Grasian Mkodzongi who graduated from CHE in 2005 with an MSc in Human Ecology has returned to his homeland of Zimbabwe and has e-mailed to let us know about his new role there.

Grasian arrived at CHE with a background in a variety of areas, including researching the impact of neo-liberal policies in Southern Africa and assisting with community-led projects on farming, youth work and gender issues.

He is now working with the Africa Centre for Holistic Management (ACHM) who have asked Grasian and his partner Una to carry out freelance work for them by helping them identify potential funding and develop projects.

Grasian said: “This is an excellent opportunity for both Una and I because these people are practising ecologists doing work with local communities. They run a wildlife ranch with lions, elephants and a wide range of animals. They employ a concept called holistic management which basically involves planned herding of livestock to help rehabilitate damaged ecosystems.”

ACHM’s section on the holistic management website says their staff oversee two major efforts. “First is management of the ranch as a Holistic Management learning site that demonstrates how livestock can be used to restore deteriorating landscapes and lost wildlife habitat. Second, is the Dimbangombe College of Wildlife, Agriculture and Conservation Management, which provides Holistic Management training to the local community through a Community-Based Conservation Program, as well as vocational training for jobs in the tourism and safari industries.”

Grasian added that the ranch also hosts Zimbabwe's oldest ecologist, Allan Savory, who helped to start the ACHM. The Zambezi Valley and the Victoria Falls area is rich in wildlife and boasts the majestic Victoria Falls, which overwhelmed the Scottish frontier man David Livingstone in the 1860s.

Grasian concluded by offering his best wishes: “So hope all of you are still smiling.”

Africa Centre for Holistic Management