Where COMACO operates

COMACO operates in Zambia, Africa, a country about the size of Texas with a human population of over 13 million. Approximately 50% of its population lives in rural areas. COMACO activities are currently restricted to the Luangwa Valley region (see Map), which covers Eastern Province and part of Northern and Lusaka Provinces. This valley ecosystem represents one of Africa's last wild areas supporting over 25000 elephants and over 20,000 hippos, in fact the largest hippo population in Africa. Within this ecosystem are 4 national parks and?8 protected forests. COMACO concentrates its activities around these protected areas.

Farming is the principal source of income for communities living in Zambia's Luangwa Valley, a wildlife-rich landscape fragmented outside its national parks and national forests by clustered settlements occurring principally along the main tributaries to the Luangwa River. Primary food crops are maize and sorghum, but increasingly farmers, especially in the plateau areas, have become reliant on outgrower farming schemes that promote cotton and tobacco.

Since 2002, COMACO has extended its activities from its first focus area in Lundazi and Chama districts with an operational centre in Lundazi to four other districts, mostly on the eastern side of Luangwa River, covering an area of over 25,000 sq.km. By 2009, COMACO expects to double its area of influence, encompassing much of Luangwa Valley's protected areas.

>>View more detailed map information about COMACO's operational areas