Community-rooted conservation in Binga District.
Mucheni Community Conservancy was established to address human-wildlife conflict while protecting biodiversity and building resilient local livelihoods.
Established in response to escalating human-wildlife conflict.
Binga District lies in the Zambezi Valley escarpment, south of Lake Kariba, within one of Zimbabwe’s most biodiverse yet economically marginalised regions. For generations, communities here have depended on wildlife, fisheries, and non-timber forest products for food and income, while simultaneously bearing the brunt of human-wildlife conflict (HWC).
By 2017, escalating HWC — driven by an over-carrying-capacity elephant population estimated at 80,000 nationally and predators including lions and hyenas — was destroying livelihoods in Sinansengwe Ward. Under the leadership of Chief Sinansengwe, the local councillor for Ward 4, and development partners, the community established the Mucheni Community Wildlife Conservancy at the end of 2017, adjacent to Chijalila National Park.
The conservancy was designed around the principles of Zimbabwe’s CAMPFIRE programme (Communal Areas Management Programme for Indigenous Resources) and drew inspiration from the successful community conservancy model of Namibia, which today boasts more than 40 community conservancies. Seven households that had been settled inside the wildlife corridor were voluntarily relocated through dialogue and conservation education, clearing the way for formal wildlife management.
The Sustainable Wildlife Management (SWM) Programme, funded by the European Union and implemented by a consortium led by CIRAD, FAO, CIFOR, and WCS, subsequently scaled up support to MCC across Wards 3 and 5.
Key milestones
Important steps in the formation and growth of MCC.
MCC formally established
Established in Sinansengwe Ward adjacent to Chijalila National Park; seven households voluntarily relocated from the wildlife corridor.
First hunting quota and safari partnership
First quota approved by Binga RDC; partnership with Tokoloshe Safaris established; safari camp and wildlife borehole constructed.
18 Resource Monitors trained
Trained at Mushandike College of Wildlife; MOMS introduced, with SMART and EarthRanger platforms now referenced for monitoring.
Wildlife restocking and community infrastructure
200+ animals restocked since 2022 at Makula Camp; Farmer Field Schools established; bomas, boreholes and social centres rehabilitated.
Governance and enterprise development
MCC Management Board elected; biodiversity monitoring, governance and enterprise development continuing.
Conserve through community agency
Protect wildlife and natural resources while supporting safer, stronger and more resilient local communities.
A thriving coexistence landscape
A conservancy where people, livestock and wildlife can coexist within a healthy Zambezi Valley ecosystem.
Participation, evidence and trust
Community leadership, transparency, factual reporting, partner collaboration and respect for local knowledge.
Want to learn more or work with the conservancy?
For partnerships, research, community conservation, tourism or general enquiries, contact Mucheni Community Conservancy directly.