Livelihoods and natural resource management dynamics in fast track land resettlements, Kwekwe District, Zimbabwe.
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Date
2014
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Abstract
The purpose of this investigation was to evaluate an Agricultural community and its system of
Natural Resource Management (NRM) in the post–Fast Track Land Reform Program (FTLRP)
era in Zimbabwe. The study contributes to understanding issues facing Agricultural Community
Based Natural Resource Management (CBNRM) set ups in two resettlement models. The aim
was to establish the influence that the FTLRP had on emergent practice and use of the natural
resource base. The main task was to explore the patterns of natural resource use within the
dynamics of culture, vulnerability and governance issues. The researcher deliberately enriched
the case study with interviews, questionnaires, focus group discussions and participatory
observations to promote triangulation (confirmation) of results. The field work for the study was
carried out in Kwekwe District in the Midlands Province of Zimbabwe. The main part of the
district falls in Agro ecological zone III and the smaller part in zone IV. Agro ecological zone III
is a semi-intensive farming area prone to sporadic seasonal droughts, long-lasting, mid-season
dry spells and the unpredictable onset of the rainy season. Agro ecological zone IV is subject to
drought and dry spells in summer, rendering the area unsuitable for arable farming but
favourable for semi-extensive beef production. The study specifically targeted FTLRP
beneficiaries. The results showed that in terms of impacts on NRM, the exploitation of natural
resources for survival has become normal practice. This is a shift from the previous farming
practice and NRM of the agrarian space before FTLRP as well as a shift from the indigenous
knowledge system of NRM found in traditional communal settlements prior to FTLRP. The
background of farmers had notable effects on the current farming practices. Governance of NRM
was in conflict with farmers’ needs, the harsh economic climate, dwindling NRM institutions
and erosion of the authority of traditional community leaders.
Description
M. Sc. Agric. University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg 2014.
Keywords
Land use -- Economic aspects -- Zimbabwe., Natural resources -- Zimbabwe -- Management., Natural resources -- Zimbabwe., Land tenure -- Zimbabwe., Theses -- Agricultural extension and rural resource management.