Darwin District Research Articles

Implications of Female Teenage Marriages on Human Rights Violation in Mt Darwin District of Mashonaland Central Province in Zimbabwe

The study sought to investigate the implications of female teenage marriages on human rights violation in Mt Darwin District of Mashonaland Central Province in Zimbabwe. An Explanatory Sequential Mixed Methodology design with a QUANT ‒ QUAL criterion was adopted for the study. Quantitative results were cross-examined with findings from qualitative data, which explored alternative explanations for violation of Married Female Teenagers (MFTs)’ human rights. Respondents were 192 MFTs who were randomly sampled from the target population while participants were 17 MFTs and five (5) Key Informants who were purposively sampled from the target population. Respondents provided the required information through a closed-ended questionnaire while participants and Key Informants were engaged in face-to-face interviews using semi-structured questionnaire. Data from Focus Group Discussions were obtained through unstructured questionnaire. Quantitative research data were analysed using the SPSS 21.0 while Content Thematic Analysis was employed to analyse qualitative data. The study revealed that teenage marriages violated MFTs’ rights to; pursue education, enjoy good health, engage in income generating projects, be protected from sexual and verbal abuse and make independent decisions while in marriage. Husbands hindered the right to education for MFTs. Right to engage in income generating projects was hindered by lack of capital and refusal by some husbands and in-laws. The rights to make independent decisions were thwarted by restrictions imposed by husbands on MFTs’ movement, choice, association and belonging. The Government and its development partners were recommended to reach out to male teenagers and men with sexuality and gender-based violence (GBV) programmes.

Examining the Challenges and Opportunities for Artisanal Miners in Mt Darwin District, Zimbabwe

The study aimed at examining challenges, opportunities and enabling strategies for the development of artisanal and small-scale miners (ASM) and their communities in Mount Darwin District, Zimbabwe. The study employed a descriptive qualitative design. The 8 research participants were purposively selected from the Mount Darwin prominent artisanal miners and community leaders. The data collection methods included interviews, document review and direct observation. The study found that ASM face challenges such as lack of necessary mining equipment, lack of access to electricity, have poor financial credit facilities, lack expertise, lack of progressive legal framework, lack of relevant institutions and environmental challenges. The research revealed that proper functioning of ASM may lead to economic growth, employment creation, increase in level of production thereby improving the livelihoods. The study recommended the use effective policy formulation and implementation, improving administrative and legal framework issues, creation of mining learning institutions and use of technology. Future researchers should deal with the transformation of artisanal and small-scale miners into companies or cooperatives. Keywords: Artisanal and small-scale miners, challenges and opportunities DOI: 10.7176/JESD/13-20-04 Publication date: October 31 st 2022

Maize is Life! Maize Production and Environmental Transformation in Wartime Rhodesia: 1965-1979

Abstract This research examines linkages in maize production, the liberation struggle and environmental transformation in Rhodesia, now Zimbabwe, 1965-1979. The paper is about discourses on rural livelihoods and ecological transformation in times of crises. It uses the case study research strategy to examine wartime production of the staple maize in ten communal areas of Mount Darwin District by the Korekore people, part of the Shona ethnic group, the largest in Zimbabwe. To a large extent, the Korekore depended on maize-dominated diets and incomes. Their maize economy had far-reaching environmental ramifications in the form of deforestation and soil erosion leading to loss of biodiversity. This was at a time when the entire Mount Darwin District was the epicentre of fourteen years of, at first, low intensity warfare followed by widespread intensive and extensive rural-based guerrilla fighting, which altered maize based livelihoods and the environment. Mount Darwin District offers the best opportunity to analyse how maize farming, war and ecology interacted, because the war of independence not only began in this region in 1965, but the Korekore bore the brunt of the fighting - including confinement in several so called protected villages, keeps or makipi. Maize production was steady during the first phase of the war, 1965-72, but its potential for growth was hamstrung and disrupted with the intensification of conflict, 1973-79. While maize agriculture remained a key livelihood strategy, its continuous cultivation on the same fields resulted in environmental degeneration.

Retention and performance of peer educators and sustainability of HIV prevention services for adolescents in the Zimbabwe Smart-LyncAges project: an ecological study.

Introductionin 2016, the partner-funded Smart-LyncAges participatory learning project explored the feasibility of a youth-friendly package including incentivized peer educators (PEs) to enhance adolescent sexual and reproductive health (ASRH) and voluntary medical male circumcision (VMMC) linkages. After 12 months of implementation, funding reduction resulted in reduced direct project monitoring and discontinuation of monetary incentives for PEs. We assessed if reduced funding after one year of implementation affected the performance and retention of PEs and uptake of VMMC and HIV testing in ASRH services by adolescents in Bulawayo City (urban) and Mount (Mt) Darwin District (rural) in Zimbabwe.Methodsour study was an ecological study using routine data collected from March 2016 to February 2017 (intensive support) and March 2017 to February 2018 (reduced support). All the ASRH and VMMC sites in Mt Darwin and Bulawayo were involved. Participants included 58 PEs and all adolescents accessing VMMC and ASRH services. Retention of PEs measured by the submission of monthly reports and uptake of VMMC and HIV testing were the primary outcome measures.Resultsthe Smart-LyncAges project engaged 58 PEs with 80% aged 20-24 years. Two-thirds were male and 60% were engaged in peer education before the project. Retention of PEs was not negatively affected by funding reduction, with 70% retained up to 11 months after funding reduction. However, their performance, measured by submission of monthly activity reports and the number of adolescents reached with VMMC and HIV messages, declined while uptake of both VMMC and HIV testing was sustained.Conclusionsustained uptake of services was possibly due to heightened awareness of service availability and demand generation in the first year of implementation. Peer-led interventions are effective for health information dissemination. Monetary incentives determine performance, but are not the only reason for retention.

Dynamics surrounding the Implementation of the Primary Health Care Approach in Zimbabwe’s Rural Areas: The Case of Mt Darwin District

This research studied the implementation of the Primary Health Care approach to health service delivery in Zimbabwe’s rural areas from 2009 to 2012. The approach was launched in response to the Alma-Alta Declaration in 1978 which sought to end the inequalities in health care provision around the globe and was first adopted and implemented in 1982 in Zimbabwe. The approach almost collapsed due to the economic meltdown in the past decade but the period 2009 to 2013 marked a new economic paradigm in Zimbabwe which saw the economy being dollarized which subsequently led to the revival and the resuscitation of the health sector. It is therefore to explore the progress and the dynamics surrounding the implementation of the PHC at Mt Darwin Hospital in light of the dollarized economy. The study explores the dynamics surrounding the implementation of PHC at Mt Darwin District Hospital by particular attention to the following key elements: promotion of nutrition, sanitation, maternal and child care, immunization, treatment of common diseases and provision of essential drugs. Qualitative techniques such as face to face interviews with key informants and documentary research were used to generate data. The research findings revealed that PHC is a powerful tool in delivering health services in Mt Darwin. However, lack of material, financial and human resources have hindered the proper implementation of the PHC approach in Mt Darwin district. The study recommends multi sectoral collaboration in solving health related issues.

Linkage of voluntary medical male circumcision clients to adolescent sexual and reproductive health (ASRH) services through Smart-LyncAges project in Zimbabwe: a cohort study

ObjectivesWHO recommended strengthening the linkages between various HIV prevention programmes and adolescent sexual reproductive health (ASRH) services. The Smart-LyncAges project piloted in Bulawayo city and Mt Darwin district of Zimbabwe...

An Analysis of Cattle Marketing in Zimbabwe: A Case Study of Mukumbura Communal Area in Mt Darwin District

An Analysis of Cattle Marketing in Zimbabwe: A Case Study of Mukumbura Communal Area in Mt Darwin District

Gathering Farmer-Pastoralist Livelihoods in Rhodesia: 1965-1980

Abstract This study analyses livelihoods and their sustainability among blacks in Northern Mount Darwin District (NMDD), Rhodesia, between 1965 and 1980. It explores livelihood streams gained from gathering multiple forest products, farming and keeping livestock in the context of severe land shortage. It examines major socio-economic challenges that were part and parcel of the exploitative colonial system: the international sanctions imposed on Rhodesia after the Unilateral Declaration of Independence (UDI) in 1965 and the economic problems associated with the war of liberation during the 1960s and 1970s. The study adopts several interdisciplinary research techniques including historical and case study approaches. The exploration of black livelihoods in the NMDD case study shows that the region suffered extreme state negligence in the provision of public services like education, health, roads, water and sanitation. The study privileges the Sustainable Livelihood Framework (SLF) that integrates assets, constraints and human capabilities in a logical and comprehensive manner to analyse the status, form, nature and condition of livelihoods in Rhodesia. Vulnerability to colonial oppression and exploitation were major factors that NMDD families endeavoured to manage through diverse ways of making a living dominated by farming.

Communities' perceptions of health hazards induced by climate change in Mount Darwin district, Zimbabwe.

Climate change contributes toward many global challenges, such as increases in diseases in some communities, thereby accelerating health hazards to disasters. Establishing the extent to which local communities understand and perceive climate change and related health hazards is important for effective disaster risk management strategies. The objective of this study was to investigate communities’ perceptions of health hazards induced by climate change in Mount Darwin district of Zimbabwe. This was in the light that besides the visible indications that climate is changing, the local people still perceive the climate change phenomenon as mystical or even a non-event. The study was situated within the social capital theory contextualised within the climate change, disaster management and the knowledge and perception realm constructed through social relationships, networks and interactions. A mixed-method research approach was used to assess the extent of knowledge and perceptions related to climate change and climate change-related health hazards. A semi-structured questionnaire was used to survey 204 participants from 10 wards in Mount Darwin, Zimbabwe. Respondents were purposively selected as they were mostly characterised by high vulnerability levels. While 38% of the respondents were not aware of climate change, 7% correctly identified climate change as caused by both natural and man-made forces. Most (89%) of the respondents stated that hazards occur mainly because of meteorological and hydrological causes. The study therefore recommended further education and awareness programmes to deepen community understanding of climate change. Despite the communities having some knowledge gaps and lacking an in-depth understanding of how climate change alters disease, there was some vital information within the Mount Darwin community that could have been used in local disaster risk management initiatives.

Factors Influencing Efficiency and Productivity of Contracted and Non-Contracted Tobacco Farmers in Zimbabwe: Case of Mount Darwin District

This research was financed by the Govan Mbeki Research and Development Centre. Abstract This main aim of this study was to determine the factors influencing efficiency and productivity of contracted and non-contracted tobacco farmers in Mount Darwin District of Zimbabwe. Data was collected from 380 randomly sampled smallholder farmers. The Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) was used to estimate the efficiency scores for the tobacco farmers. The Tobit model censored to zero was used to evaluate the determinants of efficiency. The results showed that gender had a negative impact on both technical efficiency and economic efficiency. The probability of one being a male was likely to reduce economic efficiency by 0.022. However, there was a positive relationship between gender and allocative efficiency. The probability of one being a male was likely to result in increase in allocative efficient by 0.035. The results from the study showed that contracted farmers were more productive and efficient than non-contracted farmers. The ages of the farmer and education level were not significant in influencing the economic efficiencies of the farmers. Other variables like farming experience, production model, access to extension and farm size were statistically significant in influencing the economic efficiencies of tobacco farmers. The possible policy recommendations to improve efficiency of the tobacco farmers are drawn from the research findings. Keywords : technical efficiency, allocative efficiency; economic efficiency; data envelopment analysis, tobacco farmers, Mount Darwin District. DOI : 10.7176/JESD/10-10-05 Publication date :May 31 st 2019

The Institutional and Socio-Economic Constraints to Smallholder Tobacco Production and Marketing in Mount Darwin District of Zimbabwe: The Value Chain Approach

This research was financed by the Govan Mbeki Research and Development Centre. Abstract This study used the value chain approach to identify the institutional and socio-economic constraints to tobacco production and marketing in Mount Darwin District; Zimbabwe. Three hundred and eighty farmers were randomly sampled for the study. Key informant interviews were used to collect data from input suppliers, contractors, buyers, auction floors, the Tobacco Industry Marketing Board, EMA and government extension staff. Data was analysed using descriptive statistics and the Pairwise ranking matrix. Results from the study identified shortage of foreign currency and high transport costs as the major constraints affecting input suppliers. Dry spells, labour shortages, high inputs costs, fuel shortages, pests were some of the farmers’ constraints to tobacco production. Some of the major marketing constraints affecting the smallholder farmers included low producer prices, high transport costs, theft in transit and exploitative prices offered by tobacco merchants. Auction companies cited viability challenges due to declining tobacco volumes sold through auction floors. Tobacco contractors cited side-marketing, diversion of tobacco inputs by farmers and high operating costs as major constraints affecting their operations. The results from the study show that there are a lot of constraints affecting the smallholder tobacco chain and these can be addressed through collaboration among the chain stakeholders Keywords: institutional constraints; tobacco value chain; Mount Darwin District; smallholder farmers. DOI : 10.7176/JESD/10-7-09 Publication date : April 30 th 2019

Pauladamsite, Cu4(SeO3)(SO4)(OH)4·2H2O, a new mineral from the Santa Rosa mine, Darwin district, California, USA

AbstractPauladamsite (IMA2015-005), Cu4(SeO3)(SO4)(OH)4·2H2O, is a new mineral from the Santa Rosa mine, Darwin district, Inyo County, California, USA, where it occurs as a secondary oxidation-zone mineral in association with brochantite, chalcanthite, gypsum, ktenasite, mimetite, schulenbergite and smithsonite on limonitic gossan. Pauladamsite forms green, multiply twinned blades up to 0.5 mm long grouped in radial sprays. The streak is pale green. Crystals are transparent and have vitreous to silky lustre. The Mohs hardness is ∼2, the tenacity is brittle, the fracture is irregular and crystals exhibit one perfect cleavage on [001]. The calculated density is 3.535 g/cm3. Electron microprobe analyses provided: CuO 48.96, ZnO 3.56, SeO2 18.82, SO3 13.90, H2O 13.29 (calc.), total 98.53 wt.%. The empirical formula (based on 13 O apfu) is: (Cu3.55Zn0.25)∑3.80Se0.98SO13H8.50. Pauladamsite is triclinic, P1, a = 6.0742(7), b = 8.4147(11), c = 10.7798 (15) Å, α = 103.665(7), β = 95.224(7), γ = 90.004(6)°, V = 533.03(12) Å3 and Z = 2. The eight strongest lines in the powder X-ray diffraction pattern are [dobs in Å(I)(hkl)]: 10.5(46)(011); 3.245(100)(001); 5.81(50)(011); 2.743(49)(112); 3.994(67)(012); 3.431(23)(1̄12,1̄2̄1,1̄20); 2.692(57)(03̄2,1̄22,2̄1̄2); and 2.485(39)(21̄2,1̄3̄2,02̄4). The structure of pauladamsite (R1 = 10.6% for 2086 Fo > 4σF) contains Cu2+O6 octahedra, SO4 tetrahedra and Se4+O3 pyramids. There are four different CuO6 octahedra, each of which exhibits typical Jahn-Teller distortion, with four short equatorial Cu–O bonds and two much longer apical Cu–O bonds. The CuO6 octahedra share edges to form five-octahedra-wide bands extending along [100]. Adjacent bands are connected in the [011̄] direction by bridging SO4 tetrahedra and in the [011] direction by bridging Se4+O3 pyramids, thereby forming a framework.

Investigating the implications of meteorological indicators of seasonal rainfall performance on maize yield in a rain-fed agricultural system: case study of Mt. Darwin District in Zimbabwe

The study focuses on the impacts of climate variability and change on maize yield in Mt. Darwin District. The rainfall and temperature data for the period under study that is from 1992 to 2012 were obtained from Meteorological Services Department of Zimbabwe at daily resolution while crop yield data were obtained from Department of Agricultural, Technical and Extension Services (AGRITEX) and Zimbabwe Statistics Agency (ZIMSTAT) at seasonal/yearly resolution. In order to capture full rainfall seasons, a year was set to begin on 1 June and end on 31 July the next year. Yearly yield, temperature and rainfall data were used to compute time series analysis of rainfall, temperature and yield. The relationship between temperature, rainfall, quality of season (start, cessation, dry days, wet days and length) and yield was also investigated. The study also investigated the link between meteorological normal and maize yield. The study revealed that temperature is rising while rainfall is decreasing with time hence increasing risk of low maize yield in Mt. Darwin. Correlation between maize yield was higher using a non-linear (R2 = 0.630) than a linear regression model (R2 = 0.173). There was a very high correlation between maize yield and number of dry days (R = −0.905) as well as between maize yield and length of season (R = 0.777). We also observed a strong correlation between percentage normal rainfall and percentage normal maize yield (R2 = 0.753). This was also agreed between rainfall tessiles and maize yield tessiles as 50 % of the seasons had normal and above normal rainfall coinciding with normal and above normal maize yield. Of the 21 seasons considered, only one season had above normal rainfall while maize yield was below normal. The study concluded that there is a strong association between meteorological normal and maize yield in a rain-fed agricultural system. Climate information remains crucial to agricultural productivity hence the need to train farmers to access the information and use it for the benefit of their activities.

Parental Influence on Pupils' Conflict Responses: A Case Study of Tangenhamo Secondary School in Mt. Darwin District, Zimbabwe

The study investigated the influence of parents on pupils’ conflict responses at Tangenhamo secondary school basing on the Social interdependence theory and Lederach’s Moral Imagination theory using the case study method. Parents directly intervene in pupils’ conflict and can indirectly influence gender considerations, religion and the extended family interrelationship matrix. The peer influence of adolescence is extensively divorced from parents’ factor. Although parents shape gender and religion considerations, individual pupils use them to shape future conflict responses independent to parents. Diversity in factors influencing conflict responses is becoming more pronounced due to media influence and the guidance and counselling offered in schools and the researchers recommend a more diverse conflict resolution partnership including parents in shaping conflict responses of pupils at school. The researchers believe that collaboration between parents and teachers can bring about peace oriented conflict responses in school.

Selected Social Policy Issues: Access to and Use of Potable Water by People Living with Disabilities in Nyakatondo and Foya Villages (Mount Darwin District, Zimbabwe)

The purpose of the study was to analyse access to potable water by people living with disabilities in Nyakatondo and Foya villages in Mount Darwin district. This district is located in Mashonaland Central Province in Zimbabwe. The study was influenced by the lack of empirical studies on water and disability and the acute potable water problems in the two villages. The researchers applied ethnography to achieve a comprehensive understanding of the problem. The study aims to improve the access to potable water by people living with disabilities in the two villages. This overall aim can only be achieved through appropriate understanding of the factors constraining access to potable water by people living with disabilities. The study shows that access to potable water is a serious development problem in the two villages and generally the northern and north eastern parts of the district due to low rainfall levels, low underground water levels and salty water. These problems imply that potable water poverty is high in the two villages and the other parts of the district. The existence of merely one borehole for each of these two villages that is located far from the villages poses potable water challenges for people living with disabilities and everyone else. Prioritisation of water development and convenient water delivery are key recommendations for the transformation of the wellbeing of people living with disabilities and everyone else. The improved water services in the villages should also entail the designing and redesigning of water facilities to enhance accessibility, access, usability and safety for people living with disabilities.

Socio-economic Determinants of Commercialization of Smallholder Rabbit Production in Mt Darwin District of Zimbabwe

A study was conducted to analyze the socio-economic factors influencing commercialization of rabbit production in communal areas of Mt Darwin district of Zimbabwe. A study sample of 85 smallholder rabbit farmers was randomly selected across the study area. Data were collected by means of questionnaires and analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Results revealed that 81.2% of respondents had attained some form of education and 63.5% had more than 6 years of rabbit farming experience. It was also observed that access to agricultural extension services, rabbit producer price, agricultural education and experience in rabbit keeping significantly (P < 0.05) influenced commercialization of rabbit farming by the farmers. It was concluded that improved access to agricultural extension services by a farmer, good rabbit producer prices, level of agricultural training attained by a farmer and years of rabbit farming experience of a farmer ease farmer’s ability to adopt commercial rabbit production and hence a higher production level. It was recommended that Zimbabwe national government create an enabling environment that promotes adequate technology transfer to farmers. Also, an investment in agro-industries that deal with the value chain components of rabbitory could be embarked upon by the government in order to improve on value-addition by farmers which would in-turn lead to more favourable prices.

Farmers’ Perception on Temperature, Rainfall Patterns and Water Stress in Matope Ward, Mt. Darwin District, Zimbabwe

The study aimed at assessing farmers’ perceptions on climate change adaptation and water stress at farm-level Matope Ward in Mt Darwin district of Zimbabwe. The research was conducted through the mixed methods approach. The enquiry was done with the aim of gathering an in-depth understanding of smallholder farmers’ perception on the rainfall and temperature patterns experienced in past four decades in Matope Ward. Data collected during the study revealed that residents of Matope Ward perceived changes in rainfall and temperature based on their daily experiences. They associate climate change with rising temperatures and late onset of rains accompanied by shorter rain season lengths. An empirical analysis of rainfall suggested decreasing rainfall trends between 1920 and 2008.The study recommends that there is need to educate farmers about climate change so that they are able to design adaptation strategies that take into cognizance existing local level knowledge and government needs to avail agricultural research results relevant to the small holder farmers and train them on how to use the results to make informed on-farm investment decisions.

English

&nbsp; Smallholder commercial agriculture in developing countries is hinged on cash crop production and in Zimbabwe tobacco is increasingly becoming an important smallholder cash crop. This study therefore, analyzed the viability of tobacco production by smallholder farmers in Zimbabwe. Cross sectional survey data was collected for the 2010 and 2011 production season from 60 smallholder households in the Mount Darwin District of Mashonaland Central Province in Zimbabwe. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, gross margin analysis, breakeven analysis and ordinary least square (OLS) criterion to determine the viability and determinants of income earnings from tobacco by farmers. The study revealed that, smallholder tobacco production was viable, with farmers achieving average yield of 2052 kg/ha, average price of US $2.45 per kilogram and earning, on average, about US $2352 per hectare as gross margin. Break-even analysis revealed a margin of safety of 50% with respect to both yield and prices, indicating that, small-scale tobacco production will remain lucrative even at much lower prices and yields. Regression analysis showed that, off farm employment was inversely related to revenue earnings from tobacco with coefficient (-0.058) and the relationship was significant at 5%. Price and yield were positively related to tobacco gross margins with coefficients 0.865 and 1.001 and the relationship was significant at 1%. It is therefore concluded that, tobacco production is viable and can improve incomes for smallholder farmers. To improve income earnings from tobacco, there is a need for farmers to focus on farm production for better yields and improve quality for better prices. &nbsp; Key words:&nbsp;Break even, gross margins, income, off farm employment, yields, quality.

Tagetes Minuta Formulation Effect Sitophilus Zeamais (Weevils) Control in Stored Maize Grain

The research was carried out at Chaminuka Training Centre in Mt Darwin district of Zimbabwe. Maize producers in the rural areas are challenged by storage pests particularly the Sitophilus zeamais. Affordable and readily available protectants are needed. A common weed, Tagetes minuta, was assessed for its potential to control Sitophilus zeamais. This provides a sustainable and degradable pesticide to the poor farmers. Maize grain samples arranged in a complete randomized design (CRD) were infected with 32 weevils each. The research was run for 8 weeks with the objectives to determine the efficacy of varying forms of Tagetes minuta on Sitophilus zeamais and to establish the effect of Tagetes minuta on maize grain weight loss. Weevil counts were taken on fortnight bases to establish mortalities. Grain weight loss was assessed using the Thousand Grain Method (T G M). There were variations on treatments with varied forms. The ground Tagetes minuta had the highest effect on both weight loss and weevil mortality compared to un- ground Tagetes minuta (p = 0.001). It was concluded that the ground Tagetes minuta works through a wider spectrum by causing physical and physiological effects on the weevil resulting in mortalities.

Microbial community analysis of drinking water sources from rural areas of Zimbabwe

Traditional methods employing selective, differential and non-selective media were used to isolate and identify different species of bacteria from rural drinking water reservoirs of Mount Darwin district of Zimbabwe. The colony counts from non-selective nutrient agar plates gave an indication of the overall level of bacterial activity from each water sample. Open deep wells, shallow wells and rivers were found to be the most heavily contaminated water sources. Borehole water sources had very low total microbial loads and absent in some of the water samples. The prevalent bacteria found were the Gram negative Escherichia coli, Shigella, Salmonella, Enterobacter aerogenes and one cocci species that was not further characterized. The presence of faecal pathogenic species in the river water and open wells poses epidemiological cases of diarrhoeal diseases in the district studied. Key words: Drinking water, microbial analysis, faecal bacteria, bacteriophages, phenotypic.