The Mangwa South District of Zimbabwe has been forgotten by the world. A rural district where livestock remains the chief economic driver for villages dotted around the landscape. The villagers own the land, but have no resources to manage and improve it. That was until Guav and Courteney Johnson decided to help. Wire & Water captures the heart of the Johnson brothers. Their love for wildlife, the people of Dukwe Village and the environment they’re attempting to resurrect. A story of how sustainable wildlife use can provide protein, alternative income, jobs and security for resurgent animal populations. But most importantly how the community can ensure a ready supply of those two essential elements for life in this far flung region of Zimbabwe. Wire and water.

This story portrays how communities and individuals can work together to better their environment and sustain it for generations to come. A halt to the decades of decline seen in many parts of rural Africa. Though a common partnership in many parts of Africa, this story is seldom seen by those outside of the continent.

Grateful funding for this project from Bergara International and Dikar S Coop.

Stemming from this initial funding of this project, Courteney and Guav Johnson, through Matesti African Safari company have continued the investment into the Mwanga South district of Zimbabwe and the Wilberforce property. These investments have included fencing for wildlife and cattle as well as fencing for community projects (i.e., the wire component of wire and water), as well as the creation of boreholes, water distribution elements, and permanent water sources for cattle and the people of this area. Additional investments are being made into the community gardens, including fruit orchards, as well as the continuous financial investment in anti-poaching units protecting the wildlife of Wilberforce as well as surrounding landowner properties. Please see our social media for constant updates from the Wilberforce Project through our PROOF posts.