The Conservation Conversation (TCC)

This week on The Conservation Conversation…What happens when we become disconnected from the very nature we’re trying to protect?As Africa faces a rapidly changing climate, biodiversity loss, pressure on land and water, and growing demands for conservation that works for both people and planet, research has never mattered more.Tonight, as we count down to the 15th Oppenheimer Research Conference, we ask a bigger question:Can we conserve what we no longer feel connected to?Rumbi speaks to Duncan MacFadyen - Head Research and Conservation at Oppenheimer Generations- about people, nature, research, and the future of conservation.

As we geared up for the Zimbabwe Water Indaba in Bulawayo, we’re looking beyond today’s water challenges and asking: What does Zimbabwe’s water future really look like?From climate change and governance to infrastructure, technology and our shared river basins, are we prepared for what’s ahead?We rethink Zimbabwe’s water future with:MR NESBERT SHIRIHURU DIRECTOR DEPARTMENT OF NATIONAL WATER, SANITATION AND HYGIENE (WASH) COORDINATIONDR WEBSTER GUMINDOGA- RESEARCH AND INNOVATION MANAGER, LECTURER AND RESEARCHER - UNIVERSITY OF ZIMBABWE BRIGHTON DHLAKAMA - ENVIRONMENTAL & GIS CONSULTANT

THE WATER QUESTION: WHO ANSWERS TO THE PEOPLE?This week on The Conservation Conversation - Zimbabwe Water Dialogue, we put water, law, policy, governance and accountability under the spotlight.With legal practitioners, Muriel Hondonga and Doug Coltart, we ask the difficult questions: Are our laws strong enough? Are they being enforced? Who is responsible when water systems fail, resources are polluted, or communities are left without adequate access?And we’re counting down to the Zimbabwe Water Indaba, taking place 23–25 September in Bulawayo, bringing together experts and stakeholders to tackle water security, climate resilience, WASH, wastewater, water for livelihoods, governance and the water–food–energy nexus.

Every industry, from mining to agriculture to manufacturing, depends on water, yet, many of the same industries pollute, over-abstract, or degrade the very water systems they rely on.This is not just an environmental issue, it is an economic one.Join host Rumbidzai Takawira as she speaks to Professor Mark Nyandoro, Senior Lecturer in Economic History at the University of Zimbabwe, specialising in water, climate, and development.His work connects water governance to economic growth, inequality, and long-term development , helping us understand how history continues to shape today’s industrial choices.We ask difficult but necessary questions:Can Zimbabwe industrialise without collapsing its water systems?And is pollution cheaper than compliance?

Today on The Conservation Conversation (Tuesday 17 February 2026), we dive into the history and foundations of Zimbabwe’s water story in Episode 01 of the Zimbabwe Water Dialogue Series.Before we talk about shortages, pollution, or the future, we must understand where it all began.How was Zimbabwe’s water system designed?What did we inherit at independence? Was Zimbabwe ever truly water-scarce, or did management failures shape today’s crisis?Join Host Rumbie Takawira in conversation with:Eng. Takudza Makwangudze – Director, Engineering & Hydrological Services, Zimbabwe National Water Authority (ZINWA)AndProfessor Hodson Makurira - Pro Vice Chancellor, Infrastructure Development & Digitalisation, University of Zimbabwe