By Jeff Kapembwa

With global investments touted around US$3 trillion, the International Water Management Institute (IWMI) has joined interest groups seeking to reverse and restore natural habitat in the climate threatened Kafue Lower Basin.

The United Nations estimates the cost of reversing the degree of degradation on land globally as having quadrupled to US$2.6 trillion and needs private sector financial intervention to reverse the damage by the close of 2030,  but should be private sector driven.

 Severe and more frequent droughts spurred by climate change combined with the food needs of the rising global population have put society have heightened and poses a greater risk of upheavals and unless climate action, driven by private sector’s monetary resources is taken now, the planet is at greater risk, a study by Ibrahim Thiaw, a researcher and climate change expert at the United Nations says.

Thiaw had during a recent climate change meeting in Riyad, Saudi Arabia, held to strengthen the world’s drought resilience, including toughening up the legal obligations of states, called for laying out strategic next steps and securing finance.  He lobbies for a united voice among players, chiefly the private sector to help restore wetlands, the world’s most vulnerable spaces to climate change.

An estimated US$1 billion is needed daily to entrench climate related resilience in all vulnerable countries, chiefly Least Developed Nations, notes Thiaw. The private sector is more positioned to take the lead in restoration, conservation and preservation of these wetlands.

“The bulk of the investments on restoration in the world is coming from private money and that is not right. Because, essentially, the main drivers of the degradation in the world is food production which is in the hands of the private sector,” Thiaw, who is also the executive Secretary of the United Nations Convention to combat desertification UNCCD) argues.

The advocacy being championed is arguably to lobby for an open and sustained tap of investment in climate related programmes. The private sector is singled out in raising the finances and compliment Governments, many, now financially constrained and unable to sustain mitigation and adaptation because of their public indebtedness.

Zambia, like other countries with wetlands, are in similar predicaments to fight extinction and step up restoration efforts of such wetlands because of the natural value to the ecosystem. One case in point is the depleting wetlands of the 6,500km radius, Kafue Flats.

Despite it being one of the world’s highly rated wetlands, an agricultural area, supporting a large number of subsistence and small-scale farmers, a source of irrigation water for three large commercial farming operations, it is under threat of extinction without financial input to restore it.

The Kafue Flats generate 50% of Zambia’s national hydroelectricity supply through the Kafue Gorge Dam and Itezhi-Tezhi Dam,  and 44% of water used in Lusaka is drawn from the Kafue River.

The region is home to the highest concentration of cattle in the country, with an estimated 20% of the national herd (290,000 cattle) grazing on the flats in the dry season.  An extensive sugar irrigation sector, supplying both domestic and export markets, also exists.

The fisheries of the Kafue Flats are one of Zambia’s most productive wild fisheries, supplying both urban and rural markets with an annual estimated value of US $30 million. In wildlife, it is home to Lochinvar Game Park in it rare species including the Kafue Lechwe, Pangolin, Blue wildebeest, Greater kudu, and wattled crane are found.

It has largest livestock population in Zambia, with the Namwala, Itezhi-Tezhi, and Mumbwa districts accounting for 20% of the national herd, and is also rated an important area for fishing.  It houses the large commercial farms, including the Nakambala sugar cane plantation, producing 89% of Zambia’s sugar.

The Kafue Flats, one of Zambia’s eight RAMSAR sites, is home to abundant birdlife and once supported large populations of key herbivores, such as wildebeest and eland, among other animal species, a source of global tourism.

It houses Kafue Gorge and Itezhi-Tezhi Dams hydro power plants, all producing more than half of Zambia’s electricity.  Despite their importance, the Kafue Flats are one of the most threatened ecosystems in the world.

Increased human pressure, such as water abstraction for domestic use, and the potential for hydropower expansions to alter flooding patterns, threaten the ecosystem, research by various interest groups including the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF):  a conservation organization working to protect endangered species and spaces, and address global threats.

The Government is aware of the fate of the Kafue Plains and is collaborating with various ‘like minded’ private partners to ensure the restoration of the ecosystem through various interventions based on the National Adaptation Plans (NAP) or National Determined Contributions (NDCs), embodying efforts by each country to reduce national emissions to adapt to the impacts of climate change.

Climate actions are in place in Zambia and include climate smart agriculture, carbon market trading  to save forestry and transactioning into a Green Economy.

‘The ultimate goal to save the planet from degradation lies in the private sector as they compliment and insulate it from future calamities, especially striving to reduce global temperature to below 2°.’

The private sector has undoubtedly responded to Zambia’s call to save and restore the Kafue Plains, one of the wetlands (Ramsar Sites) listed and designated as being of international valued importance for humanity and save it from extinction.

The International Water Management Institute (IMWI), a Srilanka-based-private-research-for-development (R4D) organisation, with operations in over 13 countries and a global network of scientists operating in more than 30 countries, has joined other players in restoring the Kafue Plains from extinction.

IWMI, initially called the International Irrigation Management Institute (IIMI) and supported by among other donors, the World Bank and the Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research (CGIAR) and WorldFish, wants to render help and ensure the plans are restored.

It envisions it useful for the people who live near the wetlands who are a source of income and seeks to render help in collaboration with traditional leaders, who are custodians and are vital in ensuring sustainable land and water use management.’

Under the AquaPlans Work Package 3 (WP3) of the Aquatic Foods CGIAR Initiative, WorldFish and IWMI have partnered with the local chiefs to ensure sustainable use of the Kafue flats. The chiefs in the areas are recognized as proponents of natural resource management, chiefly land and water use in their communities but seek autonomy over teh administration of the area.

The partnership was a resolution made in 2022 in Monze between IWMI and the traditional leaders-Chief Nalubamba of Namwala, Chief Choongo of Monze, and Chief Hamusonde of Monze, Chief Mungaila of Namwala and Chieftainess Muwezwa of Itezhi tezhi as well as Glisten Chibiya Choomba representing the Mwanachingwala Chiefdom of Mazabuka to jointly work together.

The outcome of the partnership is to attain sustainable resource governance of the Kafue flats through the restoration of the ecosystem and ultimately benefit the people who are the custodians, while ensuring they are empowered to oversee and decide the utilization of the resources without being dictated to.

The IWMI in collaboration with the WorldFish and on behalf of the ONE CGIAR, in implementing the Project “Resilient Aquatic Food Systems for Healthy People and Planet (AqFS)” in several countries in Africa, Asia and the Pacific has extended its services to Zambia, chiefly in helping to restore the Kafue Plains being one of the world’s  threatened ecosystem with an investment of US$60, 000.

The scope of the AqFS is to catalyze scaling of transformative innovations and evidence-based policies to enhance the resilience of the aquatic food system and realize their full potential in delivering a triple win for nature, people and the economy.

In Zambia a multi stakeholder platform comprising NGOs, CSOs, corporate entities, communities and government departments was created by the IWMI and WorldFish to lead a multi-sectoral initiative of enhancing collective efforts in sustainable management of the land-water-foodscape nexus in the Lower Kafue Basin.

These stakeholders are selectively grouped for purposes of starting activities in the Lower Kafue Basin, particularly in 6 chiefdoms of Chief Mwanachingwala of Mazabuka, Chief Choongo of Monze, Chief Hamusonde of Monze, Chief Mungaila of Namwala, Chief Nalubamba of Namwala and Chieftainess Muwezwa of Itezhi-Tezhi.

Under one of the groups set up; the Knowledge and Information Working Group (KIWG), with Youths for Ecosystems Restoration (YER) as lead organization, an undertaking was done to conduct activities in all 6 chiefdoms with the objective of supporting MSP for Resilient Aquatic Food Systems in the Kafue flats which is expected to contribute towards the outcome.

Outcomes include an enhanced capacity of local institutions and multiple stakeholders to improve rights and access to fishery and multifunctional systems for smallholders, as well as landless.

Under the KIWG, IWMI’s objectives included; establishing a centralized repository for knowledge, information and resources relevant to MSP’s goals; facilitating the exchange of knowledge and best practices among stakeholders through workshops, conferences and online platforms while striving to organise training and capacity building programmes to enhance stakeholders ‘knowledge and skills.

The objective of the KIWG was to support the Multi-Stakeholder Platform for Resilient Aquatic Food Systems in the Kafue flats which is expected to contribute towards the outcome:

It will endeavor to enhance the capacity of local institutions and multiple stakeholders to improve rights and access to fishery and multifunctional systems for smallholders, as well as landless.

Presently, the KIWG has undertaken steps to meet various chiefdoms to upraise them about the MSP and get feedback on pertinent issues concerning the lower Kafue Basin.

Like IWMI senior Researcher, Evaristo Mapendza, whose organisation provided US$60,000 notes in his presentation that despite various efforts underway: the restoration of ecosystem in the Kafue Plains is votal but needs collaborative thoughts and actions using various innovative platforms for actions beneficial to end users.

“Its survival (Kafue Plains) depends on how well stakeholders can unite to balance competing interests while preserving this invaluable resource,” he said during an interview.

There is dire need to embrace all players, chiefly traditional leaders for their invaluable knowledge of the landscape that offer valuable insights, blending traditional practices with modern solutions.

Integrating the knowledge into policy frameworks, decision-makers can craft interventions that are both effective and culturally sustainable. He called for the tackling of deforestation and land degradation in restoring all efforts.

Saving the Kafue River Basin, Dr. Mapendza observes, is not just an environmental necessity but a long-term economic and social stability development gem in Zambia’s development.

“We must view the basin as a shared resource. It’s only through collaboration, inclusive governance, and mutual accountability that we can ensure a sustainable future for the basin,” he said.

Arguably, IWMI has constituted three working groups including Knowledge and Information (KIWG) to ascertain happenings and challenges faced in which overfishing of the various fish species and modes of undertaking the harvesting, including illegal ones are highlighted and deemed  a threat to the environment.

The group seeks to collaborate with Zambia’s Department of Fisheries to establish catch limits and quotas; implement closed seasons; or areas in conjunction with local fishing communities and encourage the promotion of sustainable fishing practices through training and demonstrations, among other proposals.

Efforts are underway to sensitise the local people to develop targeted messaging campaigns to raise awareness about sustainable fishing practices; establish a communication network for fishermen to share information on fish stocks and fishing regulations, among other safety catches for the benefit of all.

Other groupings on livelihood and environmental protection, all under the auspices of the IWMI have undertaken fact finding missions to assess challenges and opportunities availed to the Kafue Plains and will make recommendations for onward action for the Government and other players agree on the fate of the Kafue Plains in a bid to restore the ecosystem and save it from extinction.

Like WorldFish country director for Zambia and Southern Africa, Victor Siamudaala notes: The Kafue Plains is key to Zambia’s quest to retain the wetlands in their original state.  There is a serious need to engage key stakeholders to attain sustainable resource governance of the Kafue flats.

The WWF, a key player in the restoration of the Kafue Plains forms part of the 20-year-Conservation has mooted a conservation alliance between WWF, ICF, DNPW, and EWT

Last October, WWF partnered with the International Crane Foundation, Endangered Wildlife Trust, and the Department of National Parks and Wildlife to actualize the 20-year mission to conserve and restore the Kafue Flats with the former emphasising the organisation’s deep-rooted commitment.

 

“WWF has long been a steward of the Kafue Flats. This dedication was first demonstrated nearly 60 years ago when we, as part of a consortium, purchased Lochinvar and donated it to the government to be declared a National Park.

 

”WWF Zambia’s Country Director, Nalucha Nganga-Ziba, is cited in a report by her organisation as reiterating the organisation’s commitment to preserving the wetland’s rich biodiversity.”

 

Other interest groups, Dr. Rich Beilfuss, CEO of the International Crane Foundation, describes the Kafue Flats as one of the most important wetlands in Zambia citing Lechwes as having once thrived alongside the livelihoods, cattle, and agriculture on the surrounding plains.

 

He calls for sustainable practices to benefit both local communities and the wildlife of the Kafue Flats, while ensuring a harmonious balance for future generations,” he stated.  The ultimate is to restore the pride and biodiversity of the Kafue Flats for future generations.

 

African Parks’ CEO, Peter Fearnhead said over the agreement:  “Through the conclusion of this management partnership, the Zambian Government sets in motion the process to fully restore Kafue as one of Africa’s greatest conservation areas.

Investing in Kafue’s exceptional landscape and the conservation of its biodiversity, will enhance Kafue’s value for communities and its economic contribution to the country.

Arguably, studies show that much depreciation has taken place in the Kafue flats echo-system.  The population of Kafue lechwe has significantly declined from over 100,000 to fewer than 25,000 people, all competing for few resources.

 

The partnership signed among key players remains vital for the restoration of the Kafue Plains, making it a landmark commitment to secure the protection and effective management of one of Africa’s ten largest national parks.

 

The partnership is envisioned to deliver greater investment in all aspects of Kafue’s park management, to help attain value to biodiversity, socio-economic development and the people of Zambia. The collective agreement comes after two decades of collaboration with the private sector to join hands in restoring the park.

Background:

Through the PSP, African Parks laid the foundation for the ongoing development and management of Kafue.  During this period US$3.6 million was planned for investment into park infrastructure and operations.

These include: the construction of a new law enforcement center; rehabilitation of existing infrastructure at Chunga and Ngoma; grading of 2000 km of roads; aerial support to law enforcement operations with both helicopter and fixed wing; completion of an aerial census for the entire landscape; and the creation of 150 permanent jobs.

It also included US$800 000 in law enforcement salaries, which were reimbursed to the Government of Zambia. The new agreement provides a full mandate to implement a holistic management plan.

These include a continuation of the work set out in the PSP. Priorities for 2022 include further upgrades of roads to improve visitor access, development of community facilities and projects, an upgraded communications network and the operationalisation of the state-of-the-art law enforcement centre.

Spanning 22,400 km2, Kafue National Park is situated in the world’s largest transfrontier conservation area, the Kavango Zambezi (KAZA TFCA), straddling five countries – Angola, Botswana, Namibia, Zambia and Zimbabwe.

The park is amongst the world’s most important natural heritage sites and an essential water source for the region.

One of the last vast expanses of the iconic Zambezian Eco region, and home to elephants, large predators, 21 species of antelope and 515 bird species, Kafue holds potential to become one of Africa’s most exceptional tourist destinations.

The Government of Zambia first partnered with African Parks in 2003 in Liuwa Plain National Park and subsequently in 2008 in Bangweulu Wetlands. Kafue National Park is the 20th park to join African Parks’ portfolio.

Tourism Permanent Secretary Evans Luhanga observed during the signing ceremony the partnership was a gateway to the success of the restoration programme for the Kafue Plains which will protect the valuable landscape for the benefit of the country.

“This is a new and exciting chapter for Kafue National Park and we look forward to the socio-economic development and other opportunities that come from expanding sustainable tourism through effective Park and wildlife management.”

However, traditional leaders, while appreciating the gesture extended towards the restoration of the Lower Kafue basin ecosystem by various players, seek autonomy over the administration of their land.

“We welcome the support being rendered by all interest groups in restoring and preserving the Lower Kafue Basin and the entire ecosystem, but, we would like to own (domesticate) all the rights we hold over nature,” Chieftainess Muwezwa said recently on behalf of other traditional leaders during a IWMI-organised Kafue Lower basin preparation meetings.