https://ir.cut.ac.zw:8080/xmlui/handle/123456789/35 2026-06-06T01:35:58Z 2026-06-06T01:35:58Z Shoko, Joseph Muboko, Never Gandiwa, Edson https://ir.cut.ac.zw:8080/xmlui/handle/123456789/759 2026-05-12T09:36:18Z 2026-03-26T00:00:00Z

Social considerations in reframing tourism and resource use in protected areas: a proposed framework for the Save Valley Conservancy in the Southeast Lowveld in Zimbabwe Shoko, Joseph; Muboko, Never; Gandiwa, Edson The Save Valley Conservancy (SVC) in Zimbabwe’s Southeast Lowveld is a key ecological corridor facing pressures from land‑use conflict, tenure insecurity, and fragmented tourism development. This study examines the social dimensions of conservation and tourism in SVC, highlighting the need for inclusive governance, community participation, and coordinated restoration. Using qualitative interviews with community members, interest groups, and governance actors, supported by participatory mapping and policy analysis, the research identifies major challenges including livestock encroachment, wildlife crime, climate impacts, and conflicting land‑use policies. Findings underscore the urgency of securing tenure rights, integrating communities into land‑use planning, and aligning tourism initiatives with conservation goals. A framework for corridor restoration is proposed, centred on landscape‑level planning, equitable benefit sharing, and coordinated engagement. The study contributes actionable insights for strengthening human–wildlife coexistence in contested protected areas.

2026-03-26T00:00:00Z Shoko, Joseph Muboko, Never Gandiwa, Edson https://ir.cut.ac.zw:8080/xmlui/handle/123456789/758 2026-05-12T09:36:02Z 2026-03-27T00:00:00Z

Social considerations in reframing tourism and resource use in protected areas: a proposed framework for the Save Valley Conservancy in the Southeast Lowveld in Zimbabwe Shoko, Joseph; Muboko, Never; Gandiwa, Edson The Save Valley Conservancy (SVC) in Zimbabwe’s Southeast Lowveld is a key ecological corridor facing pressures from land‑use conflict, tenure insecurity, and fragmented tourism development. This study examines the social dimensions of conservation and tourism in SVC, highlighting the need for inclusive governance, community participation, and coordinated restoration. Using qualitative interviews with community members, interest groups, and governance actors, supported by participatory mapping and policy analysis, the research identifies major challenges including livestock encroachment, wildlife crime, climate impacts, and conflicting land‑use policies. Findings underscore the urgency of securing tenure rights, integrating communities into land‑use planning, and aligning tourism initiatives with conservation goals. A framework for corridor restoration is proposed, centred on landscape‑level planning, equitable benefit sharing, and coordinated engagement. The study contributes actionable insights for strengthening human–wildlife coexistence in contested protected areas.

2026-03-27T00:00:00Z Shoko, Joseph Muboko, Never Gandiwa, Edson https://ir.cut.ac.zw:8080/xmlui/handle/123456789/757 2026-05-12T09:35:48Z 2026-03-17T00:00:00Z

An exploration of perceptions and trust: analyzing the factors influencing relationships between local communities and wildlife conservation-based developments in the Save Valley Conservancy, Southeast Zimbabwe Shoko, Joseph; Muboko, Never; Gandiwa, Edson Introduction: The Save Valley Conservancy in Southeast Zimbabwe is a critical wildlife conservation area, yet its success is challenged by strained relationships between local communities and conservation-based developments. This study investigates the perceptions and trust dynamics shaping these relationships. Methods: A mixed methods approach combined participant observation, semi-structured interviews, and a systematic literature review. Data were gathered from 200 participants, including community members, tourism operators, conservation experts, government officials, and youth leaders. Fieldwork involved three weeks of community meetings, conservation planning sessions, and tourism activities. The literature review encompassed 60 peer-reviewed articles, policy reports, and grey literature to contextualize findings. Results: Findings indicate that trust, transparency, accountability, and benefit sharing are central to shaping relationships between communities and conservation initiatives. Survey data revealed that 80% of participants felt disconnected from conservation efforts, while 75% expressed concerns about limited economic benefits. Trust levels varied across stakeholders, with local communities reporting the lowest levels and youth leaders the highest. These disparities highlight the need for inclusive, culturally sensitive, and benefit-oriented conservation strategies. Conclusion: This study demonstrates the importance of community-centred approaches to wildlife conservation that align ecological goals with local livelihoods. By situating conservation within cultural and social contexts, the research contributes to policy and practice debates in Zimbabwe and similar regions. The findings underscore the need for inclusive governance frameworks and sustainable benefit-sharing mechanisms, offering pathways for strengthening long-term trust and collaboration in conservation.

2026-03-17T00:00:00Z Chakuya, Jeremiah Chikerema, Roseline M. Ngorima, Patmore Mahakata, Innocent https://ir.cut.ac.zw:8080/xmlui/handle/123456789/706 2026-03-25T13:55:40Z 2025-12-30T00:00:00Z

Patterns of human-wildlife conflicts and management: insights from areas adjacent to Mid Zambezi protected areas Chakuya, Jeremiah; Chikerema, Roseline M.; Ngorima, Patmore; Mahakata, Innocent Human-Wildlife Conflicts (HWC) are common challenges in communal areas adjacent to protected areas. The objectives of the study were to: (i) determine the key depredated domestic animals over five years, (ii) determine the key wildlife species causing HWC, trends in conflicts and the nature of HWC and (iii) establish management measures employed to minimise HWCs. Secondary data was collected from seven (7) protected areas and three (3) rural district council areas’ annual reports. The data were obtained from field reports between January 2017 and December 2021. Goats (Capra aegagrus hircus) 512 (47%) and cattle (Bos taurus) 409 (38%) were the main domestic animals depredated by wildlife. The study showed that out of the five (5) species involved in the conflicts, the top two (2) species reported were lions (Panthera leo) and hyenas (Crocuta crocuta). To mitigate HWC in the study area, a multi-action approach has been proposed.

2025-12-30T00:00:00Z