A study of the roles, opportunities and challenges of environmental sub-committees (ESCs): A case of Masvingo district, Zimbabwe

Abstract

Zimbabwe is committed to the implementation of environmental management strategies that promote the conservation of biological diversity while supporting sustainable utilisation of natural resources. As part of this strategy, Environmental Sub-Committees have been established throughout the country in order to support the work of Environmental Committees. This study was conducted in Masvingo District to determine the role of Environmental Sub-Committees in Natural Resources Management and the challenges they face. Purposive sampling was used to select the respondents in the Wards which had functional committees. Questionnaires were used in interviews with 38 Environmental Sub-Committee members from 12 wards as well as representatives from 8 organisations that interface with Environmental Sub-Committees. The results showed that the major roles of Environmental Sub-Committees were related to promoting environmental awareness and in the enforcement of environmental laws. Major challenges faced by Environmental Sub-Committees were resistance from the communities, absence of an Environmental sub-Committee identification system and inadequate transport. The majority of the respondents highlighted that there was a need to amend several by-laws in order to enhance environmental protection within the District. The most common offences are related to deforestation (41%), veld fires (27%) and gold panning (12%). There was a high incidence of repeat offenders and this was attributed to the non-deterrent fines currently in place. It was therefore recommended that Environmental Sub-Committees should strengthen efforts to create awareness of their activities among those stakeholders who are also involved in natural resources management. Environmental Sub-Committees can play a pivotal role in Natural Resources Management if the challenges that they face are fully addressed.