I am sometimes asked why wildlife conservation organizations care or invest in human development issues. In essence, my response is that for true and lasting conservation efforts, we must actively involve and uplift these communities, recognizing that we are all an integral part of the web of ecological balance.

Effective conservation can’t rely on just reactionary measures. Without addressing the daily challenges that communities face, such as human-wildlife conflict, and providing fundamental and sustainable pathways to food security and income streams, attempts at wildlife conservation are ignoring a deeper, systemic issue.

Here are some ways VFWT is working to enhance rural livelihoods, and what you can do this year’s end to help provide tools and resources for a sustainable source of income and nutrition to the people of Victoria Falls. (Plus, there’s a cool last-minute gift idea at the very end that you won’t want to miss.)

By feeding your spirit of generosity, you are cultivating change and inspiring growth in our communities. Together, we are helping to ensure a bright future for wildlife and people. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts!

For Wild Africa,

Roger Parry
Wildlife & Research Manager

In October, Victoria Falls Wildlife Trust welcomed our first team of Eco-Herders to the area! Selected from the local community, these individuals have received training from the South African Wildlife College and are working to develop a livestock value chain and improve rangeland health in the communal areas. The community has formed a grazing association, will jointly herd their cattle, and corral them in mobile predator-proof bomas at night. This will rotate grazing areas, improve livestock health, and significantly reduce wildlife-livestock conflict.

It will also create fertile ground for increased crop production. As mobile bomas are moved to new areas, the ground left behind is twice as fertile, yielding significantly more crops. We will augment this by distributing maize, millet and sorghum seeds to the communities and are promoting gardening packages for women, who play a pivotal role in supporting their families and communities. Each garden package provides these women with the tools and resources they need to cultivate a sustainable source of nutrition and income.

We’re also collaborating with local businesses to create value chains. Victoria Falls River Brewery is a nascent partnership that is purchasing millet from rural farmers, which provides them with much-needed income. The brewery then uses the millet to produce a craft beer and then donates the fermented grain back to the farmers to feed their cattle.

Ultimately, empowering these communities with sustainable alternatives that address and benefit the community reduces their dependence on destructive practices like poaching or deforestation. Empowered communities are more likely to collaborate with national parks officials, call on The Trust to rescue injured wildlife, and participate in other conservation initiatives.