Edward Mutandwa

Impact of community-based approaches to wildlife management: case study of the CAMPFIRE programme in Zimbabwe

The objective of this study was to elicit community perceptions on the effectiveness of the CAMPFIRE programme, a community initiative, designed to benefit rural communities in Gonono ward in the Zambezi valley. Five villages and 76 respondents were selected from the ward using simple random sampling. Data collection included a structured questionnaire administered to households, semi-structured interviews with key informants, such as chiefs, headmen and local council staff, transect walks and participant observations. The results of the study revealed that, although the CAMPFIRE concept has been instrumental in creation of employment and infrastructure, the local community considers that no significant changes have occurred to their livelihoods. The findings suggest that the current model of wildlife conservation in Zimbabwe is not promoting total community participation. Future models need to focus on total involvement and independence from government structures. However, this can only happen when there is sufficient capacity building in communities on a wide number of issues, including general management, to ensure long-term sustainability.

Factors affecting adoption of long staple cotton variety among smallholder farmers in Zimbabwe

The changing requirements of the international cotton market have created the need for continual investment in new technological innovations in developing countries. The main objective of this research was to identify factors that affect the adoption of Long Staple (LS9219) variety among smallholder cotton farmers in Matepatepa communal area of Mashonaland Central province of Zimbabwe. A total of 75 farmers were selected using stratified sampling and a structured questionnaire administered at the farm level. A binary logistic regression model was used to investigate adoption of the LS9219 variety. Results of the survey showed that the economic returns per hectare for the traditional (SZ9314) and LS9219 were not statistically different at the 5% level. Most farmers were aware of the new cotton variety. Agricultural credit was found to have a positive and significant effect on adoption. On the other hand, large farm size was negatively associated with adoption of LS9219 variety. These findings point to the need for a holistic approach in which agricultural credit and sufficient price premiums for long staple varieties are central for longterm sustainability.

Holistic Environmental Management in a Communal Grazing Scheme

22 Rangelands About the Grazing Area The Chikukwa communal area is located on the southeastern border of Zimbabwe with Mozambique and on the northern end of the Chimanimani range of mountains. The communal area has approximately 700 households, deriving livelihoods from diverse agricultural activities practiced on deep, mainly clay, soils. The area is found in agro-ecological region 1, receiving between 1,200 mm and 1,500 mm of rainfall per annum. Temperatures are relatively low, ranging from 15°– 25°C. It is one of the prime agricultural zones of Zimbabwe, but under siege from environmental degradation as a result of soil erosion, steep slopes, and inappropriate farming practices. The vegetation is characterized by open grasslands and scattered woodlands of various indigenous and exotic species. The Chikukwa people were allocated Jantia Farm in 2003 by the government as a grazing area for their cattle. This was done to solve grazing problems emanating from a shortage of grazing land. Jantia farm is 1,120 ha in extent, much of which is hilly and broken hills with a number of streams starting from the hills. Over 100 ha are for homesteads and cropping, leaving 881 ha of grazing land. Jantia can hold between 300−400 livestock units (LU). One livestock unit is equivalent to 500 kg live weight. The Chikukwa grazing committee planned 6 paddocks in Jantia farm ranging from 88−194 ha. Each paddock has one or more water points for cattle.

The Role of Nutrition Gardens in the Healthcare of HIV/AIDS Infected and Affected Urban Households

This study assessed the role played by low input nutrition gardens in improving the livelihoods of HIV/AIDS infected and affected people in the urban areas of Zimbabwe. Structured interviews were conducted mainly with infected and affected households in th e city of Harares high density suburbs. A stratified random sampling design was used to select respondents from the three suburban areas, with each suburban area acting as a stratum. Sixty six households were then randomly selected from a sampling frame o f 182 using the lottery technique from three suburbs. Data was analyzed using descriptive statistics. Most of the households (39%) grew green leafy vegetables in their low input nutrition gardens. Herbs and bulbous vegetables were grown by 33% and field c rops by 28% of the households. Low input nutrition gardens contributed diversification of vegetables and herbs which enhanced the health status of the HIV infected and affected households. According to the respondents, nutrition gardens offered affordable healthy food because they are environmentally sustainable. Low input nutrition gardens should therefore be integral to the livelihoods of HIV/AIDS infected and affected households in a context characterized by prohibitive costs of acquiring food and medica tion. Original ResearchArticle

Feature ArticlesHolistic Environmental Management in a Communal Grazing Scheme: From isolation to consolidation

22 Rangelands About the Grazing Area The Chikukwa communal area is located on the southeastern border of Zimbabwe with Mozambique and on the northern end of the Chimanimani range of mountains. The communal area has approximately 700 households, deriving livelihoods from diverse agricultural activities practiced on deep, mainly clay, soils. The area is found in agro-ecological region 1, receiving between 1,200 mm and 1,500 mm of rainfall per annum. Temperatures are relatively low, ranging from 15°– 25°C. It is one of the prime agricultural zones of Zimbabwe, but under siege from environmental degradation as a result of soil erosion, steep slopes, and inappropriate farming practices. The vegetation is characterized by open grasslands and scattered woodlands of various indigenous and exotic species. The Chikukwa people were allocated Jantia Farm in 2003 by the government as a grazing area for their cattle. This was done to solve grazing problems emanating from a shortage of grazing land. Jantia farm is 1,120 ha in extent, much of which is hilly and broken hills with a number of streams starting from the hills. Over 100 ha are for homesteads and cropping, leaving 881 ha of grazing land. Jantia can hold between 300−400 livestock units (LU). One livestock unit is equivalent to 500 kg live weight. The Chikukwa grazing committee planned 6 paddocks in Jantia farm ranging from 88−194 ha. Each paddock has one or more water points for cattle.

Holistic Environmental Management in a Communal Grazing Scheme: From isolation to consolidation

22 Rangelands About the Grazing Area The Chikukwa communal area is located on the southeastern border of Zimbabwe with Mozambique and on the northern end of the Chimanimani range of mountains. The communal area has approximately 700 households, deriving livelihoods from diverse agricultural activities practiced on deep, mainly clay, soils. The area is found in agro-ecological region 1, receiving between 1,200 mm and 1,500 mm of rainfall per annum. Temperatures are relatively low, ranging from 15°– 25°C. It is one of the prime agricultural zones of Zimbabwe, but under siege from environmental degradation as a result of soil erosion, steep slopes, and inappropriate farming practices. The vegetation is characterized by open grasslands and scattered woodlands of various indigenous and exotic species. The Chikukwa people were allocated Jantia Farm in 2003 by the government as a grazing area for their cattle. This was done to solve grazing problems emanating from a shortage of grazing land. Jantia farm is 1,120 ha in extent, much of which is hilly and broken hills with a number of streams starting from the hills. Over 100 ha are for homesteads and cropping, leaving 881 ha of grazing land. Jantia can hold between 300−400 livestock units (LU). One livestock unit is equivalent to 500 kg live weight. The Chikukwa grazing committee planned 6 paddocks in Jantia farm ranging from 88−194 ha. Each paddock has one or more water points for cattle.