In the drought-stricken region of Chiredzi, southeastern Zimbabwe, an unlikely conservation advocate is changing the way rural communities view wildlife. Tembanechako, a former poacher, has become a leader in spreading the conservation message, helping protect the animals he once hunted.
Tembanechako’s story began when he, like many in his community, turned to poaching out of desperation. In Chiredzi, a semi-arid area located about 500 kilometres from the capital Harare, farming has long been a challenge, particularly during recurring droughts. Hunting has been a part of the local tradition for generations, and for Tembanechako, it became a way to support his family.
“I grew up as a hunter, and it became an intrinsic part of our culture,” he says. “We didn’t know we were committing a crime by killing animals; we were just trying to survive.”
His outlook changed after being caught poaching in the Save Valley Conservancy, one of Africa’s largest private game reserves. The father of several children was arrested and spent nearly three months in prison, where he participated in a unique rehabilitation program designed to transform poachers into conservationists. The program offers education on the importance of wildlife conservation and teaches practical skills like carpentry, giving individuals an alternative way to earn a living.
Upon his release, Tembanechako began carpentry, crafting and selling furniture made from tree branches and dry palm leaves. But his transformation didn’t stop there. Now, he actively spreads awareness in his community about the dangers and long-term consequences of poaching.
“I’ve been trying to educate my fellow hunters,” Tembanechako explains. “The number of poachers in my village has noticeably decreased, and I take pride in spreading knowledge about conserving wildlife.”
His message is rooted in a new understanding of wildlife’s role in sustaining local economies. “I realised that animals are for the benefit of the entire community, not just one person,” he says. “I can kill a zebra today and sell the meat, but I am the only one who benefits. If we conserve that zebra and tourists come to see it, the entire village gains from the income.”
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However, Tembanechako’s conservation message is not without its challenges. Human-wildlife conflict is increasing in many parts of Zimbabwe due to population growth and encroachment into wildlife habitats. As more humans move into forested and reserved areas, animals find their natural habitats shrinking, which forces them to invade human settlements in search of food. For farmers like Tembanechako, this often means losing livestock or crops to hungry animals.
Tembanechako has lost livestock to predators—hyenas killed one of his donkeys near his home in Chiredzi. Despite these losses, he remains committed to promoting conservation, understanding that wildlife preservation brings long-term benefits, including sustainable tourism.
“Poaching is a short-term solution, but conservation can provide long-term opportunities,” Tembanechako notes. “More tourists mean more income, which helps the entire community thrive.”
Tembanechako’s transformation aligns with more considerable efforts by the Zimbabwean government and conservation organisations to address poaching and protect wildlife. According to Tinashe Farawo, a Zimbabwe National Parks and Wildlife Management Authority spokesperson, raising awareness is critical in tackling poaching.
“Poaching is a cancer we have been trying to deal with over the past few years,” Farawo explains. “But in areas where we’ve raised awareness and increased visibility, like Hwange National Park, we’ve seen significant improvements. For instance, we haven’t lost a single elephant in that park in the last three or four years.”
Zimbabwe’s wildlife reserves, such as the Save Valley Conservancy and Hwange National Park, play a critical role in conservation efforts, helping to safeguard species like elephants, rhinos, and zebras. These reserves also contribute to eco-tourism, which brings much-needed revenue to local communities.
Tembanechako’s story is an inspiring example of how former poachers can become conservation champions. By learning new skills and understanding the broader impact of their actions, individuals like Tembanechako are proving that change is possible. He now teaches others in his community about the value of wildlife and practical skills such as carpentry and sculpture-making, offering an alternative to poaching.
Though the journey toward widespread conservation is challenging, efforts like those led by Tembanechako highlight the power of education and community engagement in protecting Zimbabwe’s wildlife. With local leaders stepping up to promote sustainable living and conservation, there is hope that more communities will shift toward preserving their natural heritage for future generations.
