This section visualises the situation that is most likely to develop in the forestry sector during the next two decades due to the impact of the change drivers presented in chapter 2.
3.1 State of forests and plantations
Table 3.1 shows areas under various land uses in Zimbabwe. According to this table, 66% of the country’s land area is under various forest types compared to 27% which is under cultivation. The heaviest concentrations of forests occur in the gazetted state forest areas, national parks areas, the eastern highlands and the large scale commercial farms. On the other hand the woody vegetation cover in most communal areas is low and variable with heavily populated districts such as Mutasa and Chivi having only 26% and 30% cover respectively. Exotic plantations occupy about 156,000 ha of land of which over 90% is in the eastern districts. Also found in the latter areas are the unique tropical rain forests that occupy some 11,500 ha.
Table 3.1 Areas under various land use systems in Zimbabwe
|
Land use |
Area (000 ha) |
% of total |
|
Natural forests1 Plantations Indigenous woodlands Grasslands Cultivated land Settlements2 Other3 Total |
11.5 155.8 25,771.4 1,893.9 10,738.1 139.1 379.4 39,089.2 |
0.03 0.40 65.92 4.85 27.47 0.36 0.97 100.00 |
1
Tropical rain forest2
Cities3
Rock outcrops and water bodiesSource: Forestry Commission 1996
3.1.1 Indigenous forests outside gazetted areas
The predominant woodland types found in Zimbabwe are the miombo, mopane, teak, acacia and terminalia/combretum. Although these woodlands occupy a significant proportion of the country (two thirds) no information exists on the available timber volumes by species and age class. Furthermore, the available inventory data does not classify these forests by dominant species, which could help identify the various timber and non timber products and services flowing from them. Although no accurate figures on deforestation exist due to inadequate forestry change data, it is estimated that about 0.6% of Zimbabwe’s forests are lost each year (FAO, 1997) largely due to agricultural expansion which accounts for about 70,000 ha per year. In fact it is now difficult to find pristine miombo woodlands on the central watershed of Zimbabwe as most have disappeared to give way to cropping and grazing land. This situation will worsen as the rising human population will continue to expand the agricultural frontier into marginal areas and cut trees for fuelwood and other purposes. In addition, the current land reform programme will see more forest areas being turned into cropping as the plan to resettle about 150,000 families on 5 million ha of land from the large scale commercial farms is implemented.
3.1.2 Indigenous trees within the gazetted areas
The country degazetted 800,000 ha of indigenous forests in western Zimbabwe in the 1950s. These areas are managed by the Forestry Commission on behalf of government. The need to conserve and protect these forests arises from the fact that they are located on ecologically fragile soils, the Kalahari sands. Consequently, any indiscriminate cutting of trees in these areas can easily turn them into deserts and drastically reduce the number and range of animal species present. In addition, the forests "house" commercial indigenous timber species such as Baikea plurijuga (teak), Pterocarpus angolensis (mukwa) and Guibourtia coleosperma (mchibi). Uncontrolled exploitation of these valuable tree species can result in loss of biodiversity. In order to promote the local processing industry and to reduce illegal harvesting, the export of timber "in the round" was banned. Furthermore, in line with international market demands, the certification of some indigenous forest areas with commercially exploitable timber in both the gazetted forest areas and in communal areas is being actively considered. This trend is likely to increase in future.
In their quest for agricultural land, some people (especially the rural poor) have been illegally moving into demarcated forest areas giving rise to the problem of illegal settlers (commonly referred to as squatters). This has contributed to the following:
Uncontrolled and unplanned cultivation of land involving the cutting down of trees and clearing forests resulting in land degradation.
Rampant soil erosion caused by over grazing, removal of forests for construction and agricultural purposes and forest fires which are used as methods of hunting and land preparation.
Poaching of forest products such as timber and wildlife.
The foregoing has invariably resulted in land use conflicts between the squatters and the legitimate land owners, the Forestry Commission. The former consider their settlements legitimate since the land issue has always been at the centre of the political economy of Zimbabwe and was the strongest single justification put forward in support of the armed struggle that brought national independence to the country in 1980. On the other hand, the Forestry Commission’s mandate of sustainably managing these forest areas is made difficult by the squatters’ presence hence it has responded by prosecuting and evicting them in some cases. Such contradictions have highlighted the need to explore concepts such as "co-existence" and "resource sharing" as ways that can satisfy the expectations of the two parties.
3.1.3 Exotic plantations
Table 3.2 shows that the area under exotic plantations was rather stagnant from the late 1980s to the mid 1990s. This has been largely attributed to persistent drought and a rather subdued demand for timber products during that period. According to the table, approximately 72% of the plantation area is under pines which are predominantly in the eastern districts, whilst some 15% and 13% of the area is planted to eucalyptus and wattle, respectively. All the wattle is grown in the eastern districts while eucalyptus is more widely distributed throughout the country. With respect to exotic plantation ownership, about 42% belong to the State (through the Forestry Commission); 54% to private companies and the remainder to small private growers who include cooperatives. Zimbabwe’s exotic plantations are managed for different timber products. About 70% of the plantation area is managed for sawlog products, 9% for poles and 14% for pulpwood.
Table 3.2 Trends in areas under exotic plantation tree species (in hectares)
|
Species |
Year |
|||||
|
1994/95 |
1992/93 |
1991/92 |
1990/91 |
1989/90 |
1988/89 |
|
|
Softwoods: Pines Hardwoods: Eucalyptus Wattle Total |
79,200
16,500 14,300 110,000 |
82,188
15,200 17,763 115,151 |
77,792
15,457 12,902 106,151 |
75,607
15,934 12,895 104,436 |
74,656
16,971 13,063 104,690 |
72,436
17,766 13,930 104,132 |
Source: Research and Development Annual report, 1997
Table 3.3 shows the age distribution by area of exotic plantations. Some 47% of the pine area had trees less than ten years old and 15% had trees between 21 and 25 years in 1992/93. This difference in area could be partly attributed to the national liberation war years (1970s) when very little planting was done. On the other hand the presence of over age trees (+30 years) reflects an over supply of timber in the market at that time. Given that the domestic timber market has been depressed for some time and that it is likely to remain so for the foreseeable future, emphasis will be on the production of value added products for the export market. The need to capture the international has reinforced the requirement for sustainable forest management practices in exotic plantations. This has led a number of forestry companies to apply for certification under the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) and this trend will continue in future.
It is important to note that exotic plantations will become increasingly important in future as timber processing companies will have to complement the declining indigenous timber resource. Given the area available for expanding large scale exotic timber production is limited, there is tremendous scope to engage communal or resettlement area farmers in exotic timber production on a contract basis with the large timber processing companies through outgrower schemes.
Table 3.3 Age distribution by area of exotic plantations in 1992/93
|
Age (years) |
Species and area planted (ha) |
|||||
|
Pines |
Other conifers |
Eucalyptus |
Other hardwoods |
Wattle |
Total |
|
|
0-10 11-20 21-25 26-30 30+ Total |
35,853 19,519 11,260 8,047 2,333 77,012 |
3,790 682 102 27 575 5,176 |
8,330 1,041 292 294 207 10,164 |
3,996 532 157 61 290 5,036 |
15,527 1,895 305 20 16 17,763 |
67,496 23,669 12,116 8,449 3,421 115,151 |
Source: Research & Development Report; 1997
3.1.4 Trees outside forests
Trees outside forests are those found outside the three traditional situations namely, indigenous trees outside and inside gazetted forest and wildlife areas; and exotic trees in plantation forest areas (see sections 3.1.1 to 3.1.3). With the expansion of the agricultural frontier into traditional forest areas, trees outside forests are increasingly becoming important for the provision of timber and non timber forest products at the local level. However, there is very limited data on the state of these forests due to lack of national level data on the assessment of these trees. Notwithstanding, these trees have been widely promoted through some of the following national initiatives.
Tree planting through programmes such as the Rural Afforestation programme initiated by the Forestry Commission in 1983. This programme has seen the establishment of exotic woodlots and the planting of both exotic and indigenous tree species in areas that are protected against livestock damage and have access to water, such as areas around the homestead, gardens and fields.
Agroforestry initiatives that aim to integrate both exotic and indigenous trees into agriculture in various land use niches. This is in recognition of the fact that agriculture will continue to have priority over trees in all future land use plans.
3.1.5 Non timber forest products
The bulk of the country’s indigenous forests have limited timber production potential and hence they have low economic value. This is largely why these forests are currently considered as a "reserve land" for agricultural expansion. Notwithstanding, communal and resettlement area dwellers are increasingly becoming heavily dependant on a wide range of non timber forest products for food, shelter and income. However, the contribution of such products to the national economy has not been quantified in economic terms. There is considerable scope for improving the contribution of non timber forest products to rural incomes through value addition and the commercialisation of the resultant products. Such a move would also help increase the competitive edge of forests as a worthwhile land use system.
Some of the non timber forest products and services whose demand will increase include the following:
Agroforestry products. The production and utilisation of trees on farmland and grazing areas plays an important role in the local production systems and are directly linked to agricultural production through the transfer of leaf litter, plant nutrients; the provision of fodder and browse; and the supply of construction poles and timber.
Household food security through the direct provision of products such as fruits, honey, ro ots and insects (e.g. mopane worms). Some employment and income is also being generated from the woodcraft industry. However, this component has been adversely affected by the current slump in the tourism industry but is likely to pick up in future.
Fuelwood supply, especially in the highly populated areas.
Use as traditional medicines. A significant proportion of the population can no longer afford modern medicines which are also not readily available in some cases. As some important medicinal plants are becoming rare due to deforestation and over exploitation, some traditional healers have resorted to planting them in niches outside traditional forest areas.
3.2 State of the forest industries
3.2.1 Exotic plantations
Exotic plantation forestry in Zimbabwe is largely based on pines and eucalyptus. The industry is highly vertically integrated into timber production, processing, packaging and marketing. It employs about 16,000 people and contributes some 3% to the Gross Domestic Product. The sector has seen some considerable investment in saw milling and value adding capacity during the last decade. Table 3.4 shows the trends in roundwood utilisation in the industry. There has been a considerable increase in the utilisation of most of the products over the last 20 years. The last four years have also seen the emergence of small private sawmills to cater for the lower end of the market. This has filled the niche left by large companies who are abandoning small mills in favour of the big ones. This has led to a proliferation of small bush mills without kilns. Exotic plantations provide roundwood input for 13 large and 28 small sawmills; six pole treatment plants; two veneer and plywood producers; one particle board and fibreboard factory; two paper and product manufacturers; one wattle extract factory; one charcoal producer; and one match factory.
Table 3.4 Trends in exotic roundwood utilisation (m3) between 1981 and 1999
|
Product |
Year |
||||||
|
1981 |
1986 |
1995 |
1996 |
1997 |
1998 |
1999 |
|
|
Sawlogs & mining timber Pole production & impregnation Veneer plymills Particle board & fibreboard Pulp & paper Match Charcoal |
453,329
17,873 27,072
-
108,594 2,688 - |
251,487
29,108 33,043
27,445
109,235 3,824 - |
887,000
62,100 34,100
26,600
92,300 54,100 44,000 |
889,100
67,100
35,200
96,400
116,800 6,100 49,000 |
889,778
88,278 33,530
133,650
125,900 12,000 50,125 |
873,872
85,852 28,417
96,608
87,961 10,173 58,500 |
896,594
97,280
29,814
95,800
94,305 10,009 36,683 |
The wood supply and demand picture in exotic plantations is mixed (Arnold et al, 1993). Average annual timber consumption in the sector was 656,000 m3 between 1987 and 1990 and 541 333 m3 between 1989 and 1991. However, the actual volume of roundwood harvested compared to that consumed is somewhat clouded by fibre imports as 51% of the fibre requirements for pulp and paper products and reconstituted panel products are imported. Furthermore, chips from sawlog production are used to manufacture pulp and paper and reconstituted panel products. When the most optimistic wood supply scenario of low economic growth, expanded plantation areas and high yields is used, no timber deficits are projected for both pine and eucalyptus up to the year 2020. The most pessimistic scenario of high economic growth, no expansion of plantation areas and low growth and yield would result in serious wood supply deficits over the same period. However, the most likely scenario lies between the two extremes.
3.2.2 Indigenous forests
Commercial timber production from indigenous forests is mainly based on Pterocarpus angolensis and Baikiaea plurijinga. The total demand for roundwood in 1989/90 was approximately 50,000 m3, while the 1991/92 supply of high value hardwoods from concessions in western Zimbabwe was less than 22,000 m3. This means that the current demand for commercial hardwoods cannot be met from the local resource alone. This situation will definitely worsen in the future.
Apart from commercial timber, the country’s natural forests generate a wide range of other products that include: fuelwood for charcoal, small artisinal crafts, fodder, fruits, honey, mushrooms, insects, bark for rope, medicines, leaf litter and gum. Services provided by these woodlands include: watershed conservation; carbon fixation; and the provision of windbreaks, shade, soil stability and wildlife habitat. No exact economic value has been established for these goods and services, but specific studies can produce some point estimates. For example, a modified contingent valuation study that estimated the mean direct and indirect values of a range of timber and non-timber products in miombo woodlands gave an average value of Z$ 200/ha per year (Campbell, et al, 1991). Based on this figure (and mindful of many caveats about extrapolating the very specific Campbell results), the total stock value of indigenous woodlands (21 million ha) can be estimated at Z$ 4.2 billion per year.
The increasing human population and the limited growth in other economic sectors will continue to put considerable pressure on forests to provide the above functions in the future. This is largely because such products will continue to be sourced at much lower cost than their substitutes (such as imported liquid fuels).
3.3 Conservation of forest biodiversity
3.3.1 Cost of biodiversity conservation
The costs of current biodiversity conservation measures are important in determining future strategic directions. In a limited sense, current expenditures are a measure of the value placed by decision makers on biodiversity conservation. However, such expenditures are limited by income. Consequently, current expenditures alone could significantly underestimate the value of biodiversity conservation to the country. Notwithstanding, information on current expenditures can be useful in determining costs and resource requirements of future strategies and actions to improve biodiversity conservation. Where resources are limited, trade-offs can be better appraised between biodiversity conservation (and the values generated) and other options for public expenditures.
Long term biodiversity conservation in Zimbabwe is undertaken by the government through various departments. Table 3.5 shows that government’s budget allocation to key departments involved with some aspects of forest biodiversity conservation and management increased from Z$ 171 million in 1987/88 to Z$ 801 million in 1997/98. This represents a 36% budget increase over the eleven year period in nominal terms. However, when inflation is accounted for, it becomes apparent that government expenditure levels on biodiversity conservation fell by 49% from Z$ 276 million in 1987/88 to about Z$ 137 million in 1996/97. Given the thrust of the national economic reform programme this trend is likely to continue into the future. The net effect is to reduce the state machinery’s capacity to implement forest biodiversity conservation programmes.
Apart from central government, a number of local and international non governmental organisations (NGOs) and land owners are actively involved in financing biodiversity conservation in Zimbabwe. However, no comprehensive data base containing summaries of in-country expenditures by NGO exists. In addition, it is difficult to identify the budget components that go directly into biodiversity conservation. Notwithstanding, NGOs and the private sector are expected to play an increasing role in this area in future.
Table 3.5 Zimbabwe Government’s expenditure on issues related to forest biodiversity conservation:
1987/88 - 1997/98
|
Government department |
Budget allocation (Z$) |
||||||||||
|
|
87/88 |
88/89 |
89/90 |
90/91 |
91/92 |
92/93 |
93/94 |
94/95 |
95/96 |
96/97 |
97/98 |
|
Forestry Commission Natural Resources National Parks Agricultural Extension (AGRITEX) Agricultural Research (DR & SS) Water Resources Total (nominal) Total (real)1 |
12.4
4.5
21.9
35.5
16.9
80.3
171.4 276 |
14.5
5.0
19.2
39.4
19.2
103.9
201.2 274 |
18.0
6.5
25.7
42.4
19.6
51.4
163.6 187 |
19.3
8.3
31.1
53.1
24.9
100.3
237.0 237 |
19.0
9.4
35.1
63.9
26.7
92.2
246.3 187 |
21.2
9.6
37.5
185.1
29.5
169.0
451.9 272 |
19.7
12.3
40.2
111.5
37.6
185.3
406.6 202 |
18.5
14.0
47.3
152.8
43.2
148.4
424.2 169 |
16.3
12.8
51.8
216.2
53.1
124.7
474.9 162 |
23.2
21.5
48.4
169.5
73.2
145.9
481.7 137 |
36.3
40.2
20.0
399.6
135.4
169.8
801.3 - |
1
Real expenditures are deflated by the Gross Domestic Product index, 1990 = 100 to account for inflation.Nominal expenditures were also deflected by the CPI index with little differences in results.
Source: Central Statistical Office, 1997
3.3.2 Economic incentives for forest conservation
Given the reducing government budget allocations to biodiversity conservation, the need to consider various economic incentives cannot be overemphasised.
Direct incentives include cash incentives, such as fines to deter timber poaching or improper harvesting methods; compensation for damage to community forests from wildlife or development projects; compensation to people living adjacent to state forests who are excluded from using the woodlands; and subsidies for forest management such as free seedlings.
With respect to communal forests, the Communal Land Forest Produce Act allows communal area inhabitants to exploit timber for personal use within certain limits free of charge, while licences are issued for commercial exploitation of the forest resource. Where forest damage occurs, costs of ameliorating the damage may be imposed by the State. For example, the maximum fine for improper conservation under the Natural Resources Act is Z$ 1,000. However, such provisions are fairly broad and do not appear to neither deter poor conservation practices, nor encourage sound resource management in communal areas.
Direct subsidies in the form of free or low cost seedlings is a common practice in Zimbabwe. In 1983, the Forestry Commission initiated the Rural Afforestation Programme to boost the production of tree seedlings (through central nurseries) for distribution at little or no cost to schools, communities, farmers and local authorities (Remme, 1995). This programme was later decentralised to the local level in 1989. These efforts and those of NGOs, have contributed to tree planting initiatives in communal areas. Other indirect incentives include subsidies that shift rural people from woodfuel to alternative fuel sources such as solar technology for cooking purposes; and the promotion of community development programmes that are tied to improved conservation practices. All these efforts should be strengthened in future.
3.4 Institutional framework for forestry
3.4.1 Separation of regulatory and enterprise functions of the Forestry Commission
The current mandate of the Forestry Commission is derived from the Forest Act of 1948 which provides for state authority and trading functions. The former is funded from government grants, own revenue and donors while the latter is self financing. In line with the country’s economic reform programmes, the Forestry Commission is now working on the separation of its two functions. This has been made possible by the amendment of the Forest Act in March 1999 which now allows the organisation to form companies. To this end the trading function will be incorporated into the forestry company of Zimbabwe which was registered under the Companies Act in May, 2000. It is anticipated that the commercialisation and subsequent privatisation of the company will take about 18 months. The company will have a 125 year land lease and its share holding will include a strategic partner who will inject some capital and expertise to retool and come up with a more economically viable organisation. Given that the Forestry Commission is the largest exotic plantation forestry owner in the country, the Forestry Company of Zimbabwe will be a dominant player in the forestry industry. Apart from creating the much needed employment, the company will contribute towards poverty alleviation by promoting outgrower schemes for communal and resettlement area farmers. Under such schemes, farmers neighbouring forest estates will be contracted to grow timber which will then be purchased and processed by the contracting companies. This hiving off of trading activities from the regulatory and developmental functions enable the new Forestry Commission to be only a referee and not a player in the forestry sector. Such a development will help the Commission to concentrate on vision setting and the creation of a conducive environment for the forestry sector to thrive in.
3.4.2 The new Forestry Commission
In October, 2000, the Forestry Commission recruited an international consultancy to undertake the following:
Review the mandate of the State authority wing (new Forestry Commission) in relation to other players in the forestry and environment fields;
Analyse the current organisational structure and human resource base and recommend a leaner and more efficient structure and human resource profile.
Review the current sources of funding for the organisation and propose alternative and sustainable financing arrangements to fulfil its mandate.
Some of the key findings and recommendations from the consultancy were that:
The new Forestry Commission should retain the current regulatory, management and capacity enhancement functions being performed by the State forest authority. However, in order to reduce transaction costs, team work and collaboration with other government agencies and non governmental organisations including the private sector should be strengthened. Furthermore, the participation of local communities in the planning, implementation and evaluation of forest projects and programmes should be emphasised. These three functions are elaborated below:
The regulatory function involves the promotion of the sustainable development of forest resources and the optimisation of their contribution to social and economic development of the nation by setting appropriate standards and enforcing legislation on sustainable forest management. Activities under this function should be clearly articulated in the National Forest Programme which is not yet in place. This will involve the setting up of criteria and indicators for the latter.
The State authority wing of the current Forestry Commission has four technical divisions (viz: Forestry Extension Services, Indigenous Resources, Research and Development and Forestry Colleges); support services departments (finance, human resources and corporate planning) and a safari operation. The key functions of these divisions are as follows:
The Forestry Extension Services Division provides an advisory and regulatory service on all forestry related matters in the country with emphasis on sound environmental management and improved rural welfare.
The Indigenous Resources Division manages and protects 800,000 ha of gazetted indigenous forests located on the fragile Kalahari sands of western Zimbabwe. This is done for the benefit of the ecosystem and the nation as a whole.
The Research and Development Division is responsible for generating appropriate technologies for the exotic plantations (pines and eucalyptus) and indigenous forests. Such technologies are aimed at enhancing the contribution of the forestry sector to the national Gross Domestic Product and at improving rural livelihoods and incomes on a sustained basis.
The Ngamo Safaris Division is responsible for the sustainable utilisation of the biodiversity on gazetted forest areas through hunting safaris and photographic operations. The former has been performing reasonably well while the latter has been making losses largely due to very low occupancy rates.
The Forestry Colleges offer forestry and industrial oriented skills to the forestry sector through certificate and diploma level training in forestry (from the Zimbabwe College of Forestry) and Wood technology and Saw doctoring (from the Forest Industries Training Centre, FITC). The latter was established as a Southern African Development Community (SADC) regional project in 1992 and was then handed over to the Government of Zimbabwe in 1998. FITC also runs a demonstration plant for training and income generation. However, the plant’s capacity to generate revenue is limited by its structural configuration which is skewed towards training. Consequently, it has been operating at a loss.
The foregoing divisions and units have an employee complement of 776. In order to reduce the salary and wage bill and to streamline operations it is recommended that the four technical divisions be reduced to two, namely:
The Conservation and Extension Division combining the current Divisions of Indigenous Resources and Forestry Extension Services; and,
The Research, Development and Training Division combining the current divisions of Research and Development and Forestry Colleges.
The two new divisions will be headed by Deputy General Managers.
It is further recommended that:
Ngamo Safaris Division be incorporated into a company (wholly owned by the new Forestry Commission) in order to increase its revenue generation capacity by facilitating: the hiring of competent personnel, the engagement of a strategic marketing partner for the photographic operation; and a reduction of bureaucracy in running the outfit.
The FITC demonstration will still allow students to access the plant for training purposes, and the lessee to invest in the plant so that the operation becomes profitable.
The proposed amalgamation of technical divisions and the shedding off of the FITC demonstration plant will reduce the organisation’s employee complement by 36%. The reductions will mostly affect support staff while the number of technical positions will largely remain the same. The current and proposed organograms are presented as Appendices 1 and 2. The proposed personnel reductions will reduce the current remuneration bill (including salaries and wages) by about 33%. However, the restructuring programme would cost the organisation a similar amount as indicated for the saving in retrenchment packages.
It was noted that the revenue base of the new Forestry Commission is quite limited. However, opportunities to strengthen the current revenue sources and to bring in additional ones were identified. They include: charging a levy to the forestry industry; establishing strategic business units within the authority; recovering costs from certain services rendered; tapping into financing windows of forestry related international conventions and agreements (eg, the Kyoto protocol) to which Zimbabwe is a signatory; offering a consultancy service; and leasing land to the Forestry Company of Zimbabwe. Such initiatives are expected to increase the organisation’s own revenue receipts by about 60% within the two years. Although this figure is likely to increase as additional revenue sources come on stream in future, such incomes are unable to completely replace the need for government funding.
It was pointed out that the foregoing reorganisation of the technical divisions coupled with increased own revenue inflows will considerably reduce the level of the government grant required by the organisation in future. Furthermore, a streamlined state forest authority will be able to competently translate and implement provisions of forestry related international conventions to which Zimbabwe is a signatory. However, in order to reap the full benefits of the new organisational structure and the broadened revenue base, there is need for an elaborate re-tooling exercise in the new Forestry Commission. To achieve this, the following initiatives are recommended:
Undertaking a needs assessment and a resource requirements analysis in the areas of information technology, infrastructural development, capital requirements and capacity building in the key mandate areas. The consultancy established that the Forestry Commission is currently under capitalised and that most of its personnel will need some retraining in order to effectively fulfil the mandate of the organisation. Key areas include community participation, shared forest management and team building.
Development of project proposals and the mobilisation of resources to undertake the following initiatives:
National Forest Programme development. This will help the new organisation develop a vision for the country’s forestry sector and to articulate its role and that of other players through a consultative process.
Provision of incentives for sustainable forest management. This involves the development of resource and benefit sharing arrangements and the building of local level institutions.
Development of a shared vision within personnel of the new Forestry Commission.
3.5 Institutional framework for wildlife
The Department of National Parks and Wildlife Management (DNPWM) is the management and scientific authority for wildlife in the Parks and Wildlife Act. It manages wild fauna and flora within the wildlife estate which occupies some 13% of the country’s land area. The DNPWM falls under the Ministry of Environment and Tourism. As a way of boosting the department’s operational funds, government authorised it to retain the money it generates from various activities some two years ago. Such funds are normally sent to Treasury for nationwide allocation. Furthermore, plans are at an advanced stage to run the department as a Statutory Fund. Apart from enhancing the revenue base, such a move will enable the department to recruit and retain competent and qualified personnel. This is because as a semi-autonomous entity, the organisation will offer better conditions of service than those offered by purely government departments.
Communities who include both the large scale commercial farmers running conservancies/game ranches and smallholder farmers involved in the Communal Area Management Programme for Indigenous Resources (CAMPFIRE) programme are key players in sustainable wildlife management in the country. The former have also been providing space for relocated animals such as the rhino from the Zambezi valley and offer the DNPWM opportunities to carry out research on their farms. A number of non governmental organisations (NGOs) also play central roles in wildlife management through their support to the CAMPFIRE programme. The foregoing stakeholder institutions involved in wildlife are linked through the services and facilities they offer. For example, the DNPWM sets out the overall policies an d controls on wildlife utilisation; offers opportunities to other stakeholders for research within the protected areas; and negotiates on the international flora (e.g. Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species, CITES) for wildlife product markets Universities offer trained manpower to organisations involved in wildlife. For example, a two year MSc Programme run by the University of Zimbabwe in Tropical Resources and Ecology was specifically designed to train specialised initiatives within the CAMPFIRE programmes. Such linkages will help achieve greater synergy and efficiency within the wildlife sector in future.
