By Violet Mashonga
The recently held Provincial Fire Awareness Indaba brought together key stakeholders to address the growing threat of veld fires and chart a way forward to prevent environmental destruction, loss of life, and property damage.
Speaking at the event, Provincial Director for the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development, Mr Magwenzi, urged communities to stop burning grass and instead explore alternative, income-generating uses for it.
Provincial Environmental Manager Dr K Chitotombe emphasized the need for practical solutions, urging participants to shift from “more talk” to “more action” in combating veld fires.
Veld fires remain a serious threat in Zimbabwe, especially in high-risk areas such as Mashonaland West Province.
These fires devastate forests, wildlife, agricultural land, and infrastructure, while also exacerbating climate change and undermining food security.
Common causes of veld fires include arson, honey harvesting, land clearing through burning, careless disposal of cigarette stubs, unattended roadside fires, illegal hunting activities, highway accidents, falling power lines, and improper disposal of ash in rural areas.
To reduce the incidence of veld fires, stakeholders were urged to:
Identify fire-prone areas
Conduct community education and awareness campaigns
Develop district-level fire management plans
Procure firefighting equipment
Establish internal and external fireguards at least nine meters wide
The Indaba stressed the importance of community engagement and proactive fire management strategies.
Participants were also encouraged to view grass as a resource rather than waste, exploring ways to transform it into products that could support rural livelihoods.
Mashonaland West has recorded significant losses in recent years due to veld fires, including fatalities, destruction of homes and farmland, and long-term environmental damage.
The call from the Indaba was clear: collective action, informed planning, and community involvement are critical in reducing the impact of veld fires across the province and beyond.
Participants at the workshop
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