Regions Of Zimbabwe Research Articles

Contribution of Sorghum Production towards Household Food Security in Jambezi, Zimbabwe

Sorghum is one of the drought tolerant cereal crops currently under cultivation in Zimbabwe. Semi-arid regions in Zimbabwe are among the areas cultivating sorghum to a large extent, and these regions are most vulnerable and as a result experience food insecurity. Despite the assumption that sorghum has contribution on household food security, a wide assessment has not been done in Zimbabwe to examine the extent of its contribution. The study intended to determine the role of sorghum in enhancing sustainable food security. In Jambezi District food insecurity is still persistent to a large extent; so the district was taken as the case study area. Various methods were used in data collection in which focus group discussions and interviews were employed. The study utilized purposive sampling in order to identify study participants. Extension service were observed to have positive significant influence to the household on becoming food secure. From results generated it was noted that sorghum contributed to households’ food security to the large extent in semi-arid areas if people in Jambezi deviate from traditional maize production. Hence in the semi-arid regions in which vulnerability to food insecurity is high, sorghum production should be more emphasized so that chronic food insecurity may be averted.

Green or Grey? Goats, Economy and Ecology in Nkayi District, Zimbabwe: 1980-2017

Abstract This study explores the economic and ecological importance of goats in Nkayi District, Matabeleland North, Zimbabwe, 1980-2017. It evaluates the significance of goats in sustaining Ndebele rural livelihoods, debating whether goats are environmentally constructive or destructive. Nkayi is the foremost goat-producing region in Zimbabwe. Its semi-tropical and generally arid climatic features make it prone to periodic droughts. Nkayi is the ideal case study for examining the goat economy and ecology because of its diversity in environment and varied rural livelihoods. This study privileges analysis of primary data collected from semi-structured oral interviews with goat-keeping farmers, chiefs and contemporary reports as well as secondary sources - journal articles and books. Interviews were conducted in five areas of Nkayi District: Dopota, Fanisoni, Majaha, Madliwa and Vukuzenele (Dofamavu). The study adopts case study and sustainable livelihoods approaches focusing on goat farmers' perceptions of their animals' impact on the environment as well as the role that goats play in their livelihoods. Approximately 97 per cent of Zimbabwe's 3.5-million-goat herds are owned by small-holder farmers raising goats mostly for home consumption, and many of them are women. The study evaluates the degree to which rural livelihoods from farming are economically and ecologically sustainable in the medium-to-long-term in a drought-prone area of southern Africa.

The Impact of Network Vandalism in Zimbabwe

This study, the impact of network vandalism in Zimbabwe, was undertaken to highlight the issues facing Telone Nothern region in Zimbabwe which is affecting the organization performance. In tackling this topic, the quantitative approach was adopted. The study sought to establish the impact of vandalism on TelOne’s organisational performance, examine the nature of vandalism activities at TelOne’s organisational performance and develop a strategic model to curb vandalism at TelOne Northern region. Questionnaires were circulated to 50 employees in Telone selected through a technique of convenience sampling. Based on the responses received through these questionnaires, the following major findings came to the fore. Vandalism is being caused by unemployed people and Vandalism can be curbed through the use of security and alarms. The study concludes with some recommendations to help Telone to contract security companies to assist in reducing vandalism. Among the recommendations are encouraging government to establish a law which will see perpetrators being sentenced for maximum years.

Protein quality of commonly consumed edible insects in Zimbabwe

Consumption of edible insects as alternative animal protein-source is a potential longterm solution to curb protein deficiency in resource-limited communities where diets lacking in protein are predominant. Entomophagy has been expressed in both developed and developing countries, and previous studies have proven that edible insects are high in protein. However, there is paucity of information on protein quality of edible insects to adequately guide populations on their utilization as good alternative protein sources. The aim of this study was to evaluate protein quality of three edible insects commonly consumed in most regions of Zimbabwe, namely Imbrasia belina (mopane worms), Locusta migratoria (locust) and Encosternum delegorguei (stinkbug). Kjeldahl method was used to evaluate crude protein of edible insects and a 20-day mice-feeding trial was conducted to evaluate protein efficiency ratio and protein digestibility in comparison to a control protein (casein). Crude protein was higher in Locusta migratoria (71.2%) compared to Imbrasia belina (57.7%) and Encosternum delegorguei (31.3%). Protein efficiency ratio was lower in insect samples L. migratoria (2.3), I Belina (1.96), E. delegorguei (2.0) compared to control casein (2.5). There was a significant difference (p 0.05) in protein digestibility between the three insect protein sources and casein. The results showed high protein quality of three edible insects commonly consumed in Zimbabwe comparable to casein, a high quality animal protein. High protein digestibility of edible insects indicated ease in absorption and improved utilisation in the body. The lower PER values for I. Belina and E. delegorguei could possibly indicate that these edible insects may be limiting in the amino acids that support body tissue building and growth. Edible insects are a good source of quality protein that could meet protein requirements in resource-limited populations to curb protein deficiency. There is a strong need to further promote edible insects as a good alternative animal protein source. Keywords: Protein Efficiency Ratio, Digestibility, Protein quality, Edible Insects Afr. J. Food Agric. Nutr. Dev . 2019; 19(3): 14674-14689

Forage seed value chain analysis in a subhumid region of Zimbabwe: perspectives of smallholder producers

In smallholder systems, farmers are increasingly becoming aware of the need to improve livestock productivity through production of quality fodder. This is in response to scarcity of feed, particularly in the dry season, associated with seasonal variations, land degradation and the need to meet increases in demand for livestock products. The study investigated forage seed production, marketing, challenges faced and opportunities along the value chain in Zimbabwe. Data were collected from 414 smallholder farmer households through a survey, four focus group discussions and 12 key informants. Results show that forage seed is mainly sourced from development organisations. Actors include farmer producers, seed companies, research and extension institutions, and NGOs. Seed is disseminated through sales to other farmers and organisations, sharing, seed exchanges and payment for services. Challenges include unavailability of seed, under-developed markets, weak or non-existent linkages between seed suppliers and farmers, limited knowledge on seed production and marketing, and low market prices. Forage seed have comparatively higher gross margins (US$611.61 for mucuna and US$644.14 for cowpea) compared with conventional seed such as maize (−US$382.70). Opportunities arise from the growing demand for animal products, which is associated with expanding populations and the need for improved nutrition.

A fundamental investigation on the breakage of a bed of PGM ore particles: An attainable region approach, part 2

In this study, we investigate the effect of drop weight shape, bed mass and drop height on the impact breakage of a run-of-mine platinum group metals (PGM) ore collected from the Great Dyke region in Zimbabwe. The three drop weight shapes used were spherical balls, semi-ellipsoids and cubes. We then applied a model-free optimization tool called the Attainable Region (AR) technique to analyze and optimize the impact energy on a bed of PGM particles. We observed that different drop weight shapes produce products of different levels of fineness, hence an interesting area for research. A higher mass fraction of a preselected desired product fineness (−850 + 150 μm) was obtained from use of spherical balls and semi-ellipsoids compared to cubes. We also observed that the bed mass had a significant effect on the impact breakage process and an optimal bed mass gave result to a maximum amount of the desired size class.

Assessing Key Performance Indicators in Government Secondary Schools of Matabeleland Region in Zimbabwe

Key Performance Indicators are a necessary guide to any organisation that needs to achieve its objectives. Hence to successfully measure performance, the organisation needs to identify Key Performance Indicators and this can only be done through an assessment of the organisation’s core activities. This paper, therefore, sought to identify and analyse Key Performance indicators in government secondary schools in Zimbabwe. The thesis used mixed method research methodology, adopting pragmatism as a research philosophy. A case study method was used, multi-cited in the three provinces of Matabeleland Region namely Matabeleland South, Matabeleland North and Bulawayo Metropolitan provinces. Purposive sampling was used to identify the sample of 16 schools, 23 education officers. Document analysis, observation and interviews were the research techniques used to collect data. The findings revealed that although there was a number of Key Performance Indicators used to measure performance, not all of them had strong correlation with O level results. The heads needed to critically identify Key Performance Indicators that were an actual measure of school performance, and from these a performance score card check could then be developed so as to monitor performance over a period of time.

Ubuntu Linux in Zimbabwe: the digital unhu in open source practices

In this article, I argue for an alternative history of open source told from the perspective of the Southern African nation of Zimbabwe. This perspective on open source deviates from standard histories in that it reveals a more comprehensive relationship to technologies and its political possibilities by including the understudied region of Zimbabwe. I premise this analysis based on the concept of ‘digital unhu’, a concept that sketches out a Zimbabwean inflection of immaterial labor and contains three components of the fusion of new technologies with older traditions, an emphasis on collaborative practices, and a prominence placed on mobility. Examining this framework and these concepts through the aid of the case studies, Zim.doc, and the website Wild Forest Ranch, I provide evidence of the ways that open source practices are articulated to the local, historical, and political nuances of the region. I argue that the effort to disseminate information and skills to populations required to maneuver around the conditions of food scarcity, high levels of unemployment, and violent political repression existing under Robert Mugabe’s Zimbabwe particularly highlights digital unhu’s characteristic of mobility.

Spatiotemporal patterns of clinical bovine dermatophilosis in Zimbabwe 1995-2014.

A retrospective study of clinical bovine dermatophilosis outbreaks and cases for the period 1995–2014 was conducted, using data obtained from the Division of Veterinary Services (DVS). A total of 3856 outbreaks and 26 659 cases of dermatophilosis were reported countrywide during this period. The post rainy season accounted for 37.9% of the outbreaks followed by the rainy season (26.7%), cold dry season (22.1%) and the hot dry season (13.2%). A retrospective space–time scan statistic in SaTScan™ was used to detect clusters. From this study, it was evident that dermatophilosis was spreading from the north-west of Zimbabwe through the central to the north-east during the period 2010–2014. Five clusters were identified mainly in the central and north-western regions of Zimbabwe. The primary cluster was centred at Ungwe, Gokwe district in Midlands; the second, third, fourth and fifth likely clusters were centred at Bonga (Mashonaland Central), ARDA (Mashonaland West), Nsenga (Matabeleland North) and Zanda in Gokwe, respectively. The findings of this study suggest the continued spread of dermatophilosis across the country; as such the Department of Livestock and Veterinary Services are advised to develop measures aimed at managing this spread such as dipping, quarantine, movement control and raising farmer awareness.

An assessment of smallholder soil and water conservation practices and perceptions in contrasting agro-ecological regions in Zimbabwe

Improved soil and water management practices can reduce moisture stress and crop failures associated with rain-fed cropping systems. Little information exists on soil and water management technologies requirements for male and female farmers in different agro-ecological regions. The objective of current study was to investigate farmers’ sources of information and perceptions on soil and water management technologies. Four sites selected from different agro-ecological regions (AERs), sub-humid (Mazowe/Goromonzi, and Kadoma) and semi-arid (Matobo and Chiredzi). Data on sources of information on soil and water management, types of technologies preferred by farmers and constraints to adoption of technologies were collected through household interviews and focus group discussions. Results showed that government extension agents, farmer-to farmer extension and non-governmental organizations were the main sources of information on soil and water management technologies at all the sites. NGOs mainly provide information on reduced tillage methods. Main technologies were mulching (61%), reduced tillage methods (53%), and contour ridges (33%) in Mazowe/Goromonzi district, reduced tillage method (83) and mulching (64%) in Kadoma, and reduced tillage methods (54%) and contour ridges (47%) in Matobo. More farmers used soil and water management technologies at the sub-humid sites than at the semi-arid sites. Soil and water conservation technologies used were similar between male-headed (MHH) and female-headed households (FHH). Soil and water conservation technologies used by farmers matched their preferences in two of the four study sites. The findings are important for targeting soil and water management practices in the various agro-ecological zones.

Prevalence of Plasmodium falciparum transmission reducing immunity among primary school children in a malaria moderate transmission region in Zimbabwe

Malaria continues to cause alarming morbidity and mortality in more than 100 countries worldwide. Antigens in the various life cycle stages of malaria parasites are presented to the immune system during natural infection and it is widely recognized that after repeated malaria exposure, adults develop partially protective immunity. Specific antigens of natural immunity represent among the most important targets for the development of malaria vaccines. Immunity against the transmission stages of the malaria parasite represents an important approach to reduce malaria transmission and is believed to become an important tool for gradual elimination of malaria. Development of immunity against Plasmodium falciparum sexual stages was evaluated in primary school children aged 6–16 years in Makoni district of Zimbabwe, an area of low to modest malaria transmission. Malaria infection was screened by microscopy, rapid diagnostic tests and finally using nested PCR. Plasma samples were tested for antibodies against recombinant Pfs48/45 and Pfs47 by ELISA. Corresponding serum samples were used to test for P. falciparum transmission reducing activity in Anopheles stephensi and An. gambiae mosquitoes using the membrane feeding assay. The prevalence of malaria diagnosed by rapid diagnostic test kit (Paracheck)™ was 1.7%. However, of the randomly tested blood samples, 66% were positive by nested PCR. ELISA revealed prevalence (64% positivity at 1:500 dilution, in randomly selected 66 plasma samples) of antibodies against recombinant Pfs48/45 (mean A 405nm=0.53, CI=0.46–0.60) and Pfs47 (mean A405nm=0.91, CI=0.80–1.02); antigens specific to the sexual stages. The mosquito membrane feeding assay demonstrated measurable transmission reducing ability of the samples that were positive for Pfs48/45 antibodies by ELISA. Interestingly, 3 plasma samples revealed enhancement of infectivity of P. falciparum in An. stephensi mosquitoes. These studies revealed the presence of antibodies with transmission reducing immunity in school age children from a moderate transmission area of malaria, and provide further support to exploit target antigens such as Pfs48/45 for further development of a malaria transmission blocking vaccine.

A review of new challenges and prospects for malaria elimination in Mutare and Mutasa Districts, Zimbabwe.

This review outlines and discusses the new challenges in malaria control and prospects for its elimination in Mutare and Mutasa Districts, Zimbabwe. The burden of malaria has declined significantly over the past 5 years in most regions in Zimbabwe, including Mutare and Mutasa Districts. The nationwide malaria reduction has been primarily linked to scaled-up vector control interventions and early diagnosis and treatment with effective anti-malarial medicines. The successes recorded have prompted Zimbabwe’s National Malaria Control Programme to commit to a global health agenda of eliminating malaria in all districts in the country. However, despite the decline in malaria burden in Mutare and Mutasa Districts, there is clear evidence of new challenges, including changes in vector behaviour, resistance to insecticides and anti-malarial medicines, invasion of new areas by vectors, vectors in various combination of sympatry, changes in vector proportions, outdoor malaria transmission, climate change and lack of meticulousness of spray operators. These new challenges are likely to retard the shift from malaria control to elimination in Mutare and Mutasa Districts.

Anticipatory adaptation and the role of decadal climate information in rural African livelihood systems

Purpose – This study aims to explore the utility of anticipatory adaptation to climate variability and related livelihood sensitivities in rural African contexts using the case of Mbire district situated in the mid-Zambezi valley region of Zimbabwe. The provision of decadal climate information (up to ten years), as part of an anticipatory adaptation package, is at the centre of analysis. Design/methodology/approach – The study used semi-structured and key informant interviews, with a total of 45 semi-structured interviews being conducted with randomly selected long-term communal farmers in the case study area. Whilst data from semi-structured interviews was arranged in Microsoft Excel, thematic analysis was used in analyzing all data. Findings – Anticipatory adaptation and decadal climate projections are shown to potentially enhance flexibility in adaptation planning vis- à-vis responding to climate variability and other challenges, as well as reduce chances of maladaptation in responding to climate challenges in the context of multiple and reinforcing stresses and shocks. Originality/value – Anticipatory adaptation, with its three main pillars of future analysis, flexibility of strategies and proactive action, is emerging as key in assisting adaptation planning, the harnessing of opportunities and decision-making vis- à-vis responding to climate uncertainties and related livelihood sensitivities. Yet there have not been much empirically grounded analyses in understanding the role of anticipatory adaptation in rural Africa. This study therefore adds to evidence-based analyses towards understanding the role and utility of anticipatory adaptation in local communities in Africa.

The utility of earth observation technologies in understanding impacts of land reform in the eastern region of Zimbabwe

ABSTRACTLand tenure and land policies influence the spatial variations of land use/cover (LULC) at any given time or place. Thus, it is important to evaluate the role of land tenure policies on land cover changes. In this study, we evaluate the utility of Landsat Thematic Mapper (TM) images in understanding the impacts of the 2000 fast track land reform (FTLR) policy on LULC in the eastern region, Zimbabwe. Landsat images for the year 1995, 2000, 2005 and 2011 were classified using traditional image classification techniques (i.e. the maximum likelihood (ML) classifier) in a geographic information system (GIS) environment. Results indicate that forested areas drastically decreased by approx. 30% between the year 2000 and 2005 (during and after the FTLR), while croplands marginally increased by (approx. 30%) the results further showed that slight increase in bare lands (degraded lands) and disturbed lands. The observed LULC changes after FTLR were mostly induced by human activities resulting from changes in land tenure. Overall, the findings of this study underscores the importance of remotely sensed data in assessing the impact of FTLR on forest resources for purposes of informed and sustainable forest management.

Rural households’ livelihoods diversification through termite utilization in depressed region of Zimbabwe

This study sought to examine the utility of termites to rural households in depressed regions of Bikita, Zimbabwe. Colonialism and its spread of European culture had viewed entomophagy with contempt resulting in reduced utilization and consumption of termites in most colonies. In our quest to understand how people in depressed regions utilized termites, both quantitative and qualitative methodologies were employed. Questionnaires and in-depth interviews were used to gather data during field work. Purposive and snowball sampling techniques were used in recruiting respondents. Excel and content analysis were used in data presentation and analysis. Results revealed that dampwood and drywood termites are climatic indicators for the rural communal farmers, a low-cost technology in weather forecasting. Subterrain and mold builders provide manure, relish, and are medicinal in nature. They are traded for income generation, and as for the poor, harvesting, processing, storage, and marketing is cost effective. Thou...

The Intensity of adoption of Conservation agriculture by smallholder farmers in Zimbabwe

ABSTRACTThis article assesses the intensity of technology adoption of conservation agriculture (CA) techniques by smallholder farmers in Zimbabwe. It seeks to understand the drivers of CA adoption intensity in terms of the number of practices implemented using count data analysis. On average, the farmers in our sample adopt five out of eight possible CA practices while only 7.4% use all eight practices in any one year. Practices such as digging planting basins (81.9%), applying manure (73.2%) and timely post-planting weeding (70.1%) are relatively popular, while adoption of crop rotation (22.8%) is comparatively rare. Productivity is positively correlated to the number of techniques used. Farmers adopting all the CA practices are the most productive, with an estimated maize yield of 2.50 tons/ha, compared with a yield of less than 1 tons/ha for those using three techniques or fewer. Results from a Poisson regression indicate that education, agro-ecology, non-governmental input support and extension support have a significant impact on adoption intensity. Subsidised inputs increase the number of components used, although access to those inputs was uneven across regions of Zimbabwe. Further, the number of CA components used in the previous season positively impacts current season adoption intensity, implying that promotions of CA technologies do have a persistent effect, even after those promotions end.

Department Involvement in Instructional Materials Development for ODL Study at the Zimbabwe Open University (ZOU)

The teaching and designing of modules at Zimbabwe Open University (ZOU) is the principal responsibility of a single body of teaching staff although some authors and content reviewers could be sourced from elsewhere if human resources are not available in ZOU. This survey, through a case study, examines the involvement of lecturers and staff in the Department of Geography and Environmental Studies in instructional materials development for open and distance learning (ODL). The study inquired into the time Lecturers spent on module development and writing, their levels of satisfaction with the materials they would have produced, their preferences with regard to teaching and instructional materials development strategies, and their views on how the process of instructional materials development at the university can be improved. The study found out that there is need for more time for materials development, better coordination and planning, greater consultation among colleagues, and adequate support services in instructional materials development for ODL to improve on the quality of modules. The department should be fully involved in instructional materials design and development to be effectively familiar with the ODL mode of learning and the students for whom the materials are intended. There is need for course writers (designers), prior to developing instructional materials, to be allowed to spend time in the regional centres which are located in the ten geo-political regions of Zimbabwe so that they become familiar with the local learning context. One of the main recommendations is that there is need for course writers and content reviewers as well as editors to always undergo constant training in ODL and instructional materials development for ODL.

‘We cannot reconcile until the past has been acknowledged’: Perspectives on Gukurahundi from Matabeleland, Zimbabwe

Since the Matabeleland massacres in the early 1980s, reconciliation remains unattainable in this region of Zimbabwe. Reasons for this include the fact that survivors of these atrocities have not received the acknowledgement they require from the government. As a result, their perception is that the government has continued to repress them by failing to provide for their needs. More so, the preceding episodes of violence in the region have engendered fear, anxiety and distress among a population that is battling to deal with its past. This article explores the attempts by the government and civil society representatives in the region to facilitate reconciliation and seeks to determine their ability to establish durable peace at the community level. Drawing from fieldwork undertaken in Matabeleland in April 2014, this article describes what the community identifies as central requirements for reconciliation to occur, as against what is provided by the national framework for reconciliation implemented by the government. Keywords: Gukurahundi , Acknowledgement, Reconciliation, Durable Peace, Matabeleland

Nationwide assessment of insecticide susceptibility in Anopheles gambiae populations from Zimbabwe.

BackgroundThe scale-up of malaria interventions in sub-Saharan Africa has been accompanied by a dramatic increase in insecticide resistance in Anopheles spp. In Zimbabwe resistance to pyrethroid insecticides was reported in Gokwe District in 2008. This study reports results of the first nation-wide assessment of insecticide susceptibility in wild populations of Anopheles gambiae sensu lato (s.l.) in Zimbabwe, and provides a comprehensive review of the insecticide resistance status of An. gambiae s.l. in southern African countries.MethodsWorld Health Organization (WHO) insecticide susceptibility tests were performed on 2,568 field collected mosquitoes originating from 13 sentinel sites covering all endemic regions in Zimbabwe in 2011–2012. At each site, 24-hour mortality and knock-down values for 50% and 90% of exposed mosquitoes (KD50 and KD90, respectively) were calculated for pools of 20–84 (mean, 54) mosquitoes exposed to 4% DDT, 0.1% bendiocarb, 0.05% λ-cyhalothrin or 5% malathion. Susceptibility results from Zimbabwe were compiled with results published during 2002–2012 for all southern African countries to investigate the resistance status of An. gambiae s.l. in the region.ResultsUsing WHO criteria, insecticide resistance was not detected at any site sampled and for any of the insecticide formulations tested during the malaria transmission season in 2012. Knock-down within 1 hr post-insecticide exposure ranged from 95% to 100%; mortality 24 hours post-insecticide exposure ranged from 98% to 100%. Despite the lack of insecticide resistance, high variability was found across sites in KD50 and KD90 values. A total of 24 out of 64 (37.5%) sites in southern Africa with reported data had evidence of phenotypic insecticide resistance in An. gambiae s.l. to at least one insecticide.ConclusionDespite a long history of indoor residual spraying of households with insecticide, up to 2012 there was no evidence of phenotypic resistance to any of the four insecticide classes in An. gambiae s.l. collected across different eco-epidemiological areas in Zimbabwe. Results reinforce the need for careful monitoring over time in sentinel sites in order to detect the potential emergence and propagation of insecticide resistance as insecticidal vector control interventions in Zimbabwe continue to be implemented.Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (doi:10.1186/1475-2875-13-408) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Silenced Voices, Resuscitated Memory, and the Problematization of State Historiography in Yvonne Vera’s Novel The Stone Virgins

In Zimbabwe (like in most post-colonial African nations), history holds a critical place in discourses on constructions and reconstructions of national identity. The history of the Gukurahundi (the massacre of civilians in Matabeleland and Midlands regions of Zimbabwe in the early to late 1980s) continues to dominate debates on the politics of ethnic exclusion in contemporary Zimbabwe. This article explores the place of creative fiction in this political discourse. The article contends that Yvonne Vera’s novel The Stone Virgins (which is set in the Gukurahundi era) is a historically situated narrative of murder, rape, and trauma that powerfully challenges and renegotiates state power premised on hegemonic inscriptions and re-inscriptions of national history. The article focuses on the subtlety with which the psychic impact of rape and violence, especially as manifested in the suppression of the female victim’s voice and memory, can be read in turn (and paradoxically so) as the novel’s complex attempt at speaking back to the political stifling of debate about the Gukurahundi. The focus on the political significance of representations of a woman’s voice and memory in The Stone Virgins is informed by the pervasive politicization and masculinization of voice and expression in post-2000 Zimbabwean politics.