Church-led initiative strengthens livelihoods in Ward 11 Gwanda South

By Jonah B Moyo

The Evangelical Lutheran Church in Zimbabwe (ELCZ), through its Environmental Stewardship and Tree Planting Initiative, has empowered villagers in Ntalale with knowledge and practical skills on afforestation, promoting sustainable solutions to land degradation and wind-related damage to homes.

The programme also encouraged the planting of fruit trees, creating future income opportunities for households while strengthening environmental resilience.

The initiative was implemented in Ward 11 of Chibi village in Ntalale area, where trees were planted at Ntalale Primary School, Ntalale parish and across several areas. By introducing both fruit-bearing and indigenous non-fruit trees, the programme aims to strengthen environmental protection while improving livelihoods.

The trees are expected to enhance food security, provide natural windbreaks, and contribute to a healthier and more sustainable community environment.

Amid rising levels of deforestation in many rural communities, open and unprotected landscapes have left households increasingly vulnerable to strong winds and heavy rains.

As a result, several homes have suffered roof damage, particularly during the rainy season. The growing environmental challenge highlights the urgent need for sustainable land management practices that can restore natural windbreaks and strengthen community resilience.

Although fruit trees such as oranges remain scarce in some areas, their potential to transform livelihoods is significant. With sustained commitment, households that invest in planting fruit trees today can build small-scale businesses tomorrow, generating income, supporting their families, and creating employment opportunities within the community.

The initiative therefore not only addresses environmental restoration but also opens pathways for long-term economic empowerment.

ELCZ Pastor Levy Ncube Vela said the church-led initiative is designed to bring lasting positive change to rural communities by improving both environmental sustainability and household well-being.

“As ELCZ, we are encouraged by this initiative because it lays the foundation for a greener and more resilient future. As the saying goes, ‘a tree today, a forest tomorrow.’ These trees will serve as natural windbreaks against high-speed winds, improve air quality by producing oxygen and provide fruit for the Ntalale community,” said Pastor Vela.

He emphasised that the church’s mission extends beyond its congregation.

“The church is not only for ELCZ members, but for the entire community. That is why we felt compelled to extend this programme to other communities as well,” he said.

Pastor Vela added that the initiative is designed to improve living standards while addressing broader social challenges.

“Through this programme, we aim to enhance livelihoods, fight poverty and help reduce drug and substance abuse in rural communities. If young people take fruit tree planting seriously, they can generate income by selling produce and even expand into larger orchards. For those seeking to move away from drugs, this initiative offers a positive and productive alternative that can help them build a better future,” he said.

Pastor Vela said the initiative extends beyond afforestation efforts, highlighting that the church itself will also benefit from the long-term environmental investment.

“We have planted fruit trees at our Ntalale parish, not only for today but for tomorrow, these trees will help protect the church from high-speed winds that can damage roofs. In time, they will provide lasting shade for outdoor services and gatherings, while also producing fruit that our children and congregants can enjoy,” he said.

He added that the project reflects a forward-thinking approach, where environmental stewardship, community protection, and social well-being are addressed together for sustainable impact.

Anele Sibanda, one of the beneficiaries in Ntalale, said villagers are grateful for the support and knowledge received through the ELCZ initiative.

She noted that the programme has equipped the community with practical skills and renewed hope for building a greener, more economically sustainable future.

“These trees we have received from the church will bring lasting change to our community. Our responsibility now is to take good care of them and protect them from livestock damage and pests such as termites.

“We will also work closely with our Agritex officer to seek guidance whenever we face challenges, so that we do not lose the trees,” said Sibanda.

She acknowledged the area’s water challenges but expressed determination to ensure the trees survive.

“We understand that water is scarce, but we will do our best to keep the trees watered so they can grow, provide shade, and eventually produce fruit.

“We would like to thank the ELCZ team for supporting us with this project. Our children will now grow up knowing where fruits such as oranges come from, instead of only seeing them being sold in shops,” she said.

The programme is being led by Rev Shakemore Shoko and Rev Samson Maphosa of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Zimbabwe (ELCZ), who visited different communities and church congregations to raise awareness on the importance of tree planting.

Through practical demonstrations and community engagement, they encouraged villagers to embrace sustainable environmental practices as a pathway to long-term protection, food security, and economic empowerment.

Rev Shakemore Shoko, the Coordinator for the Stewardship and Tree Planting Initiative, said the programme is designed to empower both the church and the wider community.

“We have observed that many people, particularly in rural communities, face challenges in generating sustainable income to support themselves and their families. This is why we introduced this programme, to encourage the planting of fruit trees that can become a reliable source of income in the future,” said Rev Shoko.

He explained that through fruit production, families can sell their harvest to local markets, enabling them to pay school fees, improve their homes, support church infrastructure, and invest in other initiatives that promote positive community development.

Rev Shoko added that the programme also focuses on changing mindsets around environmental conservation.

“We sensitised the community on the importance of afforestation as opposed to deforestation. Many rural areas have become open spaces due to excessive tree cutting, leaving homes exposed to heavy winds and environmental damage. We are teaching communities to understand the value of trees, that they provide oxygen, shade, protection, and fruit, so that they preserve them instead of cutting them down,” he said.

The Ntalale community in Ward 11 is optimistic about the future, looking forward to seeing their evergreen trees mature, bear fruit and provide lasting protection against heavy winds. Villagers said the initiative has renewed hope for a greener environment that not only strengthens climate resilience but also improves livelihoods for generations to come.

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