Improving Livelihoods of Resettled Farmers Through Development of a Knowledge Base on Climate Change in Mhondoro – Ngezi District, Zimbabwe

Abstract

Climate induced famine has had adverse effects and has been the worst disaster from which most resettled farmers experience and suffer from. It remains a topical agenda and a bone of contention in most countries of the global south. Despite remaining a challenge in most farming areas, the small holder farmers have struggled to come up with alternative livelihoods emanating from effective understanding of climate change. Hence using data from interviews, questionnaires and focused group discussions, this paper aimed at unravelling rural livelihoods which enhance local people's understanding and grasping of the effects of climate change induced disasters in Mhondoro-Ngezi district. The study noted that smallholder farmers are applying conservation farming (CF), small livestock production, irrigation schemes like gardening, agro-forestry, gold panning and fishing. The research also pointed out that 62% of the local farmers were not satisfied with the level knowledge base they have concerning climate change. The snail pace development of a knowledge base on climate change is being held back by challenges which include poor service delivery by government departments, lack of resources, unclear selection of beneficiaries, extreme reliance on Indigenous Knowledge Systems (IKS) and policy inconsistency. The study recommended that agricultural extension officers need to be capacitated so that they train farmers on the importance of seasonal climate change forecast information. There is need for increased participation in the realm of development agencies (NGOs and government) and be more sincere with the participation of communities through the development of a knowledge base on climate change adaptation programmes.

Schematizing vulnerability perceptions and understanding of drought-prone Gamo lowland communities: an evidence from Southwest Ethiopia

“…Except for a few of the respondents, most others prioritized and iterated drought hazard along with its recurrence in their expressions about vulnerability perceptions and understanding. This finding agrees with the local Zimbabwean farmers’ understandings wherein vast majorities (91.9%) prioritized the drought hazard while expressing their perceptions of the changing climate (Mashizha et al , 2017). Besides, rainfall inconsistency, the prevalence of animal diseases, insecure livelihoods, exposure to food insecurity and human disease prevalence were among the common indicators of communities’ consciousness about vulnerability showing the degree of exposure.…”

Adapting to climate change: Reflections of peasant farmers in Mashonaland West Province of Zimbabwe

“…With climate change, adaptation has gained new prominence and probably a new meaning. Climate change present not only threats to human lives and livelihoods but also risks to the economy and infrastructures (Mashizha, Monga & Dzvimbo 2017a). Developing countries need to invest in environmental practices that are resilient to climate change as it goes a long way in addressing the challenges and risks posed by climate change.…”

“…Climate change scenarios across multiple general circulation models show increases in Zimbabwe’s average mean temperature. Predictions show that the mean daily temperature will rise by 3 °C – 5 °C throughout the country and the mean annual temperature will rise by 2 °C – 4 °C (Mashizha et al 2017a). However, it is important to understand that many of Africa’s problems result from factors other than climate change (Brazier 2015).…”

Medicinal plant use for goat disease and parasite control in Mhondoro Ngezi District

“…1. Mhondoro Ngezi is in Mashonaland west Province at a latitude of 18.66° S and longitude of 30.61° E and an altitude of 1285.00m (Mashizha et al, 2017). The area is located in the natural farming region IV where the dominant practise is semi-extensive farming.…”