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, […]
Tens of Thousands in Zimbabwe Go Hungry as the Rains — and US Aid — Hold Back
Agnes Tauzeni stands in her maize field in Mudzi, Zimbabwe, where repeated plantings have failed due to prolonged drought. With US-funded food aid abruptly halted, she now fears for her family’s survival – Credit – Linda Mujuru HARARE, ZIMBABWE — Agnes Tauzeni stands on her parched field. She is a mother to two children, and […]
Zimbabwe’s Capital Contaminated Its Water. Now, Residents Must Pay to Use It.
The Mukuvisi River feeds Lake Chivero, Harare’s primary water source. The city has discharged sewage into the river for years. Credit – Linda Mujuru Linda Mujuru HARARE, ZIMBABWE — For years, this country’s capital city has discharged sewage into its main water supply. Then, the city started charging to purify the water — a cost […]
Empowering Farmers To Make Better Decisions with PICSA
In the ever-changing climate of southern Zimbabwe, smallholder farmers face increasing challenges. However, a revolutionary approach, Participatory Integrated Climate Services for Agriculture (PICSA), is transforming how they adapt and thrive. PICSA is a participatory approach to climate services and agricultural extension, originally developed by researchers at the University of Reading in the United Kingdom. By combining […]
Beyond Surface Deep: Africa Needs to Invest More in Understanding Groundwater Knowledge
Zimbabwean Deputy Minister of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development, Vangelis Peter Haritatos John Cassim In 2000, water experts in Africa agreed that water communities across the continent should utilize existing water resources for socio-economic development, poverty alleviation, regional integration, and environmental sustainability. The year 2025 was agreed upon as the time when a […]
Innovating Water Harvesting and Climate-Smart Agriculture in Mwenezi
Chizivano Shava and his wife Patience Mazanhi inspects their field in Mwenezi In the drought-prone district of Mwenezi, Zimbabwe, farmers battle unpredictable rainfall and dwindling agricultural yields. Climate change has made traditional farming methods unreliable, forcing smallholder farmers to seek new solutions. For Chizivano Shava, a lead farmer in the Climate Resilient Livelihoods (CRL) project, […]
Kapenta Industry in Crisis: Economic Pressures Lead to Unsustainable Fishing
A crate of Kapenta on a scale, a few minutes after offloading on the shores of Lake Kariba, a full crate weighs between 50kg and 60kg but when dried the weight is just a third of this mass.Credit: ConserveZim – John Cassim John Cassim The Kapenta fishing industry on Lake Kariba faces a critical decline, […]
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 […]