USAID Resilience ANCHORS Activity Quarterly Progress Report FY2023 Q2

Key highlights included the graduation ceremony for ten Nyangambe community game scouts on World Wildlife Day, March 3. The scouts, including four women, will patrol the Nyangambe Community Conservancy of the Savé Valley Conservancy (SVC), protecting valuable wildlife and increasing youth employment and local revenue. The graduation ceremony was attended by the USAID Acting Mission Director, representatives from Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (ZimParks), community members, and local media. The scouts completed three modules of training over six months, including anti-poaching, wildlife tracking, self-defense, teamwork, and other critical skills needed to support the vital Savé Valley Conservancy. Resilience ANCHORS also continued to boost partnerships with the private sector and invest in community-based natural resource management (CBNRM). The activity's focus on CBNRM aims to empower local communities to manage and benefit from their natural resources, promoting sustainable livelihoods and reducing human-wildlife conflict. In the Southeast Lowveld, Resilience ANCHORS supported the development of a Community Environmental Governance Manual, which will serve as a guide for community-led conservation efforts. The manual was developed through a Training of Trainers (TOT) program, which equipped community leaders with the skills and knowledge needed to effectively manage and conserve their natural resources. In the Mid-Zambezi Valley, Resilience ANCHORS continued to support the establishment of Environmental Clubs, which bring together community members to discuss and address environmental issues. The clubs have been instrumental in promoting sustainable practices and reducing human-wildlife conflict in the area. Resilience ANCHORS also made significant progress in its efforts to promote sustainable agriculture practices. The activity supported the development of a Climate Smart Agriculture (CSA) plan, which aims to improve agricultural productivity and resilience in the face of climate change. The plan was developed through a participatory process involving local farmers, extension agents, and other stakeholders. In addition to these achievements, Resilience ANCHORS continued to work with local communities to develop and implement Local Environmental Action Plans (LEAPs). The LEAPs aim to address specific environmental challenges and promote sustainable livelihoods in the communities. The activity also supported the development of a Land Use Plan (LUP) for the Savé Valley Conservancy, which will guide land-use decisions and promote sustainable land management practices. Overall, the USAID Resilience ANCHORS Activity made significant progress in strengthening the resilience of communities around protected landscapes in the Southeast Lowveld and the Mid-Zambezi Valley during the second quarter of 2023. The activity's focus on community-based natural resource management, sustainable agriculture practices, and environmental governance has helped to promote sustainable livelihoods and reduce human-wildlife conflict in the area.