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Community Conservation Education in Africa

Science is the foundation of conservation, and the heart of WildCRU’s work*, but to be effective that heart must beat to a local rhythm. Our unique local theatre group is spearheading conservation education in the impoverished local community surrounding Hwange National Park (HNP), Zimbabwe, where other more conventional teaching methods have failed. The ‘WildCRU Ignonyama Players’ have been hailed an enormous success both in terms of conveying the conservation message and in transforming local youths previously with no prospects. [*see separate profile: Conserving Lions in Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe].

[also Hwange Lion Research web site]

Why is this project important?

Without the commitment of local people conservation is virtually impossible. Local communities on the borders of National parks are often marginalized when it comes to making conservation decisions. Often this is because they are not familiar with the issues involved and the concept of conserving large pieces of land. Yet these communities must deal, at first hand, with the conflicts that arise from human-wildlife encounters. We are highlighting traditional values for wildlife, educating school children on environmental issues and informing local people on sound environmental practice. In this way, we aim to put the local community in touch with the intrinsic and economic value of their natural resources and thereby encourage sustainable use.

What are we doing?

In 2002, we recruited 12 unemployed youths, aged 11 to 24, from the local township of Dete to form the WildCRU Ignonyama Players. We employed Simon Mbomba (an experienced but out of work accounts clerk) as their manager, and his wife, Gladys, as their cook. We brought in Mandla Moyo (who has performed at the Edinburgh Festival and the World Summit using environmental metaphors) to give them an intensive course in acting. The group has written and produced its first play, ‘The Wisdom’ (an ecological parable), and has made 30 official performances to well over 2,000 school children as well as many impromptu shows at villages and safari camps. Aided by WildCRU’s Zeke Davidson, the group is rehearsing its second drama, ‘The Termite and the Ebony Tree’, the termite representing ‘a brave warrior who needs to support his family’ and the ebony tree, ‘the deep voice of reason’.


The WildCRU Ignonyama Players in action

The group is currently recruiting a girl (Faith) to broaden the vocal mix of their resonant tribal chanting. We hope to expand the initiative by employing a Conservation Liaison Officer (CLO) to travel with the group and to increase the impact of the conservation message at local schools. We plan to publish an annual calendar with a conservation message using school children’s artwork, for use in schools by the CLO.

How is this project making a difference?

Deliverables

The Players’ method has proved highly successful at spreading the conservation message; it is popular, culturally relevant and accessible to people who do not read or write. As well as conservation education, and the direct long-term benefits that this could deliver, our theatre group provides full employment for twelve local youths, who have soared in prestige as a result. Indeed, the senior population of Dete report that the men are transformed and that the community is spared their hitherto blossoming delinquency. If we are also able to employ a travelling CLO, this will dramatically broaden the audience that the Players are able to reach.

Cascade effects

The theatre group presents an opportunity for cultural expression in an area where there was previously little such prospect. This successful initiative could be adapted for use in other communities elsewhere in Africa.

How can you help?

The theatre group is currently without a sponsor. We really need funding to continue their education work and to enhance the group’s training locally and perhaps abroad. If we can secure funds to employ a CLO, purchase a vehicle to transport the group, and cover expenses for travel and accommodation in local towns and cities, this would expand the group’s sphere of influence greatly. We also require art materials for local schools and printing costs for the conservation calendar. The project would also be interested in hosting individuals with theatre skills and experience who are willing to contribute their time to training the group.





Darlington performing ‘The Snake’

YOU CAN HELP THIS PROJECT
Target to be raised
£46,350 over three years

You can find out about the budget for this project by contacting us. See our contact details.

If you are interested in finding out more about the science involved in this project, we would be happy to send you further information.

Principal funders
The Darwin Initiative for Biodiversity.

WildCRU is part of the University of Oxford, a tax- exempt charity. To maximise tax benefits to both donors and WildCRU, please see Donations.

Text by Sandra Baker