DOCUMENTARYLivelihoods and Water security

BY NGWIZA KHUMALO

Livelihoods•The following are livelihoods pictures showing a livelihoods activities, environmental degradation and strategic yet unmanaged water resources in the district of Nkayi

Enhancing livelihoodsCommercialisation of cattle farming in rural areas, Sikhobokhobo feedlot

An effort to change local breeds through Heifer Scheme

LivelihoodsMeeting of cattle owners discussing prices before selling

A beast ready for slaughter after 60 days of closed feeding

Livelihoods cont.....

Fanisoni Irrigation farmers earning a living in the dry areas of Nkayi

Fanisoni irrigation Field show 2014

Water challenges

Gweru river in Nkayi full to capacity 02/2014

Gweru river same spot 11/2014 showing also massive environmental degradation

Livelihoods versus environmental degradation

Brick moulding for selling in the river banks of Gweru river this is destroying environment but saving immediate livelihoods needs

Human activity for livelihood and environmental crisis. More is needed to avoid desert formation in these communities and save the next generation

Tshongogwe irrigation

Tshongogwe Irrigation in Lupane Frost destroys tomatoes' plantation

Tshongogwe irrigation cabbage survived frost attack

General comments

Resources and community systems are not taken care of by development players

• Livelihoods are a misery in our societies, they happen as it were. There are no scientific or economic back up its either

they are criticised or let go. There are however parallel

activities that do not link with what already exist keeping communities in a state of confusion a poor for ever

Available opportunities are not in the national agenda hence building resilient communities cannot be achieved.

• The are several players in development governments and private sector. With or without proper plans economic woes has made social accountability a nightmare in this country therefore exacerbating vulnerability.

General comments cont…

Matabeleland is general characterised by drought spells but there are times where more than required rains befell the areas. Without strategic plans a million cubic metres of water runs to

• Livelihoods take various forms some are controlled while some are open ended. The common property suffers, there is severe environmental degradation noted along river banks. This destroys the concept of sustainable development

the sea leaving communities seeking for donor help to survive. Its just a pathetic comedy of sustainable development

• Brick moulding for sale was one noted activity that leaves the river banks ailing and soil ready to be washed away easily to the river. Efforts are needed to bring sanity without frustrating livelihoods activities.

Water security

Our natural resources need us to remain productive and we need them to live a productive life

• This is a critical issue for Matabeleland North. There are opportunities in the form of rivers that can be utilised to change the situation given the right technology and national commitment

Your life is where you are and how you do it. All solutions are in the natural

• Shangani River collects millions cubic metres of water in a good rain season and there are no activities that show a concern or an effort to bridge the situation. Big brains are required to address situation with the local resources