Areas Of Zimbabwe Research Articles

Creating Family-Centred Support for Children with Developmental Disabilities in Africa: Examples of Local Community Interventions.

Preschoolers with disabilities and their family caregivers are overlooked by many public health initiatives, especially in low-income countries. Yet they can benefit from early intervention to promote their development soon after birth and to provide a better quality of life for their families. In this paper, we describe how a community-based approach has been implemented with minimal funding in two areas in Zimbabwe: a township in Harare and in rural areas of Manicaland Province. Our aim in sharing this information-allied with references to research studies recently undertaken in Africa-is that it will enable similar support to be replicated in other communities by local personnel. A logic model is used to describe the situation in which the two projects work, the various inputs they have provided to their community, and the different forms of support they have offered to the children and their caregivers. The project outputs are listed in terms of the number of beneficiaries helped and the activities undertaken. The outcomes achieved for the children, families, and communities are reported. The sustainability and extensions of community-based projects to address unmet needs are discussed. The main conclusion is that disadvantaged communities can be energised to address the needs of their most marginalised residents.

Analysis of operation and maintenance arrangements for water supply in urban areas in Zimbabwe

Analysis of operation and maintenance arrangements for water supply in urban areas in Zimbabwe

Assessing plant utilisation by communities bordering a protected area in Zimbabwe using utilitarian diversity metrics

Protected areas and their peripheries harbour biodiverse ecosystems which underpin ecosystem service provision to local communities. Understanding the relationship between the species contained within these ecosystems and the utilitarian services they provide is important. However, there is a shortage of quantitative methods for assessing species’ utilitarian roles. We used a dendrogram-based method to quantify utilitarian diversity and an ordination method to determine co-occurrences in three sites at the periphery of Gonarezhou National Park, in Zimbabwe. The use categories for the plants were determined using household questionnaire surveys, and vegetation data was collected via standard plotless sampling techniques. There was higher plant diversity in the sites adjacent to the protected area, i.e. Malipati communal area (S = 45; Simpson’s index = 0.7271) and Gonakudzingwa farms (S = 50; Simpson’s index = 0.9351), with the lowest diversity recorded at the site far from the park, i.e. Chomupani communal area (S = 25; Simpson’s index = 0.6305). Utilitarian diversity was also highest in the areas adjacent to the protected area, with Malipati and Gonakudzingwa having values of 22.2 and 21.4, respectively, while Chomupani attained 20.6. A principal component analysis ordination indicated which utilitarian species occurred in the same areas. Our results contribute to plant conservation by highlighting the utilitarian relationships of species at protected area peripheries. This allows planners and conservationists to set conservation priorities to avoid losing species that contribute the most to ecosystem service provision.

Community Perceptions on Health Risks Associated With Toxic Chemical Pollutants in Kwekwe City, Zimbabwe: A Qualitative Study.

Globally, environmental pollution continues to be a significant public health problem, and according to the World Health Organisation, pollution-induced deaths account for 23% of deaths yearly, which could be prevented if people lived in healthier environments. Despite implementing multilateral agreements and international treaties such as the Bamako, Basel, Rotterdam, Minamata, and Stockholm conventions, the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, and national laws, toxic pollutants remain a serious environmental and public health problem in low-income countries. In the specific context of Kwekwe City, an industrial and mining area in Zimbabwe, where environmental and pollution-induced health problems associated with industries have been widely reported, this study was conducted in close collaboration with the local community. The study aimed to assess community members' perceptions regarding health risks associated with potentially toxic elements and cyanide pollution in Kwekwe City. An explorative cross-sectional study was conducted with key stakeholders and industrial settlements' residents. Face-to-face interviews with key informants and focus group discussions with residents and workers were used to gather data. A thematic approach was utilised in data analysis. Study participants, who played a crucial role in the research process, perceived that industrial pollution principally linked to cyanide, mercury and chromium posed significant environmental and health risks. This participatory approach in risk perception assessment is critical in providing insight into the scope of the problem and formulating intervention strategies. However, given that qualitative study results lack generalisability and replicability, quantitative studies need to be undertaken to determine environmental levels of toxic chemical pollutants as a complementary and validative measure.

Land use/cover change and transormations in Upper Runde Sub-catchment area in Zimbabwe

The study assessed land use/cover changes in the Upper Runnde sub-catchment in Zimbabwe between 2000 and 2020 using GIS and remote sensing techniques with the support of interviews and field observations. Faster land use/cover changes were experienced within the 2000–2010 decade when compared to the 2010–2020 decade; for instance, bare land increased by 92.1% between 2000–2010 compared to 16.5% between 2010–2020. Major land cover transformations included change from forest land to bare land, grassland and shrub land, and change from grassland to bare and shrub land to grassland. The results confirmed conversion of forests to agricultural lands and settlements following the fast-track land reform program in 2000, and livestock increase induced overgrazing as major human activities driving land cover changes. There is a need for serious attention from resource management stakeholders before depletion of critical resources like water and woodlands. Therefore, the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Water, and Rural Resettlement and the Zimbabwe National Water Authority may consider strict auditing of land uses and water resource use in catchment areas to guard against encroachment of agriculture and other land uses in protected lands and fragile ecosystems like water bodies and wetlands.

Elemental analysis of Fadogia ancylantha leaves used as a nutraceutical in Mashonaland West Province, Zimbabwe.

In this study, the concentrations of the essential elements to the human body N, K, Mg, P, Ca, Fe, Mn, and Zn of the fermented and non-fermented Fadogia ancylantha leaf samples were analysed to assess their nutritional value in two different areas in Zimbabwe: Mhangura (Mashonaland West, Province) and Alaska (Mashonaland West Province). Atomic absorption spectroscopy and ultraviolet spectrophotometry techniques were used to measure the concentrations of the minerals. The concentrations of manganese were significantly high (p < 0.05) in non-fermented treatments, with Mhangura samples having 0.447 mg/g and Alaska samples having 0.453 mg/g. Iron was high in fermented samples with Mhangura samples having 0.245 mg/g and Alaska samples having 0.270 mg/g. The concentrations of manganese and iron in Fadogia ancylantha can be used to supplement the recommended daily doses in pregnant, menstruating, and lactating women. The study, therefore, recommends that Fadogia ancylantha be used as a nutraceutical for the supplementation of iron and manganese.

Challenges for Online Sermons and Online Communion during Covid-19 Pandemic: A Historical Perspective of Rural Congregations in the Reformed Church in Zimbabwe

This article aimed to investigate the challenges rural congregations face in the Reformed Church in Zimbabwe. The presentation employed literature review and documentary reviews such as church magazines because it is historical in nature. The findings showed that, unlike urban congregations who continued to benefit through digital gadgets to receive online sermons and online communion, rural congregations lag in all aspects involving digital sermons. Using face-to-face interviews and archival research, this paper proposes improved sermon dissemination packaging as key to the effective spread of the word in the face of difficulties in accessing technologically disseminated sermons in rural areas in Zimbabwe. Underpinned on the technological determinism theory, this paper unpacks technologically based preaching approaches that can be used to send sermons to all areas to improve Christian lives in rural areas in Zimbabwe. The study used a qualitative exploratory study designed to probe the perceptions and experiences of rural communities on issues about online sermon delivery communication. A qualitative research design enabled the researchers to interact with the study’s participants. Rural congregations in the Reformed Church in Zimbabwe faced several challenges. The most reported challenges were a lack of appreciation for using electronic gadgets to access platforms such as Zoom, Youtube, Facebook, WhatsApp, and Google Meet and a lack of data and network connectivity resources. It was recommended that the Reformed Church in Zimbabwe strive to make an effort to capacitate pastors in rural congregations and their congregations so that they are well equipped with user-friendly electronic gadgets even in remote areas. This helps the church to benefit and continue to be enlightened with the word of God and communion even during the advent of pandemics such as COVID-19.

Tourism and recreation in protected areas: An exploration of Community Based Tourism and local participation in Zimbabwe

Community-Based Tourism (CBT) is a growing niche in tourism across the world. Protected areas and conservancies in Zimbabwe have resulted in some local communities having negative attitudes towards conservation efforts and the enforcement of conservation-related regulations resulting in conflicts. This paper explores the role and value of CBT in tourism and recreation in protected areas in Zimbabwe in terms of the local participation of communities. This study sought to understand the management system and the perceptions of different stakeholders on community conservancies in Zimbabwe. Consequently, a qualitative methodology using a case study approach was used, using in-depth interviews with key informants. This paper brought insights into the current management system of CBTEs and the perceived challenges of the management system. There is over-dependence on private safari operators, which is affecting the growth and further development of CBTEs. CBT initiatives are for the community and should be managed and run by the communities.

Factors influencing smallholder farmers’ climate change risk perceptions: A behavioral approach in semi-arid regions of Zimbabwe

Abstract The resilience of the agricultural sector is increasingly threatened by climate change while rainfed agriculture has become more susceptible to climate and weather-related stressors. However, farmers’ perceptions of climate change risk which vary by niche, greatly influence their adaptation strategies. This study used a questionnaire survey to solicit factors that inform and shape climate change risk perceptions of smallholder farmers in semi-arid areas in Zimbabwe. A sample of 180 farming households was randomly selected from six wards of Beitbridge District, Matabeleland South Province. Descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and the ordered probit regression model were used to assess the determinants of smallholder farmers’ perceptions of climate change risk. Results show that perceptions of climate change risk are significantly enhanced by educational level, participation in social groups, household experience in agriculture, access to climate information and extension services, as well as age, gender, and education level of the household head. However, resource endowments reduced the climate change risk perception of households. However, the weak influence of these factors points towards the existence of other issues that influence smallholder farmer climate risk perceptions that warrant additional research to understand how these inform and shape smallholder farmer decision-making. Nonetheless, there is a continuous need to improve smallholder farmers’ access to climate information and build their capacity to address emerging climate risks. This is critical to shaping their climate change risk perceptions and influencing their decisions to adopt resilience-building technologies.&amp;#xD;

Precipitants of the ineffective labor act enforcement in Zimbabwe

AbstractThe research sought to establish precipitants of ineffective labor act enforcement in the Gokwe area in Zimbabwe. A quantitative approach was used in this study. A survey study design was utilized through the use of a structured questionnaire. The stratified sampling method was used to select 80 participants. What emerged as major precipitants of ineffective labor act enforcement in the country, were lack of education, the legal cost involved, lack of representation, contradictions between Labor Officers and Designated Agents, and the bias of labor act enforcers as well as the distance traveled to seek labor justice. To ensure workers are more conscious of their rights, there should be a rollout of labor act educational campaigns in the country to inform employees and employers of their rights and their boundaries. The Government should remove application costs paid by the winning party at the labor court. To reduce the distance, the government should revisit the labor act, particularly on the issue of designated agents to grant labor officers some power within the jurisdictions of the designated agents to stimulate labor act enforcement and good practices. The dispute resolution system should be less expensive.

The association of systemic inflammation and cognitive functions of pre-school aged children residing in a Schistosoma haematobium endemic area in Zimbabwe.

Cognitive function is negatively impacted by schistosomiasis and might be caused by systemic inflammation which has been hypothesized to be one of the mechanisms driving cognitive decline, This study explored the association of systemic inflammatory biomarkers; interleukin (IL)-10, IL-6, IL-17, transforming growth factor (TGF-β), tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α), C-reactive protein (CRP) and hematological parameters with cognitive performance of preschool-aged children (PSAC) from an Schistosoma haematobium endemic area. The Griffith III tool was used to measure the cognitive performance of 136 PSAC. Whole blood and sera were collected and used to quantify levels of IL-10, TNF-α, IL-6, TGF-β, IL-17 A and CRP using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and hematological parameters using the hematology analyzer. Spearman correlation analysis was used to determine the relationship between each inflammatory biomarker and cognitive performance. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to determine whether systemic inflammation due to S. haematobium infection affected cognitive performance in PSAC. Higher levels of TNF-α and IL-6, were correlated with lower performance in the Foundations of Learning domain (r = -0.30; p < 0.001 and r = -0.26; p < 0.001), respectively. Low cognitive performance in the Eye-Hand-Coordination Domain was observed in PSAC with high levels of the following inflammatory biomarkers that showed negative correlations to performance; TNF-α (r = -0.26; p < 0.001), IL-6 (r = -0.29; p < 0.001), IL-10 (r = -0.18; p < 0.04), WBC (r = -0.29; p < 0.001), neutrophils (r = -0.21; p = 0.01) and lymphocytes (r = -0.25; p = 0.003) The General Development Domain correlated with TNF-α (r = -0.28; p < 0.001) and IL-6 (r = -0.30; p < 0.001). TGF-β, L-17A and MXD had no significant correlations to performance in any of the cognitive domains. The overall general development of PSAC was negatively impacted by S. haematobium infections (OR = 7.6; p = 0.008) and (OR = 5.6; p = 0.03) where the PSAC had higher levels of TNF-α and IL-6 respectively. Systemic inflammation and S. haematobium infections are negatively associated with cognitive function. We recommend the inclusion of PSAC into mass drug treatment programs.

Covid-19 and Post-burial Rituals of the Sotho People in Gwanda South Province in Zimbabwe

The Sotho cultural group of the Gwanda South area in Zimbabwe is a traditional, close-knitted speech community that significantly relies on Indigenous knowledge systems to sustain communal alliances that aid their day-to-day lifestyles. The advent of the coronavirus disease (Covid-19) in 2019 ushered in a significant re-shuffle on how pre-burial, during burial and post-burial rituals—necessary for social cohesion and harmony—are conducted among this ethnic group. The pandemic was a threat to the socio-cultural norms and values that are at the centre of African societies. Both the preventive and reactive measures, whether self or government imposed, had an impact on most of the Sotho burial practices or rituals that were mainly defined by collectivism. Stringent requirements on social distancing, avoidance of social gatherings, a ban on intra and inter-city travel, burying within the province where one would have died, and a ban on body viewing (among other laws) saw the hindrance of most burial rituals. This Afrocentric investigation of the post-burial practices of the Basotho people in Zimbabwe does not only strive to generate knowledge that adds to the existing scholarship, but also documents information about the significance of the burial philosophies of this previously marginalised Sotho community in Zimbabwe. The study establishes how this sudden shift, necessitated by the pandemic, negatively impacted the human dignity of the Sotho community and their mandate to protect the most vulnerable groups, including orphans, widows and the elderly. Phone call interviews were used to interview purposively sampled elderly members of the Basotho group and cultural activists in the Gwanda South region.

Potential of GIS and remote sensing in mapping land degradation: catchment of the Manyame River, Zimbabwe

Abstract The Manyame River Catchment area in Zimbabwe, is experiencing severe land degradation mainly due to legal and illegal land husbandry practices. These practices are negatively impacting on the sustainability of the existing ecosystems. The conditions of land can be inferred using its vegetative cover e.g., Normalised Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI). Quantitative data relating to land degradation based on notable physical features such as gullies, for Manyame River Catchment at landscape scales is poor. This study focused on the distribution and magnitude of land degradation in the Manyame River Catchment area. The study mapped out the contours of human induced land degradation using a residual trend analysis (RESTREND) method. In particular, the study used remote sensed data (NDVI and precipitation time series) to analyse the shifts over period 2000 to 2017. The analysis used R statistical software packages (RESTREND and Kendal) and Geographic Information System (GIS) techniques to quantify the degradation trends. The results indicated extracts of those areas which experienced significant human induced land degradation during the study period. RESTREND effectiveness was assessed using Mann Kendal Test. The results of this study can be used by natural resources practitioners in monitoring, assessing and managing environmental changes using GIS tools.

FACTORS INFLUENCING E-LEARNING ACCEPTANCE IN TEACHER EDUCATION INSTITUTIONS: STUDENTS’ AND LECTURERS’ VIEWS

The study focused on evaluating factors influencing e-learning acceptance by students and lecturers at a teacher education institution in Zimbabwe. It is motivated by explanations from Davis’ (1989) Technology Acceptance Theory. The study was guided by the pragmatism research philosophy adopted for an intervention factor evaluation. Pragmatism facilitated the application of mixed methods to cater for qualitative and quantitative responses. A sequential research design of document analysis, surveys and interviews parallel to document analysis for benchmarks was applied to capture data. A stratified sample of 213 students from an education institution’s three intakes participated in the study. Intake 23 cohort was in their final year of the course, Intake 24 cohort on term seven and Intake 25 cohort was on Teaching Practice Attachment. The quantitative variation in the student population, called for probability stratified random sampling. A purposive sample of six lecturers from the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) department and ten lecturers from various departments in the college were involved in the study. The study established that the major e-learning platform used was WhatsApp. This was lecturer and students’ initiative in response to the need for learning from a distance. Factors promoting the dominance of WhatsApp include smartphones availability, its’ easy of access by both lecturers and learners. WhatsApp versatility to different uses such as text messages, videos and photographs are key to its acceptance. Factors against other e-learning platform use include: scanty awareness of the application from hearsay, financial challenges for data bundles, poor internet connectivity in Zimbabwe, limited technical supporting culture and at national level, electricity shortages. The study recommends a mixture of face-to face and e-learning. There is need also for awareness campaigns for the existence of more e-learning platforms. Institutions need to support their lectures and students with data bundles to enhance their use of WhatsApp. The nation can install more network transmitters in all areas of Zimbabwe.

Effect of Schistosoma haematobium infection on the cognitive functions of preschool age children and benefits of treatment from an endemic area in Zimbabwe

BackgroundSchistosomiasis is known to affect the cognitive functions of children, however, but there is paucity of information on its impact on early childhood development in developing countries where the disease is endemic. This study aimed at determining the effects of schistosomiasis due to Schistosoma haematobium on early childhood development in children below 5 years old from Murewa District, Zimbabwe, including the benefits of treatment.MethodsPreschool age children (PSAC) under the age of 5 years were screened at baseline and at 6 months post-treatment for S. haematobium infections diagnosed using the urine filtration method. Cognitive domains were assessed using the Griffith Mental Developmental Scales III on 136 PSAC. Multivariate logistic regression was used to determine the level of association between S. haematobium infection and performance in the cognitive domains adjusting for confounding factors (i.e. nutrition, hemoglobin levels, gender and age). Median Development Quotient scores of each cognitive domain at baseline and at 6 months post-treatment were compared and quantified.ResultsAfter adjusting for confounding factors, PSAC infected with S. haematobium had greater odds of having lower scores in the Foundation of Learning Domain (OR = 3.9, p = 0.008), Language and Communication Domain (OR = 3.2, p = 0.017), Eye-Hand Coordination Domains (OR = 10.7, p = 0.001), Personal-Social-Emotional Domain (19.3, p = 0.001) and in the Overall General Development Domain (7.2, p = 0.011). Improvement of cognitive performance was observed at 6 months post treatment in the following Domains; Language and Communication Domain (p = 0.003), Eye-Hand Coordination Domain (p = 0.02) and General Development Domain (p = 0.006).ConclusionThe study showed that S. haematobium infection in PSAC is associated with lower cognitive scores in the Foundation of Learning, Language and Communication, Eye-Hand Coordination, Personal-Social-Emotional and in the Overall General Development domains. Our results strengthen the call for inclusion of PSAC in routine deworming programs for the control of urinary schistosomiasis and the need to develop locally validated tools to monitor early child development in endemic areas where resources are limited.

A Study on the Applicability of Agitated Cyanide Leaching and Thiosulphate Leaching for Gold Extraction in Artisanal and Small-Scale Gold Mining

Mercury amalgamation is the method of choice to recover gold in artisanal and small-scale gold mining (ASGM). However, despite the low cost and simplicity of this method, the use of mercury presents serious health and environmental risks, as well as low efficiency in gold extraction. This study investigates the application of cyanide and thiosulphate leaching as alternatives to mercury amalgamation. This investigation was undertaken by conducting leach experiments using cyanide at 1 g/L, 3 g/L, and 5 g/L, and ammonium thiosulphate at 0.1 M and 0.5 M, on three ore samples originating from an artisanal mining area in Zimbabwe. The operating conditions (T = 26 °C, solids loading: 30%, particle size: −300 + 150 µm) were selected to mimic as closely as possible the conditions of artisanal mining processes. It was found that cyanide leaching was the better performing technology compared to thiosulphate leaching, as it achieved gold extractions of 71.6%, 69.7%, and 67.8% for the three ore samples (Sample 1, Sample 2, and Sample 3, respectively), whereas thiosulphate leaching achieved gold extractions of 54.1%, 35.6%, and 38.0% for the three ores, respectively. Both methods outperformed mercury amalgamation, which typically achieves gold recoveries of 30%–50%. Studying the minerology of the ores, using XRF, XRD, QEMSCAN, SEM-EDS, and a diagnostic leach, revealed the presence of sulphide minerals hosting refractory gold which contributed to the low gold extractions observed. Besides achieving higher gold extraction, cyanide leaching proved to be a system that is easier to control compared to thiosulphate leaching, making it much more attractive to artisanal miners.

Mapping the spatial distribution and canopy cover of Lantana camara in the Zaka district of Zimbabwe

Alien plant invasions are a major ecological and management problem facing many parts of southern Africa. Invasive plants spread rapidly, negatively impacting native flora and fauna, agriculture and livelihoods. Lantana camara has invaded most parts of the Zaka District, a semi-arid communal area in Zimbabwe and the aim of this study was to assess and document the invasion status of the plant in the district. Mapping the occurrence of L. camara provides useful information for planning clearing efforts, modelling the invasion patterns and budgeting costs. We report the results of a study conducted in February 2015 where a combination of remote sensing and ground-based data collection was used to record lantana presence. Field assessment was done at 140 sampling sites (across seven land cover types), with sites chosen using a stratified random strategy. At each site the percent canopy cover of lantana was assessed by visual estimation and the data used to map the occurrence of lantana in each land cover type. Cover of lantana was highest in drainage lines (21.5%) and lowest in agricultural fields on grey and red soils (12%). Analysis of variance showed that differences in lantana cover amongst land cover types were not statistically significant, indicating that lantana is a generalist invader capable of thriving in various habitats within its range. Notwithstanding, habitat-specific invasion patterns were apparent and, as such, habitat targeted control efforts are advisable to achieve best results. We recommend cutting, stumping and onsite burning of lantana as the management method of choice and the periodic monitoring of the invasive plant in the district.

Farms in transition: agroecological farming giving families an edge in the face of declining agricultural productivity and climate stress in Bikita, Zimbabwe

ABSTRACT Agroecology is an approach that seeks to improve the integration of food systems through environmentally sustainable production systems. This paper explores the key practices considered to define agroecological farming in Bikita District of Masvingo in Zimbabwe. It reviewed the literature on agroecology and presented a criterion that informed analysis to distinguish between agroecological and non-agroecological farmers. Agroecological farmers mainly comprised resource-constrained farmers who sought to tap on their natural environment, local knowledge, and social networks to move away from conventional agricultural practices to achieve similar food and nutrition security and livelihood objectives as their non-agroecological counterparts. They differed from their non-agroecological counterparts mainly with respect to the diversity of crops grown, agronomic techniques used, and primary sources of income. Major challenges for farming households practising agroecological approaches includes lack of capacity for sustained adherence to agroecological principles (e.g., in the context of otherwise conventional systems; for all intends and purposes, existing extension messages and support mechanisms do not favor agroecological farming). These farmers, therefore, practice agroecological farming against institutions and policies that do not recognize agroecological farming. There is therefore currently ‘no level playing field’ for farmers and promoters of agroecological practices in Bikita as in many areas in Zimbabwe.

English

High maternal, neonatal and child mortality rate constituting about 70% of the population in Zimbabwe. Zimbabwean rural women have faced challenges in accessing and utilizing Maternal, Neonatal and Child Health (MNCH) services. Rural areas in Zimbabwe have had high prevalence of home deliveries and pregnancy related complications associated with lack of access to and utilization of MNCH services, resulting in high maternal, stillbirths, new-born, neonatal and infant mortality rates. Access to and utilisation of MNCH services and facilities by rural based pregnant women has been limited by several issues that have been explored and assessed in the Primary Health Care clinics. However, the 3 delays (seek, access and receive health service) effects on the factors affecting health care and outcomes remain largely unclear in rural settings. Qualitative and quantitative methods research was conducted in Mutare district, Manicaland Province, Zimbabwe. Data collection tools including interviews questionnaires and focus group discussion guides were used to show how the three delays affected health service access in the district. GraphPad InStat Software and Statistical Package for Social Science were used for data analysis. Religious and cultural beliefs contributed to patient delays in seeking healthcare. With long distances and lack of transport attributed to Delays 1 and 2 with, drug unavailability, up-to date equipment and delay causing Delay 3. The patient, the provider and health systems were critical in accessibility, utilization and linkages of MNCH with other health services being crucial for achieving 4th and 5th Millennium Development Goals the targets. Key words: Maternal, Neonatal and Child Health Services, new-born; neonatal-infant mortality, three-delay model, Mutare District, child bearing Age.

Toward sustainable community garden-driven resilience in semiarid areas of Zimbabwe’s Shurugwi district

ABSTRACT Climate change has become a phenomenon with effects being felt worldwide, and Zimbabwe’s rural communities have not been spared either. With the intervention of donor funds, governments are now targeting resilient climate adaptation. Community gardens have been the last line of defense to struggling farmers. This research examines community gardens as a response to climate change-related challenges. Data was collected using questionnaires, interviews and direct-field observations. Results show that community gardens in Chitora improved the lives of many households in the rural communities with accrued benefits including wetland revitalization, increased food security, improved livestock and crop husbandry, improved markets, and value addition initiatives. Rural communities benefitted through knowledge transfer, resilience building, sustainable assets building, and the adoption of climate change mitigation and adaptation programs. There is, however, need to increase market share for the smallholder farmers, crop and livestock diversion to be able to adapt and withstand climate change-induced hazards.