our cattle as most times we lose cattle in drought due to lack of sufficient pasture. Speaking of pasture, there havebeen trainings to help us reclaim our degraded rangelands. We have begun planting grass for livestock and creating a system where there is sustainable use of grazing areas by developing paddocking schedules. Looking back, we have come together as a village and participated in planting grass for our livestock, which is an activity that nobody had ever been exposed to but it has been an activity with tremendous results. When the rains came last season, the grasses whose seed we sowed in selected parts of the forest where our livestock graze, germinated in very large numbers. Most of the grasses reached maturity stage and produced seed which we decided to harvest for replanting. This has also prompted us to set our own village seed bank for grass and crop seed. To be honest, some of us saw the reemergence of some types of grasses we last saw in the late 1970s. We had resigned to never again seeing these types of grasses here in our lifetime but the idea of rangeland recovery has brought us that hope. Now we can better plan for our livestock because we have seen enough evidence that grass can indeed grow back on the ground we thought it had become extinct.”

Hasani adds on with pride.

Following this, Hasani managed to elaborate a few more of the interventions from the climate smart village that they were benefiting from as a village “Using demonstration plots, us farmers have been capacitated on how we can continue agriculture in the face of the changing climate by experimenting with different crops and crop varieties to assess their appropriateness in terms of management, vulnerability to pets, yield and resistance for both experienced and projected climatic conditions after which farmers are then able to select the most appropriate for them. This together with the weather SMS notification system and the self-managed local rain gauge has helped us see which crops are best suited to our climate and so following this we are now championing the cultivation of drought resistant crops such as sorghum which is doing very well versus us growing maize year after year that used to fail. In addition we have been capacitated with on farm water management through the use of infiltration pits which has helped increase yield. Recently conservation agriculture implements have been introduced to the demonstration plots. Though we have not had the opportunity to use these implements practically, I am hopeful that through seeing their benefits, we will easily adopt them”.

an integrated planning systems approach is being used, with different players from government institutions, NGOs and communities working together in a coordinated manner to shape the model.

“We have many different partners and without them the model would be failing.

Meteorological Services Department (MSD) and AGRITEX were influential in setting up the rain gauge and Tongaat Hullet, AGRITEX, Environmental Management Agenc y (E MA) and Department of Mechanisation and Irrigation Development are critical for the efficient functioning of the demonstration plots. For the Tsotso Stoves, we had great help from Supporting Africa Life Trust (SALT). Lastly, Livestock Production Department (LPD) and Matopos Research Station are critical in rangeland reclamation with the aim to increase resilience by improving pasture which will in turn improve the quality of beef thus fetching higher income.” he adds on.

“With cumulative efforts from various institutions, plans are underway to procure labour saving sorghum thrashers to improve quality of sorghum so as to fetch higher prices. There are also plans to install bio-gas digesters in the village. We also have plans to introduce the model in three other villages in the District” Dr Unganai concludes.

Based on the benefits being realised,

Figure 1: Land use and resources map for Pahlela/Homela Village, Chiredzi district

Critical Success Factors.

Dr Unganai then went on to explain how the Pahlela climate smart village had been set up. “The first step towards setting up of the climate smart village was planning for climate change by mainstreaming it into development processes of the village. This was achieved by carrying out resource mapping of the village, thus establishing which capacities and resources the community had to be better prepared for disasters related to climate change as well capacities and areas that needed strengthened in order to build the required resilience as shown by this map.” (Refer to Figure 1). For its setup and implementation,

the climate smart village model is thus proving to be an effective tool in reducing vulnerability of communities to climate change. The project therefore continues to work in Pahlela Village with knowledge smart interventions such as Village Landing and Savings and farmer-famer learning activities and linkages to market being implemented as a means to increase income for reduced vulnerability.

The Climate Smart Village model is being championed under the Scaling up Adaptation Project with a focus on rural livelihood implemented by OXFAM through Plan International in Chiredzi and SAFIRE in Chimanimani and Buhera; and under the Scaling up Adaptation through Strengthening Integrated Planning Systems Project implemented by the Ministry of Environment, Water and Climate through EMA.

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E N E RGY

Wind/Solar Hybrid potential in Zimbabwe

By Maloon Dahwa, Kayla Technologies Pvt Ltd

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he world is facing a major threat of fast depletion of the fossil fuel reserves and highly polluting our environment. Most of the present energy demand is met by fossil and nuclear power plants. A small part is met by renewable energy technologies such as the wind, hydro, solar, biomass, geothermal etc.

As per the law of conservation of energy, “Energy can neither be created, nor be destroyed, but it can only be converted from one form to another”. Most of the research now is about how to conserve the energy and how to utilize the energy in a better way. Research has also been into the development of reliable and robust systems to harness energy from nonconventional energy resources. Among them, the wind and solar power sources have experienced a remarkably rapid growth in the past 10 years. Both are pollution free sources of abundant power.

Maloon holding the turbine before mounting it.

Turbine after being monted on a 7m pole

PHOTOS SOURCE: Maloon Dahwa

All renewable energy sources have drawbacks. Wind and solar sources are dependent on unpredictable factors such as weather and climatic conditions. Due to both sources’ complementary nature, some of these problems can be overcome, the weaknesses of one with the strengths of the other hence making Hybrid solar-wind energy stations advantageous.

Solar energy is energy from the Sun. It is renewable, inexhaustible and environmental pollution free. By adopting the appropriate technology for the concerned geographical location, we can extract a large amount of power from solar radiations.

Wind energy is the kinetic energy associated with the movement of atmospheric air.

Wind energy systems convert kinetic energy to more useful forms of power including electric.

Hybrid Solar-Wind System A stand-alone wind system with solar photovoltaic system is the best hybrid combination of all renewable energy systems and is suitable for most of the applications, taking care of seasonal variations.

Solar and wind energy independent systems have drawbacks. The one that is common to solar and wind energy is their dependence on environmental factors such as weather and climatic conditions.

The Solar PV wind hybrid system suits to Zimbabwean conditions where sunlight and wind have seasonal shifts. As the wind does not blow throughout the day and the sun does not shine for the entire day.

Hybrid systems are usually built with lowest possible cost and maximum reliability.

The high cost of solar PV cells makes it less competent for larger capacity designs whereas wind turbines cost relatively cheaper per same. Battery system is needed to store solar and wind energy produced during the day time. During night time, the presence of wind is an added advantage, which increases system reliability.

The power curve of the wind turbine installed.

Advantages of the Wind /Solar System Reliability of the system is enhanced.

The size of battery storage can be reduced significantly as there is less reliance on one method of power production.

Significant improvement in terms of output and performance.

Lower atmospheric contamination.

Savings in maintenance.

Silent system.

S olar and w ind power generation complement each other better than previously thought, according to a study released by the Reiner Lemoine In stitute and S olarpraxi s AG.

This hybrid system is catering for the household needs of a four member family in a 5 roomed house and enjoying electricity for 24 hours a day.

Before the inception of the wind turbine, the house was being powered by a 100 watt solar panel feeding into a 100 AH battery. They only enjoyed their entertainment system for about three hours maximum at full capacity before switching off other electrical appliances to save some power in the battery for lighting.

Upon installation of the Wind/solar hybrid system the family can enjoy access to electricity 24/7 without need to ration electrical gadgets. The battery is hardly drained to below 50% Depth of Discharge (DoD) which greatly prolongs the lifespan of the battery.

http://www.pv-magazine.com/news/details/beitrag/windsolar-hybrid-plants-up-to-twice-as-efficient_100010997/#ix zz3pIKPTCAX

Mrehwa Test Run Project The wind speeds in Zimbabwe are considerably sufficient for wind systems .Ranging from 2m/s to 15 m/s depending on time of year and seasonal variations.

A wind /solar hybrid test run project comprising of 200 watt wind turbine,100 watt solar was carried out in Mrehwa near St Paul’s Musami Mission.

Conclusions: Wind –solar hybrid technology is very feasible given the encouraging results obtained from the Murehwa project.

The project proves that the complementary nature of wind and solar energy can be utilized to our advantage, giving optimum utilization of resources and thus improved efficiency as compared with their individual generation mode can achieve.

However if funding permits more wind –solar hybrid systems can be installed in different areas to ascertain if the technology produces the same results.

Tweeted News Sustainable Development in Zimbabwe Use #SustainZim and follow us on twitter @SustainZimbabwe

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AG R I C U LT U R E

Mushrooms and Sustainable Farming As electricity load shedding continues, and poverty levels continue to rise some opt to use firewood instead of electricity, others simply have no electricity. These are some of the factors that have seen the demand for firewood shooting up in urban areas. When we started doing mushrooms we used firewood to fire our boilers for sterilisation which caused damage to the environment. I learnt how to use the sawdust stove from Epworth residents.

This has led us to stop using firewood and use sawdust from factories and sawmills.

This decision tackled two challenges: Reduce impact on deforestation and management of industrial waste.

step 4

E N E RGY

step 1

step 2

Gather sawdust from a sawmill or factory and compact sawdust in a container with a hole in the center (put a pipe in the centre remove after compaction) put ash or soil on top surface so that top part doesn’t burn, only the hole will.

step 3

Put bricks where you will place your stove so that oxygen can enter the hole from beneath, as you light stove it will draw oxygen from beneath.

Fold a newspaper light it and insert into the middle or insert and light from beneath add more newspapers till sawdust is burning on its own.

step 5

6

I use a big container for more heat and it burns longer (5-6 hours) . Use a small container for cooking.

HRS

This one burns average 6 hours.

Once burning, put an iron sheet on top leaving spaces for air to escape, this reduces heat as the heat can be too much for cooking. Once burning and getting enough air this stove is smokeless.

The Home of Mushrooms in Zimbabwe 0773 842 677

nmupaso@mushtella.com

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Contributing Partners

EVENTS

We would like to recognise and thank all organisations, government agencies and individuals who have supported SustainZim’s inaugrual year of publishing. A special thanks to Tafadzwa Tarumbwa for tirelessly creating our stunning cartoons which raise awareness for various issues. Contact him for animations, cartoons or book illustrations on +263 77 299 8187 or tafadzwa2d@gmail.com. We would love to hear your suggestions on how we can improve and add value to the paper in 2017. Contact us on contribute@sustainzim.org.

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CONTRIBUTE Bio Innovation Zimbabwe T: + 263 772 158313 E: caroline@bio-innovation.org; E: hararefoodfestival@gmail.com www.bio-innovation.org; www.naturallyzimbabwean.com

Save Our Environment Trust Tel: 0775 485 521 0717 485 521 Email: soetzimbabwe@gmail.com saveourenvironmenttrust@gmail.com

Empowered lives. Resilient nations.

UNDP Zimbabwe Tel: 04 338836-44 Email: registry.zw@undp.org Web Address: www.zw.undp.org

Development Reality Institute

UNICEF Zimbabwe

T: +263 496987 E: info@driafrica.org www.driafrica.org

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SUSTAINZIM - Think Live Stay Green!

16 Q2 I s s u e 0 6 / 1 7

G reen E conom y

Pollution Effects On Green Economy Nevson Mpofu, Community Development Lecturer

Nations in their frantic bid to reduce pollution are severely pulled down human fertility factors related to high birth rate causing high population. At a Global glance looking at how we are supposed to do it, it is target of every country to eliminate rather than reduce. This consummate well with Thomas Malthus theories of the 18 century that over population would be a big problem by this century we are in.

T

he British Demographer and Economic Analyst envisaged of social and economic problems arising from over population in the world. Imagine, by that century the World’s total was less 1 and half billion. Today the World is in topsyturvy, with a total bulging population of 7 and half billion.

Sundry of arising challenges, climate change from Global Warming, HIV and AIDS, desertification, natural disasters and above all Pollution the core subject fail the World to achieve on the achievement of a Green Job Economy. Green Economy is free from human and natural environmental intoxications like pollution scum. Later a Green Economy produces advantages of gain related to sustainable resources which make people have livelihoods in a livable community.

Pollution defined as human negligence with waste output violating the natural environment, falls in five categories, air which rises up with greenhouse gases like carbon-dioxide affecting the ozone layer that which protects us from sun’s rays called ultra-violent. is Tuberculosis an airborne disease is a menace related to HIV and AIDS. Water pollution causes cholera caused by the vibrio bacteria. It is manifested its intense effects with the 2008 Health breakdown which broke up in Budiriro where at least 3000 people died and some became illness victims, this leading to depreciation of family income and Government tight budgets. A leading United Nations Agency UNICEF drilled a number of boreholes which saved local urban communities.

Water is no longer safe to drink owing also to the fact that Land Pollution continues to act as undying threat to humanity. It is evidenced by littered garbage in urban centers like the tense menace of situations I high density suburbs like Mbare, Budiriro, Highfield, Glenora, Hatcliff and Glenview where population is alarmingly high due to the exceeding number of people more than Infrastructure development, amenities and natural resource existence and also artificial resource allocation.

The ab ove me ntioned t y p e s are recriminated to the Government, Urban council’s lack of proper management on waste especially in urban areas. However, this is getting to affect rural communities.

Lack of policies will be a disadvantage and a lagged process towards achievement of Sustainable Development Goals like Goal, 3

on Good Health, 6 0n clean water, Goal 11 on Sustainable cities and communities, Goal 13 climate action, Goal 14 life below water, Goal 15, Life on land. These set of Goals are related to types of pollution mentioned by the writer.

A Greener Economy needs to create a World of dirty, scum and refuse removal where human lives are sustained their lives by natural and creatable resources which make communities livable. Livable communities are safe from pollution not in any way with any waste lying unattended. In order to create livable communities, we need to be sustainable as we get financial and food resources to foster projects and programs to do with Green economy.

Green- Jobs Green Economy can only be made possible by working out on pollution programs meant to focus strictly on building sustainable and livable communities with people who have innovative knowledge, equitable resources with Gender sensitive policies and Legislation to equate populations, share ideas and create Health policies from National levels cascading down in all communities at the same height and level.

In a Green Job Economy communities get participated, engaged and involved in sustainable Waste Management projects which can make every unemployed person get involved. The plastic containers are not just burnt by fire, but they get recycled into manufacture of several paraphernalia like plastic utensils, jackets and some form of creation which reduces unemployment, create green jobs and make lives sustainable.

Experts from the Environment sector under the Swedish Embassy are working on projects in Zimbabwe which focus waste management. The Government of Sweden is supporting the idea of plastic waste collection and recycling to avoid loss of the resource through loss means yet it’s supposed to make some valuable products to sustain people Governments of many developing countries are still struggling to come up with means on how to build sustainable communities through creation of green economies which demands removal of waste, recycling it and manufacturing from what is recycled. The other way round it is a matter of creating a hygienic world for ourselves.

All the above mentioned comes with policies which we need to push for. There is currently lack of strong civil society to push on this issue, and why sometimes, it is the fact that Governments of many countries are failing on policy framework, modalities and strategies

for implementation. An Expert in the Recycling Field laments on the role of the Government to put in place robust ideas and aggressive policies on eliminating pollution in many countries.

THE ZIMBABWE MINIMATA PROJECT..

Currently, Zimbabwe which is signatory to Minimata Convention is working out on solutions to eliminate the use of Mercury in Gold mining areas where there is massive illegal Gold mining.

At a recent symposium in the City, the Minister of Environment, Water and Climate, Oppah Muchinguri Kashiri said since Mercury is dangerous to human lives the Government is on a project on mercury elimination since it poses problems related to bad health.

Mercury affect fetal neurological development and is linked to low fertility, brain and nerve damage and heart diseases in adults who have high levels of mercury in their blood. The project is taking advantage of the United Nations Environment Program [UNEP] tool –kit. It i s taking action by raising awareness.

Gold mining areas like in Chakari, Kadoma, training and teaching Gold mining communities on mercury handling, use and maintenance.

The project is important because focus is on its possible elimination because almost 70% of people especially children and women in mining areas have been affected. Mercury chronic intoxication has mainly affected children in many Gold mining areas where researches were done and found that many deaths and illnesses had occurred. It was also ascertained that 1,5 million small scale miners were using mercury at the expense of mainly pregnant women and children.

Mercury in the town of Minimata, Japan after its spill, it killed thousands of people and some became seriously ill, some becoming disabled, pregnant women succumbing to fetal neurological development and death of either them or their own baby. Later a convention was convoked a meeting for that matter.

However, Zimbabwe ‘s Environmental Management Act [CHAPTER 2027] Section 70 prohibits discharge of waste. It further states that, no person shall discharge or dispose waste whether generated within or outside Zimbabwe in such a manner as to cause pollution to Environment or ill-health to any person.

The Green Snippets POLICY

Green Economy - Tool for Sustainable Development The green economy paradigm is necessary to overcome challenges of sustainability that the world is facing today, an expert has said. A green economy is one which ensures sustainable development without degrading the environment, one that minimises adverse impacts on society whilst fostering economic growth in the country. [Source: http://allafrica.com]

Women in the green economy

In Ghana, a group of enterprising women and young people is building bicycles out of an unlikely material: bamboo. Ten farmers grow the bamboo, and 25 builders craft it into environmentally friendly bikes that can be used on Ghana’s bumpy roads or exported overseas. Bernice Dapaah, the founder and CEO of Ghana Bamboo Bikes, plans to build two new factories soon, adding 50 more workers in communities with high unemployment. [Source: http://teamzimbabwe.org]

WETLANDS Construction on wetlands ramps up water stress in Zimbabwe

Wetlands - which include bogs and swamps - are essential to the well-being of the city, environmentalists say. They can ease the impacts of a changing climate by helping maintain ground water levels, and protect areas from the worst impacts of floods by absorbing excess water. By law, anyone intending to build on a wetland must apply for a permit from the government’s Environmental Management Agency (EMA). [Source: http://www.reuters.com]

Climate ChangE Zimbabwe’s communities fight climate change through community livelihoods project

Many women in Zimbabwe’s rural communities used to spend most their time either lazing around or doing household chores; not anymore as they are taking a lead in running income generating community projects. A woman feeds cattle at Zvapungu Cattle Pen Fattening project in Makoni West, Zimbabwe (photo taken by Andrew Mambondiyani) Amid the country’s deepening climate change induced poverty, many women in rural Makoni district, eastern Zimbabwe are now fully participating in various livelihoods projects in an effort to fight the negative impacts of climate change. [Source: http://www.thezimbabwean.co]

SUSTAINABILITY Developing countries caught up in sustainability contradictions

The discourse of sustainability has not only changed the developmental communication landscape around the world, but has presented a crisis communication dilemma and procedural chaos in the developing world. The idea of wanting to move with developed countries, act and think like them, as well as being seen as eco-specific and compliant has contributed to complex structural gaps and adaptation short-comings, that are not inclusive.

[Source: https://www.newsday.co.zw]

Agenda 2030: Sustainable Development Goals – Time to Act is Now

The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), otherwise known, as global goals are a universal call to action to end poverty, protect the planet and ensure that all people enjoy peace and prosperity. The Heads of State and Government, in 2015 unveiled the 17 SDGs building on the successes and lessons of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), while including new areas such as climate, economic, inequality, innovation, sustainable energy consumption, peace and justice among other priorities. The goals are interconnected; often the key to success on one will involve tackling issues more commonly associated with another. [Source: https://www.thestandard.co.zw]