EMA Sounds Alarm on River Pollution: Demands Upgrade of Sewer Systems
John Cassim The Environmental Management Agency (EMA) has urged planning authorities responsible for the Gwayi, Sanyati, Umzingwane, Nyatsime, and Umguza rivers to urgently invest in the rehabilitation of their sewer reticulation systems to prevent further environmental contamination. This call to action followed the EMA’s discovery of alarming phosphate concentrations exceeding safe limits in the Gwayi, […]
Sustainable Beekeeping Builds Climate Change Resilience for Zimbabwean Farmers
Locadia Mavhudzi The Zimbabwean government is actively promoting rural community development through its Rural Development 8.0 initiative. This initiative prioritizes local solutions to address the changing climate and aims to transform the rural economy by focusing on value-added agriculture and enhancing food security. In line with this national thrust, communities in the Makoni district of […]
Airport Expansion: A Key Driver for Zimbabwean Tourism Growth, Says Minister
John Cassim Zimbabwe’s Tourism Minister, Barbra Rwodzi, has said the expansion of the country’s major airports is a crucial factor contributing to the growth of its tourism sector. Minister Rwodzi made these remarks during the 2nd United Nations Tourism Summit for Africa and the Americas, held in Livingstone, Zambia. The Summit’s theme is “Advancing […]
Veld Fires: A Shared Responsibility in Zimbabwe
In Zimbabwe, where agriculture is a cornerstone of many communities, the increasing threat of veld fires is exacerbated by climate change. Like other Southern African nations, the country faces unpredictable weather patterns, including droughts and intense heat, which contribute to more frequent and severe fires, jeopardizing both livelihoods and natural resources. As global temperatures rise […]
Indigenous Fruits and Vegetables: A Prime Source of Micronutrients for People Living with HIV
By John Cassim Imagine living with HIV and having access to food, yet still suffering from under-nutrition. This condition, known as ‘hidden hunger,’ occurs when the quality of food consumed does not meet an individual’s essential nutrient requirements. “Even though they are eating, they are not obtaining the crucial vitamins and minerals necessary for their […]
Biogas Project Empowers Mbire Community Against Climate Change
Lawrence Mutasa, feeding his biogas digester with cow dung mixed with water at his homestead in Mbire: Credit: John Cassim John Cassim In Mbire, as the day ends, familiar scenes emerge, women at boreholes, men collecting tiny logs for firewood. However, at Mr. Lawrence Mutasa’s homestead in Ward 17, the rhythm is distinct. Upon arrival, […]
Zimbabwe’s Lake Harvest, Faces Potential Closure; Appeals for 15% Fish Tax Exemption
John Cassim Lake Harvest, one of Zimbabwe’s largest fish producers, is facing imminent closure if the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (ZIMRA) garnishes its bank accounts due to unpaid taxes, ConserveZim has learned. While the exact amount owed remains unspecified, sources within Lake Harvest indicate that the imposition of a 15% Value Added Tax (VAT) has significantly […]
The Kombi Crash We Ignore: Zimbabwe’s Daily Toll of Cervical Cancer
John Cassim Imagine hearing that a minibus (kombi) full of women crashes every day, resulting in at least six fatalities. These are shocking statistics that would compel the Zimbabwean government to act. One might expect the Zimbabwe Republic Police to establish roadblocks, apprehend reckless drivers, and impound unroadworthy kombis to curb the carnage. The reality, […]
Zimbabwe Intensifies Fight Against African Armyworm with Surveillance Traps
John Cassim In a concerted effort to combat the most severe African armyworm outbreak in 20 years, Zimbabwe, through the Ministry of Agriculture, Lands, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development, has deployed 214 surveillance traps nationwide. Minister Dr. Anxious Masuka announced this initiative during a Post Cabinet Media Briefing in Harare this Tuesday. While the primary […]
Zimbabwe Applauds Gains from The Resilience Building Fund: Embraces Second Phase
John Cassim Zimbabwe’s Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development, Professor Obert Jiri, has applauded the gains realised from the Zimbabwe Resilience Building Fund (ZRBF). Professor Obert Jiri made these remarks during the official launch of the second phase of the ZRBF, supported by a US$17.24 million pooled fund […]