Project Detail

Marimba River Integrated Biodiversity Action Programme implemented in Kambuzuma, Mufakose and Rugare High Density Areas.

As a result of human activities along the Marimba River such as steam bank cultivation, deforestation, soil erosion and dumping of litter and toxic wastewater , the river is at an advanced state of degradation.Stream bank cultivation in the high density areas of Avondale, Malbereign, Mufakose, kuwadzana, kambuzuma and Warren park where the river passes have resulted in gully formation.Severe deforestation can be noted along those sections that pass through the high density residential suburbs.Reeds and Mahute trees that are usually found in wetlands have been massively destroyed for garden protection and firewood purposes.Siltation of the river has occured as a result of the above.
This demonstration project will cover only 20 acres of the 100 hectares in need of urgent attention and 2 sites ,Mufakose and Kambuzuma of the 10 sites that need urgent attention as well.

The broad objective of this project is to restore the biodiversity of Marimba River , through engaging in environmental improvement projects such as afforestation , wetland protection ,gully reclamation and establishment of Bio Diesel fields , so as to improve the environment and community quality of life.
Each ward is expected to :
1.establish Ward Based Development Networks that will plan , implement , and co-ordinate environmental projects.
2. introduce and plant 5000 Bio Diesel trees
3. establish 2 eco-nurseries for both oil producing trees and horticultural plants
4. protect 2 wetlands with a total area of 20 acres
5. establish 2 consolidated gardens measuring 20 acres
6. reclaim 4 gullies measuring about 3km
7. establish 1 community based vending site in each of the 2 participating wards.

The above objectives formulated the activities that were undertaken including River rehabilitation , surveys and engineering designs, construction of infrastructure and evaluation and documentation.The project has a community based approach were the community is at the fore front working cooperatively with other stakeholders such as the Harare Municipality , Department of Natural Resources, Agricultural and Research Extension and Africa Eco Foundation.

Project Outputs
-2 nurseries established in each ward
-5000 BioDiesel trees planted in each ward
-Ward based development networks established
-2 wetlands protected in each ward
-2 consolidated gardens established in each ward
-8 gullies reclaimed
-2 community based vending sites established
By the end of the project 70% of the households in each of the 5 wards will be actively participating in environmental projects.Deforestation and soil erosion will be reduced by 50% while biodiversity will be increased by 60%.

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Project Snapshot

Grantee:

Environment and Development Activities

Country:

Zimbabwe

Area Of Work:

Chemicals

Operational Phase:

Phase 2

Grant Amount:

US$ 49,936.42

Co-Financing Cash:

Co-Financing in-Kind:

US$ 34,500.00

Project Number:

ZIM/03/06

Start Date:

3/2004

End Date:

12/2006

Status:

Satisfactorily Completed

Project Characteristics and Results

Emphasis on Sustainable Livelihoods

After the rehabilitation and protection of wetlands, 2 consolidated gardens are going to be established each measuring a total of 20 acres. The community intends to grow vegetables, sugar can and fruit trees. In addition, they are going to engage in horticultural activiteis which will be a source of income generation.

Gender Focus

Although membership to the project is voluntary and open to both sexes, there has been an overwhelming response from women. This has been due to the fact that the most of the men are employed and it is the women who are involved in horticultural activities and who are utilising the wetlands.

Notable Community Participation

Inorder to ensure community participation, the programme wil support the formatin of Ward Based Development Networks in participating wards along Marimba River. These networks will be useful vehicles for environmental information dissemination, sharing of technical expertise and resource mobilisation. These networks are constituted by the people who have come up with the project idea and develoed the proposal. However, room will be opened for new members to join.

Promoting Public Awareness of Global Environment

The project is a demonstration project for the urban areas and will go a long way in raising awareness on how to manage riverine ecosystems through waste management and sustainable utilisation of wetlands. The awareness raising is targeted at different stakeholders who include the Harare Municipality, Government Departments, the Private Sector and Harare Residents.

Significant Participation of Indigenous Peoples

The project is being implemented in Harare where there is a mixture of different cultures but the majority are the Shona people.

Capacity - Building Component

This project involves a lot of capacity building especialy in the area of wetland management. A total of 2 wetlands with an approximate area of 20 acres will be protected using latest technology in land rehabilitation systems. The sstem involved the use of geo-textiles,geo-pipes, biodegradable blankets, geo cells and geo-membranes. There will also be training and capacity building in teh establishment of biodiesel trees and horticulture activities.

Project Results

Generally most of the initial activities for the project have been completed and some are still in progress. ENDA had a difficult task to rejuvenate the reformation of groups since they had to convince the dissappointed community and the various stakeholders to accept the project.

The following specific objectives were accomplished
1. WBDN's and their committees were established in all the respective wards which have completed their action plans and started some implementation to coordinate their environmental projects
2. Introduction and planting of 5000 bio diesel trees was done in Rugrae and Kambuzuma wards.
3. One major eco-nursery for Rugare and Kambuzuma was established.
4. respective Wards in their own initiative and participation through workshops by ENDA Zimbabwe have already begun to restore the biodiversity of the Marimba River

Future Plan
To continue implementing the remaining activities as soon as the supplementary budget is approved the following activities will be achieved

1. Engineering designs
2. establishment of 10 acres of woodlots
3. consolidated gardens
4. Establishment of floriculture plots
5. Civil works
6. Wetland rehabilitation
7. Evaluation and monitoring.

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