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Check FAQAbout Nokuthaba
Nokuthaba Dlamini a dedicated freelance investigative journalist based in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe, specializing in environmental and conservation issues. She is also the founder of VicFallsLive, a non-profit digital media platform whose sole purpose is to highlight the intricate balance between human communities and wildlife, focusing on the challenges and solutions in conservation efforts. Dlamini has reported extensively on the impact of COVID-19 lockdowns on wildlife in Victoria Falls, where increased poaching for bushmeat has threatened local animal populations and affected tourism. She has also covered community-driven initiatives in Matobo district, where villagers are restoring wetlands to combat climate change and droughts, with support from organizations like Dambari Wildlife Trust and USAID Resilient Waters Programme. Dlamini's articles frequently address the poaching crisis in Zimbabwe, noting the arrest of armed poachers and the efforts of the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority to curb these activities. She has highlighted the role of foreign financial incentives in driving local poaching and the need for community-driven solutions and international cooperation to combat wildlife crimes. Her reporting also covers human-wildlife conflicts, such as the case of Windas Sianene, who survived a crocodile attack, and the annual crop destruction by elephants in the Lowveld, where initiatives like chilli pepper farming are being introduced to mitigate conflicts. Dlamini has also reported on the use of GPS technology by the Endangered Wildlife Trust to combat vulture poisoning and the rising demand for charcoal in Hwange, which is accelerating deforestation. Her work underscores the importance of sustainable solutions and community involvement in conservation efforts. Dlamini's journalism is part of the African Conservation Journalism Programme, funded by USAID's VukaNow: Activity and implemented by Space for Giants.
Portfolio
Can GPS tracking reduce cases of vulture poisoning in Zimbabwe?
A leading African conservation organization, the Endangered Wildlife Trust (EWT), is leveraging GPS technology to combat vulture poisoning in Zimbabwe's Gonarezhou National Park and Mozambique's Limpopo National Park. The initiative aims to use GPS-tracked vultures to provide rapid alerts about poisoning incidents, enabling quicker responses to save wildlife. The project, supported by USAID's VukaNow Activity, also focuses on community engagement and law enforcement to mitigate wildlife crime. The technology is expected to expand across Africa, enhancing conservation efforts and reducing the indiscriminate threat of poisoning.
Zimbabwe’s forests threatened by rising demand for coal
Rising demand for charcoal in Zimbabwe, driven by frequent power cuts and high electricity costs, is accelerating deforestation, particularly in Hwange. Illegal logging for charcoal production is causing significant environmental degradation, with the Forestry Commission and other authorities struggling to control the practice. Efforts to curb deforestation include tighter laws and the distribution of eco-friendly stoves by the Victoria Falls Wildlife Trust. The issue is compounded by poverty and lack of access to electricity in many communities, highlighting the need for sustainable solutions.
Foreigners fuel Zimbabwe’s wildlife illicit financial flows
Wildlife crimes in Zimbabwe, particularly poaching, are significantly driven by foreign financial incentives, with local poachers often acting as carriers and informants. The Zimbabwe National Parks and Wildlife Management Authority reports a rise in foreign poachers' arrests and highlights the severe economic impact of poaching on the country's wildlife. Community-driven solutions, such as investing in local welfare and promoting sustainable tourism, are suggested as long-term strategies to combat poaching. Enhanced law enforcement, international cooperation, and public awareness campaigns are also emphasized as critical measures to address wildlife crimes and associated illicit financial flows.
Zimbabwe’s pitch to reopen ivory trade lobby raises questions
Zimbabwe's push to lift the global ban on ivory trade to finance conservation efforts has sparked controversy. The country claims its ivory stockpiles could generate $600 million, but conservationists argue this figure is exaggerated given current market prices. Zimbabwe has threatened to leave CITES if the ban is not lifted, but experts warn this could lead to illegal trade and undermine conservation credibility. The debate highlights the tension between economic needs and wildlife protection, with significant opposition from other African nations and conservation groups.
‘Marauding’ lions wipe out livestock in Zimbabwe’s Hwange region
In Zimbabwe's Hwange West district, a significant human-wildlife conflict has led to devastating losses for local farmers, with lions killing livestock and elephants destroying crops. Jenifer Khupe, a widow, lost nearly her entire herd of cattle and goats to lions, exacerbating her family's food insecurity. The Victoria Falls Wildlife Trust reported that 159 herds of cattle were killed by lions between 2020 and 2021. The Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (Zimparks) is working with local councils to address the issue, but resource constraints hinder their efforts. The problem is intensified by climate change-induced droughts, leading to increased competition for food and water between humans and wildlife.
Bedbugs outbreak in Victoria Falls's prime resort destination leaves residents exposed as children are becoming the most affected and families now have to take their furniture outside the houses to try and expose the bugs in the sun
Zimbabwe has seen mushrooming of Chinese owned coal mines since 2017 after the government dished out special grants as part of its strategy to grow the mining industry, but that has subjected workers to physical abuse by the employers under govt's watch
Fortified Kraals: A Solution to Zimbabwe's Human-Wildlife Conflict
Annai Makuyana, a resident of rural Chiredzi in southeastern Zimbabwe, has faced significant losses of livestock due to attacks by predators such as lions and hyenas. To combat this, fortified kraals have been introduced, which are predator-proof enclosures built from local materials. The Gonarezhou Conservation Trust (GCT) has been promoting these kraals to reduce wildlife conflicts near Gonarezhou National Park. The GCT reported that hyenas were responsible for a large percentage of livestock deaths in 2021. Since the introduction of fortified kraals, there has been a 90% reduction in cattle losses for some villagers. Community leaders like Lexon Makondo have championed this initiative, which has seen a significant uptake among villagers. However, challenges remain, as livestock are still vulnerable during the day and in different seasons. The government has proposed a human-wildlife conflict compensation fund to address losses incurred by farmers due to wildlife.
Wetland
Villagers in Matabeleland South's Matobo district, Zimbabwe, are actively restoring wetlands to combat the effects of climate change and persistent droughts. They have focused on the Ntunjambila and Gulathi wetlands, implementing various strategies with the help of Dambari Wildlife Trust (DWT) and in partnership with the USAID Resilient Waters Programme. The community has formed committees, enforced regulations, and utilized indigenous knowledge to protect these areas. These efforts have led to the return of wildlife species and improved water availability for agriculture and livestock. The initiative also includes fencing off wetlands, managing invasive species, and promoting conservation farming to reduce pressure on wetlands. Despite these efforts, challenges such as poaching and lack of ecotourism revenue remain.
Windas Sianene who survived a crocodile attack
Windas Sianene, a 43-year-old from Binga, Zimbabwe, survived a crocodile attack that resulted in the amputation of his limbs. The attack occurred as he was fleeing from elephants while fishing. Sianene's medical journey included a botched initial amputation in Mpilo Hospital and subsequent surgeries in Zambia, funded by relatives and well-wishers. The article highlights the broader issue of human-wildlife conflict in Zimbabwe, where attacks by wild animals have significantly increased. The government's proposed compensation fund for victims is met with skepticism by conservationists and activists who doubt its effectiveness and call for better management and legal frameworks. The fund is intended to cover medical, funeral, and some damage costs, but critics argue it should also include preventive measures and address the loss of crops and livelihoods. The Botswana model is suggested as a better approach to handling human-wildlife conflict compensation.
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