Zimbabwe

Engaging Women and Youth to Protect Wetland Biodiversity and Improve Livelihoods

Organisation

SIVIO Institute

Website

Support area

Conserving natural carbon sinks

Funding

199986.60 €

Project duration

Jul, 2025 – Jun, 2027

The Ditchwe Wetland in Zimbabwe’s Makonde District faces severe degradation from invasive species, deforestation, and unsustainable resource use, threatening its rich biodiversity and community livelihoods. This IKI Small Grants project aims to rehabilitate this vital ecosystem and improve community resilience. From July 2025 to June 2027, SIVIO Institute, in collaboration with Chinhoyi University of Technology, Environmental Management Agency (EMA), and other stakeholders, will engage the local Umboe community, supporting women and youth in their conservation efforts. The project will restore wetland health, enhance biodiversity (e.g. fish eagle habitats), promote diversified and sustainable income generation opportunities like beekeeping and nurseries, and strengthen community resilience. It also aims to build awareness and leadership in local resource management.

Capacity development

In addition to providing of funding, IKI Small Grants supports SIVIO Institute (SI) in their organisational capacity through:

Deepening their technical profile,
Extending their network of partners for common future activities, and
Developing a sustainable and diverse financial and resource base and an effective, skilled team able to implement value-for-money initiatives

About the organisation

SIVIO Institute (SI) is a pan-African think tank working towards a more inclusive society that works for all. SI works with citizens to shape inclusive development through research, advocacy, and innovation. Their work focuses on civic engagement, philanthropy, and economic justice and livelihoods—while promoting accountable governance and citizen-led change.