Case Study: Chikukwa Youth Group’s Magweda Project
The Chikukwa Youth Group, through the Magweda Project, has achieved remarkable success in addressing environmental challenges under the guidance of CELUCT. This community-driven initiative has tackled pressing issues by implementing sustainable practices in water and soil conservation. Through targeted training and collaborative efforts, the youth have made significant strides in protecting their water source, mitigating soil erosion, and fostering community resilience. Their work exemplifies the transformative power of education and innovation in promoting sustainable development. Phineas Chikoshana, Project Officer of CELUCT narrates the story.
The Chikukwa Youth Group embarked on an ambitious project to address environmental and water-related issues within their community. This case study explores the training, problem identification, and solutions implemented by the youth, showcasing their commitment to sustainable development and community resilience.
Training, initial steps and problem identification
The Chikukwa Youth Group received training on agroecology concepts, focusing on water and soil conservation. The training, conducted at CELUCT laid the groundwork for implementing sustainable practices within their community. The participants were educated on the principles of agroecology and tasked with brainstorming innovative solutions to apply in their respective areas. Equipped with this newfound knowledge, the trained youths assumed the role of community connectors, disseminating and applying their learning to benefit the wider community. Upon returning to their community, the youth identified three major problems affecting the Magweda Water Catchment area:
- Unfenced area leading to water source degradation
The area lacked proper fencing, allowing animals to access and degrade the water source, contributing to soil erosion. - Water shortage
The dwindling water source caused a severe shortage of water, leading to competition and conflicts over the resource. Some community members even disconnected water pipes to secure their access, exacerbating tensions. - Landslides triggered by Cyclone Idai
The devastating impact of Cyclone Idai resulted in landslides, causing significant environmental degradation and posing ongoing risks to the area.
Implemented Solutions
The youth group, in collaboration with the community, developed and implemented solutions to address these problems effectively:
- Fencing the watershed area
On 20th September 2023, the community came together to fence off the Magweda Water Catchment area. This initiative aimed to prevent animals from accessing and degrading the water source, thereby protecting and conserving the area. - Establishing a nursery of water-loving plants
To address the water shortage, the community established a nursery of water-loving plants. These plants were strategically grown at the water source to help attract and retain water, leveraging the natural hydrological cycle to replenish the dwindling springs. - Constructing loose gabions
In response to the landslide problem, the community constructed loose gabions in the Magweda watershed. Loose gabions are structures filled with stones that absorb the energy of flowing water, thereby protecting areas at risk of erosion. These gabions also capture soil, providing a foundation for planting nursery trees. These trees play a crucial role in absorbing water, breaking the impact of raindrops, and reducing runoff erosion.
Community impact and future prospects
The collaborative efforts of the Chikukwa Youth Group and the community have yielded significant positive outcomes. Fencing the watershed area has already shown promising results in reducing soil erosion and protecting the water source. The nursery plants have begun to attract water, slowly rejuvenating the springs and alleviating water shortages. The construction of loose gabions has stabilised the area affected by landslides, preventing further environmental degradation.
These initiatives have not only addressed immediate environmental challenges but have also fostered a sense of community ownership and resilience. The youth have demonstrated their capacity to lead and innovate, setting a positive example for other communities facing similar challenges.
Moving forward, the Chikukwa Youth Group aims to continue monitoring and maintaining the watershed area, ensuring the sustainability of their efforts. They plan to expand their agroecology training to include more community members, promoting widespread adoption of sustainable practices. By sharing their success story, they hope to inspire other youth groups and communities to take proactive steps towards environmental conservation and sustainable development.
Moreover, the Magweda Project by the Chikukwa Youth Group stands as a testament to the power of community-driven initiatives in addressing environmental challenges. Through education, collaboration, and innovative problem-solving, the youth have made significant strides in conserving their natural resources and fostering community resilience. Their journey underscores the importance of empowering local communities and the pivotal role of youth in driving sustainable development.
CELUCT is a partner of ABN in Zimbabwe and is part of the Southern Africa Sub-Regional Node.