Ecological and Hydrological Indicators of Climate Change Observed by Dryland Communities of Malipati in Chiredzi, Zimbabwe

Abstract

Existing evidence about climate change in Zimbabwe has tended to focus more on elements and events of the climate system, marginalizing changes in the hydrological and ecological system. To contribute to the improved understanding of climate change, this study captured the observations of climate change in Malipati, a remote agrarian dryland area in the Chiredzi District, Zimbabwe. The aim of the study was to gather detailed insights about perceived environmental changes using the evidence drawn from local and indigenous populations who have close interactions with their natural environment. A household questionnaire-based survey with randomly chosen farmers (n = 116) revealed that participants’ observations of changes in hydrological and ecological system were consistent with available evidence of increasing temperatures and little rainfall recorded in the district. Results also showed high sensitivity of the area to climate change that manifest in various indicators: hydrological changes in rivers, streams, swamps, and ground water; and ecological changes through the behaviour of trees, insects, birds, and wild animals. Sex and age of the participants did not influence the way they perceived most of these changes (p > 0.05). However, education and the period of stay in the area were related to the respondents’ perceived changes in river flows and siltation, and the conditions of swamps (p < 0.05). Our study also revealed deeper insights about the human-biodiversity interactions in the face of climate change in unique areas where communities live alongside wildlife. The evidence drawn from local and indigenous populations can be used to inform local-based solutions to the growing problems of climate change and biodiversity loss. Future studies would need to further examine such areas to understand the mitigation and adaptation practices that would promote the sustainable co-existence of humans and wildlife.

Impacts of climate change on household food security in Matande communal lands, Mwenezi district in Zimbabwe

“…Climate change alters suitable habitats for different wild animals and marine species because of the decline in fresh water and drying up of some seasonal pools. The findings made by the researchers on environmental degradation of the riparian ecosystems concurred with Kupika and Nhamo ( 2016 ), Mwera, Kupika, & Moyo ( 2021 ), and Chanza and Musakwa ( 2022 ) who found out that tiger fish vanished in Mwenezi River because of poor quality of water. When agricultural livelihoods failed to put food on the table, people in Matande communal lands engaged in gold panning along Runde River.…”

Contribution of edible indigenous woody plants as a coping strategy during drought periods in the southeast lowveld of Zimbabwe: a review

“…The study was conducted in the southeast lowveld of Zimbabwe, an area categorized by below average and unpredictable rainfall, with an average annual rainfall ranging from 250 to 500 mm (Mugandani et al, 2012;Chanza and Musakwa, 2022), and quite poorly dispersed. The average maximum temperature is between 28 and 32 • C (Mugandani et al, 2012), however high temperatures of up to up to 39 • C can be recorded in summer (Manatsa et al, 2020).…”