The Zimbabwe Natural Resources Management Programme and lessons in cross-cultural exchange

Since early 1992, the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources has been executing a five year, $19 million CIDA-funded capacity building programme in the Republic of Zimbabwe, in southern Africa. The programme has a policy development project (EPCU) in the Ministry of Environment and Tourism head office, and an operational level project (RTB) in the Department of Natural Resources. Training and the exchange of skills, knowledge, and experience are critical elements in both projects. The cross-cultural exchange method used by the two Canadian EPCU advisors has evolved from a direct one-on-one approach with only two Zimbabwean counterparts, to a broader approach involving five primary counterparts in the immediate unit, and several secondary counterparts in other branches of the local Ministry. Both approaches have advantages and disadvantages. From experience gained to date however, the broader approach appears better suited for implementing the EPCU project objectives in light of local conditions and constraints.