vue - Integrated ecosystem management-Zambia.wmv

The project targeted 600 households in the valley area of Chisomo, Chimbaya and Kaombe. This intervention in the valley was necessitated due to the unsustainable lifestyle of people in the targeted area which is mostly poaching followed by peasant farming using poor traditional methods like Chitemene system (cut tree branches and burning) and intensive fishing using unorthodox methods ( river poisoning and blasting). The area is arid and has two extreme kinds of weather patterns that cause drought and floods. Chemical fertilizers are used in the production of these crops. These chemical fertilizers destroy the soil fertility and when washed into the river the chemicals pollute the river affecting life in the river. The main objective of the project was "To support communities towards ecosystem and natural resource management". Community members participated in formal meetings and lessons, discussing and educating each other and challenged each other's conducts regarding environmental and biodiversity conservation. Community participated in the production of their agriculture organic produce. They grew maize and vegetables using organic manure.