YDIT advocates for responsible mining practices that prioritize the well-being of local communities and future generations, this includes promoting sustainable resource management, environmental conservation, and community empowerment initiatives that benefit youth and other vulnerable groups and advocate for the rights of young workers in the mining and extraction industries, particularly in terms of safe working conditions as well as advocating for youth inclusion in decision-making processes and community development initiatives.
YDIT also seeks to address the negative impacts of mining and extraction activities on young people, such as environmental degradation, health risks, and social dislocation.
Year
2023
Project Title
Natural Resource Governance and Environmental Management in the affected mining communities of Penhalonga in Mutasa and Arda Transau in Marange.”
Funding Partner
Global Green Grants
Inception Meeting
Youth Development Initiative Trust (YDIT) in partnership with Manica Youth Assembly (MAYA) and Centre for Research for Peace And Development in Africa (CRPDA), held an inception meeting to officially launch and plan the implementation of the project funded by Green Grants titled “Natural Resource Governance and Environmental Management in the affected mining communities of Penhalonga in Mutasa and Arda Transau in Marange.”
The primary objectives of the meeting were 1) to collectively develop a strategic and participatory action plan that will guide the implementation of project activities 2) ensuring alignment with community needs and donor expectations 3) To provide an overview of the project’s goals, expected outcomes, and timelines, and to foster understanding among stakeholders about their roles and responsibilities. 4) To establish coordination mechanisms and a monitoring framework The inception meeting marked a critical first step in laying the foundation for effective implementation of the project. The collaborative spirit, robust dialogue, and shared commitment exhibited by all stakeholders set a positive tone for the journey ahead toward improved natural resource governance and environmental stewardship in Penhalonga and Arda Transau.
One on One Interviews
One-on-one interviews were conducted as part of the project’s participatory engagement process. The aim was to gather in-depth qualitative insights from various community miners regarding: 1) Their experience in mining 2) Perceptions of environmental and social impacts 3) Awareness of natural resource governance frameworks 4) Community participation in decision-making 5) Health and Social Effects The interviews provided critical, grounded insights into the lived experiences of communities affected by mining in Penhalonga and Arda Transau. These voices are vital for shaping a responsive, community-led action plan. The data gathered will directly inform the next phases of the project, ensuring that interventions are relevant, inclusive, and sustainable.
Focused Group Discussion
Focused group discussions were convened to engage community miners in a participatory dialogue aimed at: 1) Exploring collective experiences and perceptions regarding mining activities 2) Identifying environmental, social, and governance challenges caused by mining 3) Co-developing community-driven solutions and recommendations 4) Enhancing local ownership and participation in the project design and implementation The focus group discussions served as a critical platform for amplifying community voices and building consensus on key environmental governance challenges. It also demonstrated a strong willingness among participants to be part of the solution. The inputs gathered will feed into the project’s action planning and advocacy components, ensuring that interventions are grounded in community realities.
Monitoring And Evaluation
The Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) component of the project was designed to: 1) Track the implementation of planned activities 2) Assess progress toward project objectives 3) Identify challenges and lessons learned 4) Ensure accountability to stakeholders and donors 5) Inform adaptive management for improved impact The M&E process has been instrumental in ensuring that the project remains responsive, community-driven, and impactful. While the project made commendable strides in improving natural resource governance and environmental awareness, continued monitoring and follow-up are recommended to sustain momentum and deepen impact. The data collected and lessons learned provide a strong foundation for scaling and replication in other mining-affected areas.
Corporate Social Responsibility
As part of the project, an assessment of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) practices by mining companies operating in Penhalonga and Arda Transau was undertaken. The purpose was to: 1) Evaluate the extent and impact of CSR initiatives on local communities 2) Assess the alignment of CSR programs with community needs 3) Promote accountability and transparency in resource extraction zones 4) Inform community advocacy efforts and dialogue with mining companies. Corporate Social Responsibility in Penhalonga and Arda Transau remains largely underdeveloped, with limited positive impact on the lives of affected communities. There is a critical need for mining companies to move beyond token gestures and towards sustainable, rights-based, and community-led CSR. The project will continue to support advocacy efforts that promote ethical mining practices and ensure that the benefits of resource extraction are equitably shared.
Focused Group Discussion with Stakeholders
The online focused group discussion aimed to bring together a diverse group of stakeholders to: 1) Share insights and experiences around natural resource governance and environmental justice in mining communities 2) Identify gaps in current policy and practice affecting communities in Penhalonga and Arda Transau 3) Strengthen stakeholder collaboration and coordination 4) Gather expert recommendations to inform project advocacy strategies and action planning. The virtual session included representatives from a wide array of civil society organizations, governance and policy institutions, advocacy groups, media, and government agencies, including CNRG, Stop the Bleeding, BBM, Anjini, Zimcode, TIZ, CRD, Zidawu, Green Governance, and EMA.
The focused group discussion successfully convened a critical mass of stakeholders committed to improving natural resource governance in Zimbabwe. The shared insights, experiences, and recommendations form a strong foundation for coordinated advocacy, community empowerment, and policy engagement. Moving forward, YDIT and its partners will integrate these contributions into the project’s implementation strategy, ensuring that interventions are inclusive, evidence-based, and impact-driven.
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