By Natasha Kabanda

Empowering communities living in or near protected areas is essential to reducing illegal bushmeat and strengthening wildlife conservation in Zambia. Through its behaviour change campaign, This Is Not A Game, Wildlife Crime Prevention (WCP) Zambia has continued to ensure that these communities gain the practical knowledge and capacity needed to manage natural resources responsibly. In September 2025, this commitment was demonstrated through an exposure visit supported by WCP, West Lunga, and the Wildlife Producers Association of Zambia (WPAZ), which enabled the Ntambu Community Game Ranch Board Members to learn from established practitioners in Mazabuka and Lusaka. Their participation in WPAZ’s first-ever Game Ranch Field Day later in November further deepened their skills and understanding of what it takes to operate a successful, ethical, and economically viable game ranch.

The exposure visit began at Makuku Game Ranch in Mazabuka, where Ntambu board members observed professional wildlife harvesting techniques and learned how selective culling, age-appropriate off-take, and humane methods help maintain ecological balance and economic value. Ranch Manager Jack Fairlie emphasised ethical practices, proper firearms use, and the importance of avoiding inhumane tools like snares, before guiding the group through the ranch’s abattoir to demonstrate cold-chain management, hygiene standards, and processing systems required for safe, marketable game meat. The learning continued in Lusaka at Chief Chef’s Butchery, where participants received hands-on training in chilling, storage, deboning, packaging, labelling, and value addition through products such as sausages, biltong, and smoked meats, along with guidance on sourcing equipment and spices. Together, these experiences strengthened their understanding of how responsible utilisation and value addition can increase the profitability of legal game meat while supporting sustainable wildlife management.

A few weeks later, the Ntambu community members, together with representatives from Mize Conservancy, attended WPAZ’s first-ever Game Ranch Field Day, again supported through the This Is Not A Game campaign. This landmark event brought together private ranchers, community conservancies, and aspiring farmers, creating a platform for learning, collaboration, and innovation. WPAZ Chairperson Ian Robinson provided an in-depth explanation of the processes involved in establishing and maintaining a game ranch, from area mapping and understanding wildlife populations to selecting starter herds and meeting daily management requirements. Speaking at the event, Ian emphasised and highlighted that many successful game ranches originated from former cattle ranches, with initial infrastructure and capital often coming from cattle operations. Because cattle and wildlife share similar grazing patterns, mixed livestock–wildlife systems can be highly compatible when species selection, habitat suitability, and stocking rates are well managed. Mr Robinson stressed the importance of thorough planning during ranch establishment. Critical considerations include selecting species suited to the habitat, balancing bulk grazers with browsers, and understanding nutritional requirements. Proper placement of water points was emphasised, as excessive walking distances reduce body condition and utilisation. Simple systems such as troughs and bowsers can be effective given the relatively low water demands of many game species.

Security emerged as a major operational challenge, with ranchers required to invest in strong perimeter fencing, anti-poaching measures, trained personnel, and, where possible, technologies such as canine units. Participants learned that many farms allocate up to a quarter of their labour force to security alone, making diversified revenue streams essential for long-term sustainability. The visit also highlighted the importance of broadening income sources through venison legal game meat supply, trophy hunting, photographic tourism, and game capture, as well as introducing wildlife in adequate starter populations to promote stable breeding. A sustainable offtake rate of about 30% across species was presented as a practical benchmark, supported by strong links between animal health, nutrition, and reproductive success.

Additional insights highlighted species-specific challenges, including the impact of drought-induced tannin flushes on browsers and the need to provide alternative forage for sensitive species such as puku, sable, and roan. The group also observed a practical demonstration of the K9 by Dogtech Security Company, showcasing how trained dogs are used to track and intercept poachers. The Managing Director, Cliff Welch, noted that the company currently works with 32 specialised dogs that undergo 18 months of training to track scents over long distances and respond swiftly and effectively to threats. The team has achieved notable results, recording more than 70 arrests in three months, 20 of which have led to prosecutions and demand for their services continues to grow.

Dr. Neil Parsons, a veterinarian at Matobo Vet Center, provided a comprehensive overview of the game capture process, detailing the methods, tools, transportation, and safe introduction of wildlife into ranches. WCP’s This Is Not A Game campaign, presented by Communications Officer Natasha Kabanda, highlighted the critical role of public awareness in promoting the legal game meat industry and curbing demand for illegally sourced bushmeat. Participants also gained insights from Peza Foods founder Julius Luwaya, who discussed the challenges retailers encounter in sourcing legal game meat and emphasised the importance of maintaining a reliable supply to support sector growth.

Both the exposure visit and the field day highlighted the immense potential of community-led game ranching in the fight against illegal bushmeat. By enabling communities to legally harvest, process, and market wildlife products, these initiatives successfully redirect economic incentives away from poaching, creating opportunities for legal and sustainable livelihoods. This model strengthens the stewardship of natural resources; as communities directly experience the economic benefits of conservation, they become more committed to protecting wildlife, reporting illegal activities, and promoting responsible practices, thereby reducing pressure on wild ecosystems. Through its continuous support for community learning, industry collaboration, and behaviour change, WCP is actively contributing to a future where conservation and economic development are mutually reinforcing, ultimately enhancing food security, economic resilience, and wildlife protection for present and future generations.

“Thank you, WPAZ, for organising the event and hosting us. It has been a very educational occasion. We are very grateful for the event and all the information shared. Furthermore, we, as the Ntambu team, would like to thank WCP for their contribution to this event.” – Mr Harrison Kalaba Zimba, Chairperson.”