Indigenous land use management in lower Changane Chibuto: Sacred and profane desacralisation and recovery

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Changes in the global environment and rapid land use fostered by changing national political economic policies are the main factors impacting the context within which traditional knowledge in resource management is used. Traditional management practices are deeply embedded in local culture and spirituality; therefore, gender and spatial ecological diversity are key issues for investigation. This article explores traditional environmental management practices in Lower Changane, Southern Mozambique from an historical dynamic perspective. The article draws on qualitative research methods including literature review, and detailed fieldwork conducted between 1998 to 2000. The field work involved direct observation, Participatory Rural Appraisal (PRA) and informal interviews. The research found that many traditional environmental management practices are of relevant ecological importance, but have often been overlooked by developmental strategies. The research recommends that the study and documentation of traditional environmental management should inform sound environmental education.