Lorraine Ndawi
Villagers have joined hands with The Agency and the Drylands Sustainable Landscapes Impact Program to reclaim gullies, stop soil erosion, and revive the Save and Runde catchments.
Action is taking place across Zimbabwe’s drylands as communities in Zaka and Masvingo districts join hands with The Agency to stop land degradation and bring life back to their environment. The work is being supported by the Drylands Sustainable Landscapes Impact Program, which focuses on restoring damaged land in the Save and Runde catchments.
The project involves putting in place catchment management measures such as gully reclamation, soil erosion control, and the removal of invasive plant species. These efforts aim to restore degraded areas and make the land more productive for local communities.
According to officials from The Agency, the program is part of Zimbabwe’s efforts to achieve land degradation neutrality, a goal that ensures land is used in a way that maintains its health and productivity for future generations.
The activities are already showing results. In some areas, gullies that once made farming difficult are being filled and stabilized using stones, vetiver grass, and other soil conservation methods. These measures help reduce soil loss, improve water retention, and allow vegetation to grow again.
Local communities are also fighting against invasive species such as Lantana camara, which destroy natural vegetation. By removing these plants and replacing them with native trees and grasses, the land is slowly regaining its natural balance.
Residents have welcomed the initiative, saying it has brought hope to areas that had lost much of their farming potential. The project is expected to continue expanding to more dryland areas in the coming months, helping communities adapt to climate change and secure their livelihoods through better land use practices.
As Zimbabwe pushes toward land restoration, the story of Zaka and Masvingo stands as a shining example of how communities and partners can work together to protect the environment and rebuild what has been lost.
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