Districts In Zimbabwe Research Articles

Spider plant (Cleome gynandra) breeding priorities and preferences among landraces in Zimbabwe

Background: Participatory approaches such as participatory rural appraisal (PRA) and participatory variety selection (PVS) methods empower farmers to play a greater role in the decision-making process and in shaping the future improvement of crops. However, few studies have established breeding priorities and assessed variety preferences for spider plant, a nutrient-rich and medicinal crop mainly grown as landraces by farmers.Aim: This study aims to set spider plant breeding priorities and select preferred varieties.Setting: This study was conducted at seven farmer field schools (FFSs) located in various districts of Zimbabwe during the 2021–2022 summer season.Methods: Landrace genotypes were planted in a variety of demonstration plots where farmers met, learned and discussed important breeding traits, ultimately ranking the landrace genotypes. Important traits of spider plant were identified and prioritised to establish breeding priorities. The final ranking was conducted at the end of the season, and the data were analysed for significance.Results: The top six most important breeding priorities across the FFS can be ranked as follows: size of leaves number of branches taste late maturity germination early leaf growth. Preferences for different genotypes varied among FFSs. CGGUR, CGMRGP-Marondera and CGUZG1 were preferred for higher branching habits. Landraces with larger leaf sizes, were CGNPGRC356, CGMRGP-Marondera.Conclusion: The preferred genotypes were as follows: Tsholotsho = CGGUR, Rushinga = CGKENYA, Chiredzi = CGMRG1, Mudzi = CGMRGP-Marondera, Horticulture Research Institution – Research community (HRI-R) = CGMRG1 and CGKENYA, and M-Chiota = CGZIM and CGUZG1. Across FFSs, significantly (p 0.001) higher preference ranks were in the following order: CGMRGP-Marondera CGMRG1 CGNPGRC355 CGKENYA.Contribution: These genotypes can be utilised for future genetic improvement, seed production and variety release.

Cooperation in common property resource management: A group engagement approach

This study explored motivational cooperative behaviour types as a communal resource in a rural Zimbabwean setting. Using the group engagement model, the study examined motivational cooperative behaviour types in managing in managing water resources. Thirty community residents of Mhondoro-Ngezi District in Zimbabwe participated in the study (female = 13, community leaders = 10). Data were collected through one-on-one interviews. Thematic analysis revealed internal motivations of social altruism in discretionary cooperative behaviours of water conservation and external motivations of sanctions for compliance with customary regulations stipulating use of water sources. Discretionary cooperative behaviours of water conservation were characterised by individual willingness to comply with myths regarding water usage. External motivations of sanctions for compliance with customary regulations were about collective community activities. Motivations for managing a scarce community resource prioritised fair use, access, and sustenance for collective benefit. These findings suggest that voluntariness in cooperation in common property resource management is important for the sustainable use of scarce resources for consideration in community implementation of regulations.

Participants in a peer-based nutrition and health program in Zimbabwe value dialogue, peer support, and tangible action: A qualitative exploration of peer group experiences.

Peer support groups are implemented globally, and viewed as cost-effective, scalable platforms for delivering health and nutrition programming. Quality is important for participation and achieving social and behavior change goals. Little research has explored the perspectives of peer group participants on quality. This manuscript describes community-based implementation research, and associated findings, which was conducted to learn how participants of a nutrition and health program define quality peer groups and how they suggest improving peer groups. In-depth interviews on experiences, benefits, and challenges were conducted with participants of health and nutrition peer groups, including group members (n = 64) and facilitators (n = 30), in three districts in Zimbabwe. Qualitative data were analyzed thematically and preliminary results were presented in six follow-up focus group discussions with interviewees to provide input on results and interpretation. Peer groups met some of participants' needs for knowledge, social support, and visible improvements in their lives and homes. Participants described generally positive experiences that sustained participation and motivated behavior change. They highlighted group dynamics, interactive facilitation, and community recognition which support the credibility and motivation of group facilitators. Implementation could be improved by strengthening family engagement and more hands-on learning for encouraging participation. Local adaptation of group activities can address influences on behavior change and increase relevance to participants' needs. The perspectives of core stakeholders are essential to understand what aspects of peer groups are most important to implement the approach with quality across contexts. Implementation research and continued monitoring to understand participant perspectives should be an integral part of all programs to ensure the application of adult learning principles and an appropriate balance between fidelity and adaptation for local relevance and engagement.

A qualitative study of knowledge, beliefs and misinformation regarding COVID-19 in selected districts in Zimbabwe

BackgroundLack of appropriate knowledge, incorrect beliefs and misinformation misleads people about the risks they face and how best to protect themselves. A study was conducted to explore the knowledge, beliefs and misinformation regarding COVID-19 in Zimbabwe.MethodsA qualitative study was conducted in September-October 2022 with a purposive sample of religious leaders, women leaders, youth leaders, health workers, village health workers, teachers, traditional healers, transporters, and the general population selected from ten sites across the country. In total there were 128 participants (30 key informants and 98 focus group discussion participants). At each site, 3 key informant interviews and one homogenous focus group discussion were conducted using semi-structured interviews and focus group discussion guides, respectively. The data were recorded on audiotapes, transcribed verbatim, and translated into English. Manual thematic analysis of the data was performed.FindingsThree themes were identified in this study: (1) beliefs about COVID-19, (2) knowledge about COVID-19 (knowledge of origin, definition, transmission, signs and symptoms and recommended preventive measures), and (3) misinformation about COVID-19 (regarding its nature, existence and recommended preventive measures). There was awareness of the origin, transmission, signs and symptoms of COVID-19 among the participants. Participants reported that Zimbabwean communities were conversant with public health measures such as maintaining social distancing, wearing masks, and maintaining hand hygiene. However, misinformation was also observed to have circulated among the communities.ConclusionParticipants demonstrated good knowledge of COVID-19. However, the misinformation circulating in the country calls for the government to establish structures to monitor the legitimacy of information coming through different sources and invest in providing information through trusted sources. In any disease outbreak, the government should engage its citizenry to understand their knowledge, beliefs and any misinformation that might influence adherence to disease preventive measures.

Malaria Severity in the Elimination Continuum: A Retrospective Cohort Study between Beitbridge and Lupane Districts in Zimbabwe, 2021-2023.

Malaria has created a resurgence crisis in Zimbabwe's elimination continuum, diverging from global commitment to malaria elimination by 2030. This retrospective cohort study aimed to determine the risk factors associated with severe malaria in the Beitbridge and Lupane districts. Multistage sampling was used to recruit 2414 individuals recorded in the District Health Information Software2 Tracker database. The study used IBM SPSS 29.0.2.0(20) for data analysis, and odds ratios (ORs) to estimate the relative risk (RR; 95% C.I; p < 0.05). The study revealed significant relative risks (p-value < 0.05) for individuals who had no Long-Lasting Insecticidal Nets (Beitbridge 47.4; Lupane 12.3), those who owned but used the LLINs (Beitbridge 24.9; Lupane 7.83), those who slept outdoors during the night (Beitbridge 84.4; Lupane 1.93), and adults (Beitbridge 0.18; Lupane 0.22) compared to the corresponding reference groups. Other factors showed varying RR: sex (Beitbridge 126.1), prompt treatment (Beitbridge 6.78), hosting visitor(s) (Lupane 6.19), and residence (Lupane 1.94) compared to the corresponding reference groups. Risk factor management needs to focus on increasing local awareness of malaria, universal LLINs coverage of indoor and outdoor sleeping spaces, community-based programs on proper and consistent LLIN usage, screening of visitors from malaria-endemic areas, comprehensive entomological activities, mixed malaria interventions in rural hotspots, and future research on local malaria transmission dynamics. While Zimbabwe has the potential to meet the global goal of malaria elimination, success depends on overcoming the risk factors to sustain the gains already made among malaria elimination districts.

Water, Sanitation and Hygiene practices in areas affected by Cyclone Idai in Zimbabwe

ABSTRACT This study aimed to investigate the association between Cyclone Idai and the Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) practices in Chimanimani and Chipinge districts in Zimbabwe. The WASH parameters assessed included the main water source, the type of toilet in the household, the number of households sharing a toilet and the presence of a handwashing facility for use after using the toilet. The highest proportion of households that were mostly affected used piped water, while those not affected mainly used community boreholes (42.9%), protected wells (24.2%) and surface water (18.7%). Most households that were relocated to camps (70%) used the pit latrine with slabs, while most of the households that were not affected (41.8%) used the bush as their toilet facility. Only households relocated to camps shared toilets. Only the most affected and resettled population groups (in camps) had better access to improved WASH infrastructure. However, the sharing of toilets was high and the use of handwashing facilities was low in all settlement types. There was a significant association between the severity of Cyclone Idai and the main water source, adequacy of drinking water, sharing of toilets and the ability to purify drinking water.

One Health monitoring reveals invasive freshwater snail species, new records, and undescribed parasite diversity in Zimbabwe

BackgroundSnail-borne trematodes afflict humans, livestock, and wildlife. Recognizing their zoonotic potential and possible hybridization, a One Health approach is essential for effective control. Given the dearth of knowledge on African trematodes, this study aimed to map snail and trematode diversity, focusing on (i) characterizing gastropod snail species and their trematode parasites, (ii) determining infection rates of snail species as intermediate hosts for medically, veterinary, and ecologically significant trematodes, and (iii) comparing their diversity across endemic regions.MethodsA cross-sectional study conducted in 2021 in Chiredzi and Wedza districts in Zimbabwe, known for high human schistosomiasis prevalence, involved malacological surveys at 56 sites. Trematode infections in snails were detected through shedding experiments and multiplex rapid diagnostic polymerase chain reactions (RD-PCRs). Morphological and molecular analyses were employed to identify snail and trematode species.ResultsAmong 3209 collected snail specimens, 11 species were identified, including schistosome and fasciolid competent snail species. We report for the first time the invasive exotic snail Tarebia granifera in Zimbabwe, which was highly abundant, mainly in Chiredzi, occurring at 29 out of 35 sites. Shedding experiments on 1303 snails revealed a 2.24% infection rate, with 15 trematode species identified through molecular genotyping. Five species were exclusive to Chiredzi: Bolbophorus sp., Schistosoma mansoni, Schistosoma mattheei, Calicophoron sp., and Uvulifer sp. Eight were exclusive to Wedza, including Trichobilharzia sp., Stephanoprora amurensis, Spirorchid sp., and Echinostoma sp. as well as an unidentified species of the Plagiorchioidea superfamily. One species, Tylodelphys mashonensis, was common to both regions. The RD-PCR screening of 976 non-shedding snails indicated a 35.7% trematode infection rate, including the presence of schistosomes (1.1%) Fasciola nyanzae (0.6%). In Chiredzi, Radix natalensis had the highest trematode infection prevalence (33.3%), while in Wedza, R. natalensis (55.4%) and Bulinus tropicus (53.2%) had the highest infection prevalence.ConclusionsOur xenomonitoring approach unveiled 15 trematode species, including nine new records in Zimbabwe. Schistosoma mansoni persists in the study region despite six mass deworming rounds. The high snail and parasite diversity, including the presence of exotic snail species that can impact endemic species and biomedically important trematodes, underscores the need for increased monitoring.Graphical

Multivariate regional deep learning prediction of soil properties from near-infrared, mid-infrared and their combined spectra

Artificial neural network (ANN) models have been successfully used in infrared spectroscopy research for the prediction of soil properties. They often show better performance than conventional methods such as partial least squares regression (PLSR). In this paper we develop and evaluate a multivariate extension of ANN for predicting correlated soil properties: total carbon (C), total nitrogen (N), clay, silt, and sand contents, using visible near-infrared (vis-NIR), mid-infrared (MIR) or combined spectra (vis-NIR + MIR). We hypothesize that accounting for the correlation through joint modelling of soil properties with a single model can eliminate “pedological chimera”: unrealistic values that may arise when properties are predicted independently such as when calculating ratio or soil texture values. We tested two types of ANN models, a univariate (ANN-UV) and a multivariate model (ANN-MV), using a dataset of 228 soil samples collected from Murehwa district in Zimbabwe at two soil depth intervals (0–20 and 20–40 cm). The models were compared with results from a univariate PLSR (PLSR-UV) model. We found that the multivariate ANN model was better at conserving the observed correlations between properties and consequently gave realistic soil C:N and C:Clay ratios, but that there was no improvement in prediction accuracy over using a univariate model (ANN or PLSR). The use of combined spectra (vis-NIR + MIR) did not make any significant improvements in prediction accuracy of the multivariate ANN model compared to using the vis-NIR or MIR only. We conclude that the multivariate ANN model is better suited for the prediction of multiple correlated soil properties and that it is flexible and can account for compositional constrains. The multivariate ANN model helps to keep realistic ratio values – with strong implications for assessment studies that make use of such predicted soil values.

Digitalisation and Economic Inclusion: Lessons from Rural Women in Umguza District Zimbabwe

Digitalisation and Economic Inclusion: Lessons from Rural Women in Umguza District Zimbabwe

Factors Associated with Teenage Pregnancy in Mutasa District, Zimbabwe

Teenage pregnancies are a global problem mainly in marginalised communities resulting in complications, societal rejection and deaths. In Zimbabwe, 48% of the teenage pregnancies occurred between 13-19 years. Mutasa District, one of the Districts in Zimbabwe has high rate of teenage pregnancies. Teenage abortions rose from 3/1000 in 2018 to 5/1000 in 2019. We conducted a study on the factors associated with teenage pregnancies in Mutasa District in the year 2018 and 2019. The specific objectives were to determine the prevalence of teenage pregnancies, to determine the sociocultural, economic and religious factors influencing teenage pregnancies and to assess the availability and utilisation of Adolescent Sexual and Reproductive Health Services. A multi-methods+ study design was used with a sample size of 80 cases and 80 controls from four hospitals in Mutasa. Systematic sampling was employed where every &amp;lt;i&amp;gt;3&amp;lt;sup&amp;gt;rd&amp;lt;/sup&amp;gt; &amp;lt;/i&amp;gt;subject was systematically selected upon satisfaction of the inclusion criteria, with sampling interval observed. A quantitative survey and Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) were used to collect data. The results showed that 72 (90%) of the cases only had primary school education. Being single orphans 60 (75%), having information and education gaps 77 (96.3%), being chased off home to go to the male partner 49 (61.3%) were the prevalent factors linked to teenage pregnancies. Having been disciplined when found with contraceptives led to 41 (51.3%) of the pregnancies. Having the boyfriend as a source of livelihood allowances contributed to 59 (73.8%) of teenage pregnancies while being a member of an Apostolic Sect contributed 65 (82.3%) of the cases. The FGDs revealed that the Youth Friendly Centres were inadequate for the community, poorly resourced having no comprehensive preventive services and therefore poorly utilised. In addition, teenage pregnancy preventions were stereotyped to females only with current interventions being predominantly reactionary than preventive. The findings of this study suggest the need for reproductive health information, gender inclusive programming, and provision of a sundry of well-resourced Youth Friendly Centres in the District and a focus on tailor-made preventive interventions rather than punitive ones.

Perspectives of Male Service Providers on Responding to Intimate Partner Violence in Rural Zimbabwe: Findings From Qualitative Interviews

Despite efforts made in Zimbabwe to address intimate partner violence (IPV), critical gaps still exist regarding the efficacy of IPV service provision in rural areas. This study examines male service providers’ perceptions of IPV in Chimanimani Rural District in Zimbabwe to provide guidance for policy and practice on IPV intervention in rural areas. A qualitative study was conducted with six male service providers using in-depth interviews and thematic analysis. Our findings revealed how the intersection of social norms and the geographical location of rural areas influence service providers’ perceptions of IPV and service provision. Most of the service providers interviewed had a general understanding of IPV and regarded it as unacceptable social behavior. However, constraints to service delivery typical in rural areas negatively impacted their IPV intervention, including having limited intervention resources, limited male participation, and conflicting identities (professional versus cultural identity). We conclude that service provision in rural areas is essential to respond to and prevent the occurrence of IPV, yet how service providers perceive IPV affects the quality of services rendered to victims.

Unearthing Financial Wisdom Exploring the Factors Shaping Financial Literacy among Agribusiness Entrepreneurs in Zimbabwe

Unearthing Financial Wisdom Exploring the Factors Shaping Financial Literacy among Agribusiness Entrepreneurs in Zimbabwe

Total Quality Management Practices and their Influence on Curriculum Implementation: Experiences from Selected High Schools in Zimbabwe

The aim of this study was to explore the influence of Total Quality Management practices on new secondary school curriculum framework (2015-2022)’s teaching and learning activities in a selected district in Zimbabwe. The study had two main objectives: to explain the relevance of Total Quality Management practices in teaching and learning activities and to establish approaches that are used when integrating Total Quality Management practices in teaching and learning activities. The research was based on a combination of qualitative and quantitative methods, to allow for integrated analysis procedures by the researchers. For this study, the sample comprised 110 respondents from 10 purposively selected secondary schools. Data was collected through the use of literature method, semi-structured questionnaire, and interviews. Numerical data was analysed through the use of frequencies and percentages, with the non-numerical data being analysed according to emerging themes. The analysed data revealed that Total Quality Management practices were relevant in the implementation of the new high school curriculum implementation. The results revealed that Total Quality Management practices can be used in the implementation of the new high school curriculum. In addition, the analysed data revealed some of the approaches that can be used in the implementation of the new high school curriculum. In conclusion, Total Quality Management practices have an influence on the quality of interactions in the new high school curriculum’s teaching and learning activities. Therefore, the findings of this study will guide the revision of education policies to improve teaching and learning practices that prioritize the needs of students.

Challenges of competency-based curriculum in teaching learners with learning disabilities.

Zimbabwean government adopted competency-based curriculum in 2017 as a measure to prepare learners for life and work in an indigenised economy and increasingly globalised and competitive environment. The government also sought to ensure that learners develop skills necessary for lifelong learning in line with the emerging opportunities. The purpose of this study was to explore challenges faced by teachers in the implementation of competency-based curriculum to learners with learning disabilities in Mhangura of Makonde District in Zimbabwe. A constructivist lived experience perspective underpinned this research, in which a single case study was used to interact with participants on challenges faced by teachers in the implementation of competency-based curriculum to learners with learning disabilities. Purposive sampling was used to select nine participants (five males and four females). Data were collected through face-to-face interviews and transcribed verbatim. Four themes emerged from the thematic analysis of data sources. Results indicated that participants were facing several challenges in implementing competency-based curriculum to learners with learning disabilities. Among the cited challenges were negative attitudes towards learners with learning disabilities, poor teacher preparation, lack of resources and poor collaboration. The study concluded that the objectives of competency-based curriculum are noble to learners, but its implementation is not inclusive. The study findings will assist in identifying areas that need to be improved and need strengthening. The education policy makers in the country will have a better understanding of challenges faced by teachers in the implementation of competency-based curriculum in Zimbabwe.

School Heads’ Perceptions on ICT Integration in Teaching and Learning in Rural Primary Schools in Buhera South District Zimbabwe

School Heads’ Perceptions on ICT Integration in Teaching and Learning in Rural Primary Schools in Buhera South District Zimbabwe

Bovine anaplasmosis in Zimbabwe: spatio-temporal distribution and environmental drivers

Understanding the spatial and temporal distribution of Bovine anaplasmosis is crucial for identifying areas of high prevalence for targeted disease control. This research was aimed at modelling and mapping the B. anaplasmosis potential distribution, and identify hotspots as well as significant variables explaining the occurrence of the disease. The Getis Ord G i * statistic for Hotspot analysis was used as well as MaxEnt ecological niche modelling. The effects of time, land-use, and agro-ecological regions on B. anaplasmosis occurrence were tested using Analysis of Variance (ANOVA). Results showed that several districts in Zimbabwe are suitable for the occurence of the disease for example Binga, Seke, Buhera, Kwekwe, Gweru, Mhondoro, Chegutu, Sanyati, and in the North: Mbire, Muzarabani, Mt Darwin, Shamva, Bindura, Zvimba and Makonde. Morbidity and mortality hotspots were detected in Gokwe-south, Kwekwe, and Chirumhanzu districts. Binga, Gokwe-south, Gutu, Hurungwe, Mazoe, Nkayi, Shamva, and Kwekwe districts also experienced high disease incidences. Temperature seasonality, precipitation seasonality, mean diurnal range, and isothermality were the most important variables in explaining 93% of B. anaplasmosis distribution. Unlike land-use and agro-ecological regions, time (months) had a significant effect on B. anaplasmosis occurrence with July and September having significantly (p < 0.05) higher cases and deaths than the rest of the months. The results of this study provide insights into the management strategies and control of B. anaplasmosis in Zimbabwe. It is thus concluded that geo-spatial techniques, combined with ecological niche modelling can provide useful insights into disease prevalence and distribution and hence can contribute to effective management and control of B. anaplasmosis in Zimbabwe.

Aquaculture the New Way of Creating Sustainable Livelihoods Among Rural Populations in Africa. A Case of Seke Rural District Zimbabwe

Aquaculture is one of the fastest growing agricultural activities in Zimbabwe in Zimbabwe today, a rare visit on social media you will be greeted by ads on aqua farming service providers. Thore aqua farming is broad in Asian communities where it is mainly practiced due to their strong fish diet especially in Easten Asia, prawns, fish and calamari to name a few are reared in Asia. In Africa the Nile tilapia is the most commonly reared fish in aqua culture. Food sustainability has been a key problem in Africa where most of the population live in rural setups where the rely on outdated farming methods and poor equipment which presents a challenge in production output. The main focus of this paper is to look on how aqua farming commonly known as fish farming has helped with sustainable livelihoods among rural populations with main focus being Seke in Zimbabwe. The research will look at the shortfalls that are faced by the farmers due to natural and man induced during the execution of the project. The recurring draughts in Zimbabwe in recent years has seen the need for an alternative sustainable livelihood to mainly horticulture-based economies like Seke District, aqua farming also helping in supplementing diet of the community as fish is highly nutritious and can be substituted for red meat which can easily be attacked by diseases. The research will show the role that has been played by aqua farming service providers in equipping the farmers with the know how to run the projects adequately, they have also been key to provide the materials that are necessary to carry out the projects. Job creation is also one area that the author will dwell on as aquaculture has made our rural areas better especially for the youth as they are the ones that are mainly responsible for the digging and construction of the ponds. This research will show the benefits and the shortfalls of aqua farming. The question will utilise interviews, data collection techniques and participant observation to support findings.

Tailoring interventions through a combination of statistical typology and frontier analysis: a study of mixed crop-livestock farms in semi-arid Zimbabwe

Summary An innovative methodological approach combining statistical typologies and stochastic frontier analysis was applied to data collected from 1840 mixed crop-livestock farms in six districts of Zimbabwe, representative of semi-arid areas of the country. The average annual cereal production was 362 kg farm–1, and the average annual livestock offtake was 0.64 ± 1.32 Tropical Livestock Units (TLU) farm–1. Our results demonstrate there is scope to increase cereal and livestock production by 90.7% and 111.9% relative to current production levels, respectively, with more efficient use of existing resources and technologies. Rainfall was found to have a strong effect on cereal production, highlighting the need for climate-smart practices. Livestock mortality (0.59 ± 1.62 TLU farm–1) was found to be in the same order of magnitude as livestock offtake (0.64 ± 1.32 TLU farm–1). Cereal production was supported by livestock, demonstrating the importance of crop-livestock interactions in these mixed farming systems. Three farm types were identified in our analysis. Crop-oriented mixed farms (31%) are likely to be the ones most responsive to crop-specific interventions e.g., crop rotation and integrated pest management. Livestock-oriented mixed farms (34%) are likely to benefit the most from livestock-specific interventions, e.g., home feed. Mixed farms dependent on off-farm activities (36% of the sample) may require nutrition-sensitive and labour-saving sustainable intensification technologies to benefit from their limited resources. Reducing cattle mortality is a priority for all three farm types. The method proposed here could be adapted to other contexts characterized by heterogeneous farming populations to target interventions.

Challenges to the provisioning of equitable quality education opportunities in inclusive early childhood development classes attached to primary schools: A case of one district in Zimbabwe

The study explored challenges faced by teachers in provisioning equity and quality education to young children with special education needs in inclusive early childhood development (ECD) classes attached to primary schools in Chiredzi district, Zimbabwe. To uncover these barriers, researchers adopted the post-positivist paradigm which allowed use of multiple methods to uncover truth about the phenomenon. Mixed methods research approaches embedded in the pragmatic paradigm were utilised as they allowed the researchers to triangulate the data collected from the selected tools for valid and reliable results. Semi-structured questionnaires, face-to-face interviews, focus group discussions, observations and document analysis were used as tools to gather data. The Social Justice Theory was used as a lens to unveil barriers of educational equity in inclusive ECD classes. The study uncovered a myriad of challenges experienced by ECD teachers and young learners in inclusive classes attached to primary schools. Some of the barriers identified included large class enrolments, overcrowding of classrooms, inadequate human and material resources, absence of ECD specific policies to curb exclusion of young learners with diverse learning needs. The paper concluded that, learners with special education needs were discriminated in various learning activities and treated differently by teachers and other learners. Such practices in ECD centres are against the dictates of educational inclusive policies which emphasise equitable learning opportunities for all learners, regardless of diversities. The paper recommends a holistic approach towards inclusive education programmes at ECD level, which prepare the young learners and teachers to look forward to a just society. The paper calls for an educational stakeholder capacitation programme to usher advocacy for fairness as a tool to improve the image of early childhood development inclusive settings.

Flood Risk Mapping: Quantifying Topographic Wetness Index to Determine Flood Risk Zones for Mutoko District in Zimbabwe

Slope and topography help to describe the shape and relief of the land, allowing the hydrological and terrain analysis of a region by generating topographic wetness index (TWI). In this study the TWI is calculated using a digital elevation model raster layer. Spatial analyst tool and map algebra in ArcGIS was utilized to calculate slope, flow direction, flow accumulation, radian of slope, flow accumulation scaled, tan of slope, and ultimately TWI. Given that the TWI concept is less suitable in flat areas due to undefined flow directions, Mutoko District was chosen for this study due to its variations in topography. The index helps to quantify topographic control on hydrologic processes, terrain driven variation in soil moisture, and is highly correlated with several soil attributes such as horizon depth, silt percentage, organic matter content and phosphorous. However, TWI utilizes topographic elements of landscape to determine water flow and accumulation, and does not take into account additional information such as soil type or rainfall, which would be necessary for comprehensive assessment of flood risk zones. Availability of meteorological and hydrological data in addition to a digital elevation model (DEM), provides a more dynamic approach for comprehensive analysis, allowing dynamic simulations of spatially distributed water storage that can be used to derive alternative wetness indices