Indigenous culture and water technology: A reflection on the significance of the Shona culture in light of climate change in Zimbabwe

Richard S Maposa,Edison Mhaka

doi:10.15580/gjah.2013.2.022613495

Abstract

The study examines the indigenous Shona culture with a view to assess its relevance to contemporary society’s water technology in Zimbabwe. The study posits that the Shona people have unique ways of managing the community water supplies. The study further claims that there are some Shona cultural beliefs and practices which are consistent with technological changes. An understanding of some elements of the Shona culture is a prerequisite for a successful implementation of modern technological innovations in the contexts of the current climate changes. The policy makers and implementers on water technological innovations should ensure that the indigenous knowledge systems (IKSs) are studied and embraced so as to blend with the western technological values in order to mitigate the challenges associated with climate change. Methodologically, the qualitative research design was adopted in this study. Data collection techniques included the interview, observation and documentary analysis. Sampling methods were also used, notably, purposive sampling and snowball sampling. The study recommends that the particular Shona cultural beliefs and practices that are consistent with the water management in the communities should be strengthened towards enhancing water technological changes. Accordingly, similar cultural studies should be further conducted with other indigenous ethno-linguistic groups across the country and beyond.

Highlights

In the indigenous Shona culture, water management technology, to a large extent, hinges on the proper and sustainable management of the environment
The introduction of Christianity among the Shona people led to the abandonment of their indigenous cultural beliefs and practices which had played some crucial roles in the management and conservation of the water sources and the natural environment
The Shona indigenous worldview, like that of other traditional Africans is guided by a holistic philosophy (Atkinson, 1999)

Summary

Introduction

In the indigenous Shona culture, water management technology, to a large extent, hinges on the proper and sustainable management of the environment. As Moyo et al (1991) have observed some political, economic and social developments in Zimbabwe which have led to the country’s deep environmental crisis in recent years. These scholars further assert that the impact of the discriminatory colonial land policies such as the Land Apportionment Act (1930) and the Land Husbandry Act (1951) resulted in the Shona developing a negative attitude towards conservation and preservation of the natural resources. The introduction of Christianity among the Shona people led to the abandonment of their indigenous cultural beliefs and practices which had played some crucial roles in the management and conservation of the water sources and the natural environment

Methods

Findings

Discussion

Conclusion