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Community Project Underway For Human-Lion Conflict Management

Nyaladzi Lester Kole Environment

By: Salani Justin

This year the Savé Valley Conservancy teamed up with Lion Recovery Fund (LRF) to produce a participatory human-lion conflict management plan for Conservancy and the communities surrounding it.

These participatory projects are paramount in understanding the potential conflict between the wildlife and the communities and finding a solution with the best interests for both. The engagement also offers said community’s further education on the importance of wildlife conservation, what they can do in their lives to manage it and the opportunity to contribute their ideas for a sustainable way forward.

21 wards were sampled within the 5 districts surrounding the Savé Valley Conservancy. Participants from Buhera, Bikita, Zaka, Chipinge and Chiredzi all gathered and met with SVC team consisting of ecologist Justice Muvengwi, technical consultant Bella and project administrator Dumisani Ntini to discuss how to best protect the communities and the lion equally

Key informant interviews and focus group discussions were organised to establish the main incidents, sightings and community insights. The main objective is to best assist a positive outcome of this current conflict, the way forward of which is as follows.

  1. Establishing a procedure for Problem Animal Control in the SVC
  2. Continue with government negotiations in delineating land uses between people & wildlife
  3. Raise funds to erect an electric fence around the Conservancy
  4. Community scouts and monitors to be implemented to patrol boundaries
  5. Education for the communities in livestock husbandry & construction of effective kraals
  6. Lion collars and trackers.

The Savé Valley Conservancy thanks the LRF for their funding support and dedication in this area

The SVC plans to engage in more community projects and communication for the purposes of education, and offering the local people the opportunity to understand the ways in which we can work together to conserve & protect the wildlife and its natural habitat.

—Save Valley Conservancy

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Nyaladzi Lester Kole

My full name is Nyaladzi Lester Kole, and I come from Plumtree, Zimbabwe. My educational journey began in primary school, where I attended three different institutions: Mlomwe Primary School for my early grades (1 to 3), Nopemano Primary School for my middle years (4 to 6), and culminating at Thekwane Primary School for my final primary year (Grade 7). For secondary education, I continued my studies at Thekwane High School, navigating Forms 1 to 6, where I developed a deeper appreciation for learning and personal growth. Following my secondary education, I pursued higher education at the National University of Sciences and Technology (NUST), where I earned a degree in Media in Publishing Studies and proudly graduated in 2021. Professionally, I've had the privilege of working with a variety of organizations, gaining diverse experiences that have enriched my career. I began my journey at College Press, where I honed my skills as a copy editor. I then took on the role of personal assistant at Nomina Music, developing organizational and communication skills. My passion for storytelling found a home at CURE Children's Hospital of Zimbabwe, where I engaged with children through creative narratives. As a project manager at Vision to Africa, I coordinated efforts to bring impactful projects to fruition before transitioning to my current role at Scrivener as a publisher and writer, where I combine my love for literature and publishing. Beyond my professional life, I consider myself a multifaceted creative. I have explored various artistic avenues, including graphic design, photography, and music production. In the realm of music, I produce under the moniker Stainless Kole, where I express my musical creativity and collaborate with others to create unique sounds.

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