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First Black Woman Founder Tackles Human-Wildlife Conflict
30 Apr
Summary
- Innovative mobile bomas deter lions from attacking livestock.
- Incidents of human-wildlife conflict dropped by 98%.
- The organization spans 2.6 million hectares in the Zambezi valley.
Moreangels Mbizah has become a pioneering figure in Zimbabwe as the first Black African woman to establish a conservation organization, Wildlife Conservation Action (WCA).
WCA focuses on fostering coexistence between humans and wildlife, particularly addressing the growing threat of human-wildlife conflict (HWC) in Zimbabwe's Mbire district.
The organization employs community-led strategies, including training local guardians and implementing technological innovations like mobile bomas. These enclosures, wrapped in opaque plastic, prevent lions from seeing livestock, thereby averting attacks.
These interventions have proven highly effective, with WCA reporting a significant 98% reduction in human-wildlife conflict incidents. Their conservation efforts now encompass 2.6 million hectares across the Zambezi valley, protecting an estimated 18,000 livestock valued at $2.3 million.
Mbizah's journey began after a tragic encounter in 2014, which highlighted the need for a holistic approach to conservation that includes community well-being. She is also dedicated to mentoring young female conservationists, aiming to create more opportunities for Black African women in the field.
