Gokwe South Research Articles

Indigenous knowledge and marketing of edible wild fruits in Zimbabwe: A case study of Shurugwi, Gokwe south, Chirumhanzu, and Chivi districts

Indigenous knowledge and marketing of edible wild fruits in Zimbabwe: A case study of Shurugwi, Gokwe south, Chirumhanzu, and Chivi districts

Asset Portfolios in Climate Change Adaptation and Food Security: Lessons From Gokwe South District, Zimbabwe

Climate variability and change are projected to continue impacting many of the poor and small-scale farmers in sub-Saharan Africa. This study aimed to examine how small-scale farmers in the Gokwe South district of Zimbabwe are building their adaptive capacity and resilience against climate change and achieving food security. Primary data was collected using questionnaires both in structured and semi-structured interviews, and participatory observations through a transect walk for physical observations. The study utilised the participatory climate change asset adaptation appraisal (PCCAA), as a methodological and analytical framework, to explore the different ways in which the small-scale farmers in the Gokwe South district of Zimbabwe are building their adaptive capacity and resilience against climate change. The study also explores the factors that influence small-scale farmers’ adoption of climate change adaptation and food security. The small-scale and rural farmers in Zimbabwe are not passive actors but are actively involved in developing innovative local adaptation strategies using an array of available assets. Findings from this study noted that asset absence or its replacement with the ‘wrong’ mix of assets and asset erosion exacerbated the food insecurity in the Gokwe South district.

Implications of Natural Resource Conservation Policies on Local Community Livelihoods (LCL) in the Sengwa Wildlife Area (SWA), Gokwe South District, Zimbabwe

Implications of Natural Resource Conservation Policies on Local Community Livelihoods (LCL) in the Sengwa Wildlife Area (SWA), Gokwe South District, Zimbabwe

Factors affecting the adoption of modern fish farming technologies in Gokwe South District, Zimbabwe

Background: Fish are a source of cheap protein to many rural communities in Zimbabwe. Unfortunately, very few fish farmers are not willing to adopt modern fish farming technologies in order to boost fish production. The study was carried out in order to establish the factors that are affecting fish farmers in adopting the modern fish farming technologies in Gokwe South District, Zimbabwe. Methods: A household survey using a structured questionnaire was administered in February 2022. Results: Sixty-four respondents participated in the survey and the majority (73%) were males. Most (47%) of the fish farmers were above 46 years. The common source of fish farming information was through non-governmental organizations (NGO) (40%) and through government departments (27%). The challenges affecting fish farmers in the area included financial constraints (40%), absence of markets (26%), lack of fishing equipment in local shops (13%) and the absence of fishing inputs and equipment in local shops (13%). Water shortage was the major (27%) factor affecting the adoption of modern technologies and this was followed by financial constraints (20%), political interference (20%), traditional and cultural beliefs (13%) and lack of knowledge (7%). Conclusions: Modern fish farming technologies need to be fully embraced to raise both food and nutrition security particularly in rural communities. This can be achieved by the involvement of the government, traditional leaders, NGO and other stake holders in the provision of funds, training, monitoring and implementing of fishery projects in the area.

The traditional uses of plant diversity in Gokwe South District, Zimbabwe: Timber & construction, ethnoveterinary medicine, firewood & charcoal, food, tools and handicraft, religious ceremonies & rituals & other uses

Background: Most people who reside in rural areas have over the years benefited from the utilization of forest products obtained from forests and surrounding woodlands. Both timber and non-timber forest products are important in livelihood maintenance, provision of security, reduction of poverty and malnutrition and help generate income. The aim of the study is to evaluate and document plants that are traditionally used by community in Gokwe South District, Zimbabwe and to assess their contribution to the livelihood and sustenance of the community. Methods: Ethnobotanical data was collected from February 2022 till March 2022 through semi-structured interviews and data analysed through quantitative indices such as use value (UV) and relative frequency of citation (RFC). Field surveys were made to collect voucher specimens, which were identified, authenticated and deposited at the National Herbarium, Zimbabwe. Results: A total of 89 plant species belonging to 81 genera and 44 families are traditionally used in Gokwe South District. The Fabaceae family is the highest plant species (15 species) followed by Anacardiaceae and Euphorbiaceae (five species each). Seven use categories were identified with the food category recording the highest number of plant species used (48 species) followed by tools and handicraft (29 species). Conclusions: The study showed that the traditional use of plant is still a common practice in the district. The great diversity of plants gives the need for their conservation and sustainable use to be established and monitored. Keywords: Plant diversity, use patterns, traditional uses of plants, Gokwe South District

Ethnobotanical study of medicinal plants traditionally used in Gokwe South District, Zimbabwe

Traditional medicines play an important role in health care provision in developing countries as primary therapies and/or as complementary medicines. The aim of this study was to document medicinal plants used in Gokwe South District in Zimbabwe. Forty six participants from 12 wards were interviewed between October 2020 and April 2021 using a semi-structured questionnaire. Ethnobotanical data including local names of the plants, plant parts used, medicinal uses, methods of preparation and administration were documented. The ethnomedicinal data were analysed using different quantitative indices including informant consensus factor (ICF), fidelity level (FL), relative frequency of citation (RFC) and use value (UV). One hundred and twenty seven plant species from 49 families were documented for treating and managing 23 medical categories. Gastro-intestinal disorders (60 citations), respiratory infections (47 citations), reproductive system and health (33 citations) and sexually transmitted infections (21 citations) were commonly treated with medicinal plants within the study area. Nineteen species were recorded for the first time as sources of traditional medicines with no prior record of being used as medicinal plants for any specific disease or ailment in the country. Trees (58.0%) were the main sources of traditional medicines, followed by shrubs (27.0%), herbs and climbers (10.0% and 5.0%, respectively). The most frequently used plant parts were roots (48.8%), followed by bark (37.8%) and leaves (34.6%). The variety of plants that are used to treat and manage human diseases and ailments in the study area emphasizes the importance that medicinal plants play in primary health care system of the rural people in Gokwe South District. Some of the plants used in the study area were characterized by high frequency of citation and use values, and species such as Xeroderris stuhlmannii (Taub.) Mendonça & E.P.Sousa and Zanthoxylum chalybeum Engl., if adequately explored could be instrumental in the discovery and development of health promoting, pharmaceutical products and drugs.

Growth and Tolerance of Sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) Varieties to Pre and Postemergence Graminicides

The use of herbicides for weed control in arable crop production is known to be fast and effective. However, there is paucity of information on the safety of commonly used grass herbicides on emergence, growth, and productivity of sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) genotypes currently being grown in Zimbabwe. A study was carried out in Zimbabwe during the 2017/18 cropping season in Gokwe South to evaluate the effect of alachlor, metolachlor, propaquizafop, and fluazifop-p-butyl on seed germination, growth, and yield of three sesame genotypes, namely, IETC, Lind 02, and Ziada 94. A laboratory experiment was laid in a completely randomised design with genotype and herbicide type as the factors. Seed germination, radicle, and plumule length were recorded at the end of the experiment. In the pot studies, two separate experiments were carried out to evaluate the effect of pre and postemergence herbicides on 50% emergence, plant height, number of branches, 50% flowering, number of pods, and yield of three sesame genotypes. The laboratory experiment results revealed significant ( p < 0.05 ) interactions among varieties and preemergence graminicides for germination percentage, radicle length, plumule length, and germination vigor index. Alachlor and metolachlor differentially reduced all germination parameters in the sesame genotypes used in the study. In the preemergence pot studies, there were significant ( p < 0.05 ) interactions on 50% emergence, plant height, and number of branches but not on number of pods and yield. Metolachlor significantly reduced all the measured parameters in IETC and Ziada 94. In the postemergence pot study, propaquizafop significantly ( p < 0.05 ) reduced plant height, number of pods, and yield of sesame more than fluazifop-p-butyl and hand pulling. It can be concluded that metolachlor and propaquizafop are not safe for use in these sesame genotypes at dosage rates that were used in this study. There is need for further screening of more sesame genotypes for tolerance to these and other commonly used genotypes to avoid unintentional phytotoxic damage on sesame.

Conflicts, Confrontations and Conduits in Rural Environments: Is Resilience at Work in Gokwe South Rural District?

This article explores conflicts, confrontations and conduits for sustainable development in rural environments. Fragility and degradation with a slight resilience manifest heavily in Gokwe South Rural District (GSRD), Zimbabwe. The article notes rural development as a double-edged sword, bringing tremendous opportunities for innovation but also causing increased ecological degradation. As such, it often results in conflicts and confrontations among stakeholders. Like many Zimbabwean rural settlements, GSRD is experiencing serious land disputes. conflicts arise from the proposed changes, like extension of infrastructure, perceived by some stakeholders as contrary to their interests and wishes. Using focus group discussions and thematic analysis, a trend of how conflicts and confrontations emerged was established in GSRD. The findings show that land transition from rural to urban status without consultations instigates conflict between different development agencies and communities.

Identification and Characterisation of Seed-Borne Fungal Pathogens Associated with Maize (Zea mays L.).

A research study was conducted to identify and characterise seed-borne fungal pathogens associated with maize (Zea mays L.) in storage. Seed-borne fungal pathogenic infections of maize were studied using seed samples collected from Gokwe South District in Zimbabwe. The agar plating method using PDA medium was used to detect fungal pathogens on the maize seeds. A total of 150 treatments were used for this experiment, which were replicated three times in a randomised complete block design (RCBD). Analysis of the grain showed the presence of Fusarium moniliforme, Rhizopus stolonifer, Penicillium citrinum, and mostly Aspergillus species, namely, Aspergillus flavus, Aspergillus parasiticus, Aspergillus niger, and Aspergillus tamarii. Significant differences (p < 0.05) between treatments were detected for the pathogens. A total of ten samples were used for mycotoxin determination, and all of them were 100% positive with aflatoxin total, zearalenone, fumonisin, and deoxynivalenol (DON) having an average of 0.255 ppb, 2.425 ppb, 2.65 ppb, and 0.07 ppb, respectively. The present study showed that most grain samples are contaminated with different species of fungi with mycotoxigenic potential. The data on the diversity and magnitude of pathogen infection by fungal species will have a significant effect even at the regional level for predicting the extent of pre- and postinfections. Measures to reduce mycotoxin contamination are needed for maize grains.

Inclusion in Sport: An Exploration of the Participation of People Living with Disabilities in Sport

Background: Participation in sport is a fundamental human right [1]. Participation in sports by people living with disabilities (PWDs) presents several mental, physical social and emotional benefits. However, it has been observed that the participation of PWDs in sport and physical activity is generally less as compared to their able bodied counterparts [2] . Aim: The aim of the study was to explore the participation of PWDs in Paralympic games. Objectives: The objectives of the study were to identify the level of participation of PWD in sports, barriers that impede the participation and strategies that can be used to enhance their participation. Setting: The study explored the participation of people living with disabilities (PWD) in sport (Paralympic Games) in Gokwe south district in the Midlands province of Zimbabwe. It focused on exploring barriers that impede the effective participation of People living with disabilities (PWDs). Materials and Methods: The study adopted a mixed methods research approach utilizing the embedded (nested) mixed method design within the traditional descriptive survey design. Structured interviews and observations were used as to collect data. The research participants comprised PWDs aged 15 years and above. The random sampling method was used to select a sample of sixty PWDs. Statistical analysis: Data was integrated into frequency tables and graphs and was textually interpreted to derive meaning from it. Results: The study revealed that access to sport by people with a disability was a major challenge. Lack of awareness, Severity of disability, inadequate funding, poor transport, lack of support from significant others, lack of appreciation of the value of sport, poor and inadequate assistive devices, poor training equipment and the role of the sports trainer were found to be the major factors limiting access to sport participation by PWDs. Recommendations: It was recommended that both governmental and nongovernmental organizations should provide adequate resources for the Paralympics games. It was also recommended that both government agencies and disability rights advocates should increase awareness on the importance of participation in sport by people with disabilities.

Access to Health-Related Information in a Selected Community in the Gokwe South District, Zimbabwe

The Gokwe South District is among the top districts in the Midlands Province of Zimbabwe with several health-related challenges, as indicated by the statistics from the Zimbabwe National Health Profile. The premise of this study was, therefore, to establish mechanisms that could be instituted to ensure access to health-related information for the Gokwe South community members. The study was pragmatic, through an embedded mixed-methods design. Opportunity sampling was used to select 72 community members. Expert sampling was used to select an information officer of the Gokwe Rural District Council and two members of the Zimbabwe Library Association Midlands Branch. Questionnaires were used to collect data from the community members, whereas interviews were used to generate data from the information officer, and the members of the Zimbabwe Library Association Midlands Branch. The study found that the community members faced varied challenges when accessing health-related information, which included digital illiteracy, the lack of health information centres, geographic seclusion of communities, and information format challenges. As a way forward, the study noted the need for the institution of community libraries and health information centres by the government, through the Ministry of Health and Child Welfare, in conjunction with the local council. In addition, diverse associations, such as the Zimbabwe Library Association, were recommended to play an active role in offering digital and information literacy programmes to the community members.

Effectiveness of community adolescent treatment supporters (CATS) interventions in improving linkage and retention in care, adherence to ART and psychosocial well-being: a randomised trial among adolescents living with HIV in rural Zimbabwe

BackgroundEngagement with community adolescent treatment supporters (CATS) improves adherence, psychosocial well-being, linkage and retention in care among adolescents living with HIV. However, there is an urgent need for empirical evidence of the effectiveness of this approach, in order to inform further programmatic development, national and international policy, guidelines and service delivery for adolescents living with HIV. This study set out to determine the effectiveness of CATS services on improving linkage to services and retention in care, adherence and psychosocial well-being among adolescents living with HIV in Zimbabwe.MethodsA randomised trial was conducted in Gokwe South district, Zimbabwe over a period of 12 months. Ninety-four HIV-positive adolescents, 10–15 years old, on antiretroviral therapy were recruited to the study. 47 participants received standard of care from the Ministry of Health and Child Care and 47 received the same standard of care plus CATS services. Data collection involved a questionnaire which was administered at baseline then repeated at three, six, nine and twelve months for all participants. Survey questions on confidence, self-esteem and self-worth had a three-point Likert scale. Stigma, quality of life and the linkages to services and retention questions had a five-point Likert scale.ResultsSurvey questionnaires were completed with response rates of 40 out of 47 (85%) for the intervention arm, and 28 out of 47 (60%) for the control arm, at end-line. The intervention group were 3.9 times more likely to adhere to treatment compared to the control group. Linkage to services and retention in care within the intervention group increased compared with a decrease in the control arm. The intervention group reported a statistically significant increase in confidence, self-esteem, self-worth (p < 0.001) and quality of life compared (p = 0.028) with a decrease in the control arm.ConclusionsThis study found that adolescents receiving the CATS service had improved linkage to services and retention in care, improved adherence and improved psychosocial well-being compared to adolescents who did not have access to such services.Trial registrationPACTR201711002755428. Registered 11 November 2017. Retrospectively registered.

The Impact of Training and Development on Performance in the Public Service in Zimbabwe: A Case of Gokwe South District in Zimbabwe

The researcher conducted a quantitative study based on a questionnaire as the data collection instrument undertaken with a sample of 100 respondents. The sample comprised of 32% of male and 68% female. Members of the Public Service Commission based in Gokwe South District of Zimbabwe’s Midlands Province. The study revealed that training practices, methods and activities at the Public Service Commission were not in line with best practices regarding the planned and systematic nature of the training process. The study also revealed that Public Service Employees were not well informed about training and development programmes in the organisation. The study recommends that the processes involved in training be duly followed. The study also recommends that the Public Service Commission should help its staff to identify career paths and should guide them in the pursuit of higher qualifications.

Evaluation of the isoniazid preventive therapy (IPT) program in Shurugwi District, Midlands Province, Zimbabwe, January 2013 to August 2014.

BackgroundMidlands Province started implementing the Isoniazid (INH) preventive therapy (IPT) program in January 2013. Shurugwi and Gokwe North were the piloting district hospitals. In May 2014, four more districts hospitals (Gokwe South, Gweru, Kwekwe and Zvishavane) started implementing IPT. Shurugwi District decentralized the program to its rural health facilities in January 2014. A review of the Shurugwi IPT program, 2013 data, indicated that the majority of eligible clients were not started on IPT. None out of the 400 eligible clients were started on IPT in November against the 100 % target according to the World Health Organization and the National Tuberculosis (TB) Program. We conducted a study to evaluate the IPT program in Shurugwi District from January 2013 to August 2014.MethodsThe logical framework approach was used to evaluate inputs, processes, outputs and outcomes of the IPT program. An interviewer administered questionnaire was used to collect data from key informants. Checklists were used to collect data from IPT program records.ResultsSixteen health facilities were implementing IPT in Shurugwi District. All the facilities had TB screening tools and three did not have TB screening algorithms. The district experienced medicine stock outs in 2013. One formal training at district level and on job trainings in implementing health facilities were done. From January 2013 to August 2014, Shurugwi District screened 6794 antiretroviral (ART) clients for TB. Out of those screened, 5255 were eligible for IPT and 2831 (54 %) were started on IPT. A total of 700 clients had completed the IPT 6 month’s course by August 2014. The dropout rate due to INH toxicity and TB was 0.6 % (n = 18) and 0.3 % (n = 8) respectively. Fifty-three advocacy and community sensitization meetings were done. The program had no Information Education and Communication (IEC) materials.ConclusionThe IPT program in Shurugwi District achieved half its target. This could be due to inadequate formally trained staff, lack of IEC materials, inadequate advocacy and community sensitization, non-availability of the INH 300 mg single dose and inadequate INH 100 mg dose tablets in 2013. To improve the IPT program, there is need for routine advocacy, communication and social mobilization.

Language shift among the Tonga of Mkoka? Assessing ethnolinguistic vitality in Gokwe South

This paper examines the ethnolinguistic vitality of the Tonga community of Mkoka in Gokwe South, with a focus on the Tonga language. The Tonga in Gokwe South have received little attention from researchers, if any, when compared to the other Tonga communities of Zimbabwe, who like them were displaced from the Zambezi valley when the Kariba dam claimed their homes in the 1950s. The research focuses on the way the Tonga of Mkoka in Gokwe South use their mother-tongue, Tonga and the second language, Shona, in the primary home/family domain and the secondary domains of language. Results show that Tonga vitality is based on social status, demographic and informal support variables, while its economic, socio-historical and formal support vitality is very low. In terms of language preferences, the Tonga mainly use their L1 in the family/home domain with interlocutors who are family, friends and neighbours for everyday language use and in social activities in their environments, while for the secondary language use domains, they shift to Shona, the economically more powerful language in the area. Shona was, however, found to be creeping into some Tonga homes, but reasons for this encroachment could not be concluded in this paper.

JichiDance Structure, Gender and Sexuality

Sociological studies have always focused on gender inequality in which men play dominating roles over their women counterparts. Likewise, musicological scholarships have generally discussed that females are deemed to be submissive to males during dance performances. Besides, there are various dance styles practised by different ethnic groups in Zimbabwe and some of them are isitshikitsha, mbakumba, mbende, mhande, muchongowoyo, shangara and xinyambela. This paper explored the feminist theory and how jichi gendered dance performances in the context of mukwerera rainmaking ceremony of the Shangwe1 people at Nevana and Kufahazvinei villages in Gokwe North and Gokwe South districts in the Midlands Province in Zimbabwe created a certain form of gender equality. Jichi ritual symbolisms are active in the Shangwe community yet these symbols have not been documented as a way to preserve them. The study adopted an ethnographic paradigm in which empirical data was collected using face - to - face to interviews. The researcher established that gender inequality which existed in the Shangwe community naturally transformed into cultural - conditional gender equality during the dance and that relationship is only alive during the ceremony. The Shangwe people make use of symbolism during their ritual practices such as ndiro yetanda and chitanda. The two symbols are replica of female and male beings which is a pointer to the conception of the dance as a gendered performance.

Non-Attendance of Treatment Review Visits among Epileptic Patients in a Rural District, Zimbabwe.

Epilepsy is the most common condition reported through the psychiatric returns surveillance system in Gokwe South District. Review visits attendance is crucial to the successful control of seizures among epilepsy patients. We sought out to establish the attendance pattern of epileptic patients, prevalence of non-attendance and the associated factors. An analytic cross-sectional study was conducted where consenting respondents (N=110) were selected randomly from the district epilepsy register. Interviewer-administered questionnaires were used to collect data. Odds ratios were calculated to determine associations. Logistic regression analysis was done to identify independent risk factors and to control for confounding variables. A total of 110 epileptic patients were included in the study. The patients missed treatment review visits ranging from 1 to 11 of the expected 12 visits between June 2011 and June 2012. Most (70.9%) missed at least 2 visits in a 12month period while 46.4% missed 2 or more consecutive visits. Knowledge of treatment duration [prevalence odds ratio (POR) 0.24 (95% confidence interval (CI) 0.08-0.74)] and high risk perception [POR 0.14 (95% CI: 0.06-0.33)] were associated with a lower likelihood of missing review visits. Barriers such as shortage of drugs [POR 7.09 (95% CI: 3.00-16.72)] and long distances to health facilities [POR 6.63 (95% CI: 2.63-16.76)] were associated with high likelihood of missing two or more review visits consecutively. Shortage of drugs [adjusted odds ratio (AOR) 6.7336 (95% CI: 1.8538-24.4581)] and higher risk perception [AOR 0.1948 (95% CI: 0.0625-0.6071)] remained significant on logistic regression analysis. A high number of epileptic patients miss their review visits mainly owing to shortage of drugs, and long distances from health facilities.

A Study of the Poverty Alleviation Communication Practices of the German Agro Action in Gokwe South Rural District of Zimbabwe

The study examined communication practices by Deutsche Weltihungerhilfe German Agro Action (GAA) in its poverty alleviation programmes in Gokwe South Rural District. The research identified the modes of communication and the languages used by GAA in its poverty alleviation programmes. The study was also interested in the messages communicated by GAA to the community. Both quantitative and qualitative methodologies were applied to assess the communication practices of GAA. The findings of the study revealed that the organisation used mainly the indigenous modes of communication. Modern modes of communication were used but to a lesser extent. The study also uncovered the challenges which inhibited the optimum usage of the communication modes for development purposes in the district. These include political and infrastructural challenges. DOI: 10.5901/mjss.2013.v4n13p581

Food Poisoning amongst Census Enumerators, Gokwe South, Zimbabwe, August 2012

Background: Zimbabwe implemented a national census from the 18 to the 28 August 2012. On 15 August 2012, a report was received of gastrointestinal illness among census enumerators during training in Gokwe. A total of 729 enumerators and 180 supervisors attended this training. More than 300 enumerators fell ill. We investigated the outbreak to characterize the illness and identify the causative agent. Methods: We conducted a retrospective cohort study. We used snowballing to identify and recruit respondents. We interviewed 117 enumerators to collect data on signs and symptoms of illness and food items consumed. Food preparation surface and rectal swabs for culture were collected. Data was analyzed using Epi Info™ to generate frequencies, means, proportions, relative risks (RR), and attributable risks (AR), and 95% Confidence Intervals. Results: We interviewed 117 enumerators. Median incubation period was 7 hours (Q1=6; Q3=11). Different kitchens were used for preparing supervisors’ and enumerators dishes but source of food was the same. Common signs and symptoms included abdominal cramps – 71%, watery diarrhoea – 67%, nausea – 52%, and fever – 27%. All patients fell ill within one incubation period. Eating beef during lunch on 14/08/12 was associated with illness (RR=5.07, 95% CI=2.05 – 12.57). The AR for beef was 63%. Leftover food was unavailable for laboratory analysis. Staphylococcus aureus was isolated from patients, food handlers and serving table surface. Conclusions: This was a food poisoning outbreak, likely due to S.aureus pre-formed toxin. Beef consumed during lunch on 14/08/12 was the possible source of infection. Contamination could have occurred during food storage. Storage temperatures of food prepared for mass gathering should be monitored. Involvement of health department in planning and food handlers training recommended.

Factors That Militate Against the Provision of Quality Education at Grade Seven Level in Gokwe South Central Cluster of Zimbabwe

The study sought to investigate the factors that militate against the provision of quality education at Grade Seven level in Gokwe South Central Cluster of Zimbabwe. The study adopted a qualitative interpretive research methodology. A purposive convenient sample of twenty school teachers and five school heads from Gokwe South Central Cluster formed the study. Data was collected through questionnaires and face- to- face interviews. The study began the process of data analysis by transcribing verbatim audio- taped interviews. The results were cross-checked with the participants. The study revealed that quality education was being affected by shortage of resources in schools, teacher-pupil ratio, low morale due to poor working conditions and inadequate remuneration, brain drain, a packed curriculum and poor incentives. Supervision by District Education Officers was not consistent due to economic challenges and shortage of transport resulting in not following the progress done in schools. The study recommends that there be an improvement in the provision of teaching and learning resources in schools. Fair remuneration and incentives should be given to teachers as retention packages to curb brain drain of skilled personnel to greener pastures.