Chapter 9 - Exploring the contribution of Tugwi-Mukosi Dam toward water, energy, and food security

Abstract

Multipurpose dam construction causes significant social, economic, political, industrial, and environmental impacts on society. The current study sought to understand the water, energy, and food security (WEF) associated with the Tugwi-Mukosi (formerly Tokwe-Mukosi) Dam in Zimbabwe. Insights were drawn from WEF-related literature and official reports on the dam. The dam is set to open many business opportunities in the tourism and hospitality industry, agriculture, retail, and transport. The study showed that the Tugwi-Mukosi Dam is expected to increase the availability of fish; provide water for livestock production, irrigation, and domestic purposes; generate clean energy from hydroelectrical power; and promote enhance tourism development and associated income generation activities. On the other end, the negative impacts of dam construction relate to drowning of people, attack of people and livestock by crocodiles; displacement of people; and increased incidences of water-borne and vector-borne diseases. The study recommended awareness programs to minimize dangers of the drowning of people and crocodile attacks; healthcare interventions by the government and other stakeholders to minimize vectors and water-borne diseases; development of tourist facilities by locals in partnership with other entities to enhance benefits from tourism; training of locals in aquaculture to increase benefits from fish resources; and the setting up of an integrated environmental management plan to enhance the long-term conservation and sustainable utilization of the dam and its resources.