The Potential of Environmental Stewardship in Dealing with Zimbabwe’s Environmental Management Crisis: Case of Bindura District.

Abstract

Environmental degradation poses an existential threat to sustainable development in Zimbabwe, necessitating innovative and holistic management frameworks. This paper posits that environmental stewardship conceptualized as the responsible use, protection, and care of natural systems through collective, ethical action offers a robust, though not singular, pathway for reconciling conservation with socio-economic development. Employing a systematic literature review and synthesis of contemporary case studies, this analysis critically examines the manifestations, drivers, and barriers of environmental stewardship within Zimbabwe’s unique socio-political context. Findings indicate that when stewardship principles are integrated across governance scales, economic sectors, and community practices, they can effectively mitigate deforestation, land degradation, water scarcity, and pollution. However, its efficacy is contingent upon overcoming entrenched institutional weaknesses, economic instability, and knowledge-policy gaps. The paper contributes to sustainability science by proposing an integrated, multi-scalar stewardship model tailored to Zimbabwe. It concludes with evidence-based policy recommendations aimed at strengthening institutional coordination, enhancing community-led governance, leveraging technology, and aligning economic incentives with sustainability goals to foster resilient socio-ecological systems.