Critical Zones Africa (CZA) is funded through the generous support of the Science for Africa Foundation.
Lake Chivero in Zimbabwe is the primary water source for Harare and adjacent towns, including Chitungwiza, Norton, Epworth and Ruwa. Built in 1952 with a storage capacity of 247,181,000 m3 and a water body covering 26.3 km2, it was designed to supply water to only 200,000 residents,rising to 2 427 231 residents in 2024.
The current scenario is underlined by water shortages and pollution driven by poor planning and mismanagement of the catchment area. The current drought is also adding to the water shortage in Harare. The location of the Lake Chivero catchment area is complex because it is an integral part of the drainage and sewage systems for both Harare and its dormitory towns. The central sewer treatment plants located drain waste directly into the lake and other small dams.
More serious is that local voices, lived experiences and solutions are absent from both the narratives and solutions being proffered by authorities, donors and beneficiaries, the latter being people who benefit from water purification contracts. The water crisis in Harare has also attracted big private water suppliers who sell water for all purposes, pointing to the monetisation or commoditisation of water, which is a ubiquitous global challenge.
Over four years, the site research team focuses on these topics:
- Ethno-scientific-based model for enhancing stewardship over soil and water health
- Innovative approaches for waste-to-product development, such as energy and organic fertiliser
- Transformative landscape management frameworks
- African environmental management framework for linking livelihoods and habitability
- Disruptive infrastructure planning
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Research team
Principal Investigator (PI) = primary contact for the site
Site partner
