Zimbabwe is rich in natural resources, including vast mineral reserves, diverse wildlife and fertile agricultural land. However, poor management of these resources has hindered sustainable development and led to environmental degradation. The United Zimbabwe Alliance believes that responsible management of these assets is essential for long-term prosperity and protecting livelihoods. Zimbabwe's Department of Environment and Natural Resources, housed under the Ministry of Environment, Climate, Tourism and Hospitality, is tasked with the critical responsibility of safeguarding the nation's natural assets. This includes managing the country’s forests, water bodies, minerals and wildlife reserves. Unfortunately, mismanagement, corruption and political interference have hindered the department’s effectiveness in carrying out its mandate. For instance, the illegal extraction of natural resources, such as diamonds in the Marange fields, has become a symbol of weak oversight and exploitation, with known political elites benefiting from these activities while local communities suffer.
The department is also responsible for implementing policies to prevent environmental degradation and encourage sustainable development. However, large-scale deforestation and land degradation continue to affect vast regions like the Chimanimani Mountains and parts of the Midlands Province. The department's inability to enforce environmental protection laws effectively has led to the destruction of ecosystems, which has long-term effects on the livelihoods of local communities and contributes to climate vulnerability. Reports have implicated officials, such as former Minister of Environment Saviour Kasukuwere, in controversial deals that compromised the protection of natural resources. The broader impact of this mismanagement is evident in the destruction of critical ecosystems, the displacement of communities and worsening poverty. There is a need for transparency and community engagement in resource management, especially given the increasing economic hardships in the country. Implementing sustainable practices and strengthening anti-corruption measures within the department will be key to ensuring that Zimbabwe’s natural resources benefit its people, rather than a few powerful individuals.
Zimbabwe’s proposal to cull elephants highlights the ongoing mismanagement of natural resources creating the illusion of addressing overpopulation and human-wildlife conflict. This plan not only threatens the elephant population but also risks opening the door to unregulated hunting and poaching. Culling for ivory would repeat past tragedies, such as the 2013 cyanide poisoning of over 300 elephants. If climate change has affected the elephants, letting them die naturally within ecosystems would allow nature to reclaim and redistribute resources, rather than resorting to senseless killing.
The economic argument for culling as a solution to food shortages is deeply flawed. The government’s allocation of over $1 million for luxury cars for traditional chiefs indicates a misplacement of priorities. Moreover, culling would only displace elephants from national parks, endangering communities and further straining relations between humans and wildlife. Instead of short-term fixes, the government should focus on long-term solutions, such as addressing the root causes of climate change and ensuring that natural resources are managed sustainably. Continuing the culling practices would not only devastate Zimbabwe’s wildlife but also its tourism industry, which is vital for economic recovery and job creation. This proposal to cull elephants exemplifies the need for a comprehensive review of how Zimbabwe’s environment and wildlife are protected - or exploited - by those in power.
The Ministry of Mines and Mining Development manages Zimbabwe's vast mineral resources. Zimbabwe is the third-largest producer of platinum globally, with significant reserves in the Great Dyke region. Zimbabwe is endowed with minerals that include gold, diamonds, platinum and chrome. However, the management of these resources has been marred by widespread exploitation and mismanagement. State capture of the mining industry by political elites and corrupt officials has resulted in Zimbabweans receiving little benefit from their rich natural resource base. For instance, the diamond mining operations in Marange have been a prime example of how mineral wealth has been syphoned off by private entities, leading to loss of billions in potential revenue for the country.
The exploitation of Zimbabwe’s mineral resources often takes place without transparency or accountability, which has led to environmental degradation and community displacement. Mining activities frequently violate local regulations, particularly regarding land reclamation and water management. Communities around mining areas suffer from pollution of water sources, destruction of agricultural land and health risks due to toxic chemicals. Despite constitutional provisions that mandate responsible resource management (Section 73 on Environmental Rights), there is little enforcement or consequence for the abuse of these natural resources.
For sustainable natural resource management, there is a need for policy reforms that ensure equitable distribution of mining benefits and greater involvement of local communities in decision-making processes. Strengthening regulatory frameworks, improving transparency, and curbing corruption in the mining sector are critical steps toward ensuring that Zimbabwe's natural wealth benefits all citizens. Only by addressing these systemic issues can Zimbabwe maximise the long-term value of its mineral wealth.
In Zimbabwe, agriculture remains a vital sector, contributing significantly to the economy and supporting the livelihoods of many rural communities. However, natural resource management in agriculture faces several challenges, especially regarding the sustainable use of land, water and forests. Poor land management, overgrazing and deforestation have led to soil erosion, land degradation and reduced agricultural productivity. Zimbabwe’s heavy reliance on rain-fed agriculture also exposes the sector to climate-related risks, making water resource management critical for long-term sustainability. Water is an essential resource for agriculture in Zimbabwe, yet its management is often inefficient, with many farmers lacking access to sufficient irrigation infrastructure. In rural areas, smallholder farmers particularly suffer from erratic rainfall and prolonged droughts, exacerbating food insecurity. While some large-scale farms benefit from irrigation systems, water access remains uneven across the country, highlighting the need for improved irrigation policies and infrastructure investment.
To address these challenges, Zimbabwe has implemented several policies aimed at promoting sustainable natural resource management in agriculture, such as the National Climate Policy and the Agricultural Recovery Plan. These strategies aim to enhance climate resilience, promote efficient water use and restore degraded land. However, their success depends on political will, adequate funding and a greater emphasis on community involvement to ensure that agricultural practices do not deplete natural resources in the long run.
