https://cris.library.msu.ac.zw//handle/11408/22 2026-04-22T17:02:00Z https://cris.library.msu.ac.zw//handle/11408/1320 Title: Adaptation to climate change and promotion of environmental sustainability in Zimbabwe’s semi-arid areas: the case of Ngundu ward in Chivi: paper presented at a conference held on the 14th-16th July 2015, Elephant Hills Resort, Victoria Fallls, Zimbabwe Authors: Nciizah, Elinah Abstract: Promotion of environmental sustainability is a vital way in safeguarding resources across the globe .All human survival and well-being depend upon natural resources which are a source of livelihood for everyone. Yet in recent decades the resource base in many countries has diminished due to such issues as deforestation, desertification and climate change. The loss of resources is a global challenge, especially for the world’s poor, who largely depend on resources for food, clean water and shelter. While this paper acknowledges that promotion of environmental sustainability is a prerequisite if development is to be realized, it argues that, climate chnage can be a major hindrance to the achievement of such development. In this regard, this paper examined ways of promoting environmental sustainability given the challenges posed by climate change in Ngundu ward of Chivi District within Masvingo Province. The study discovered that adaptation can play a significant role in promoting environmental sustainability. The study in many respects promotes adaptation measures at community level so as to achieve environmental sustainability. Adaptation involves adjustments to enhance the viability of social and economic activities by reducing vulnerability to climate change. It involves changing agricultural practices to suit current climate and weather patterns. Questionnaires, key informant interviews and focus group discussions were the data sources implemented in this study. The study discovered that people in Ngundu ward have implemented adaptation measures like the practice of conservation agriculture, crop selection among others. These adaptation measures can ensure environmental sustainability and reduction of poverty and hunger. Description: Theme: 1st International Research Conference On Driving Socio-Economic Development Through Value Addition And Sustainable Use Of Resources 2016-01-01T00:00:00Z Nciizah, Elinah https://cris.library.msu.ac.zw//handle/11408/1318 Title: Food security through conservation agriculture (CA) in Zimbabwe: opportunities, prospects and challenges for Gokwe South District: paper presented at a conference held on the 14th-16th July 2015, Elephant Hills Resort, Victoria Fallls, Zimbabwe Authors: Mashango, Gift Abstract: Food is basic human need. Without food, human body fails to function normally. Yet, globally food insecurity is a problem. The severity of the problem varies from one continent to the other as well as from one country to the other. Generally food shortages are more intense in developing counties than in developed countries. Reasons for these variations are many and diverse; they include level of technology used in production, processing and storage of food. Food production policies may either support or stifle food productivity. The study was centred on three fundamental objectives. The first one was to identify attributes of food insecurity in Gokwe South district. The second one was to highlight the opportunities and challenges of CA technology on food security in the district. The last objective was to assess CA attribution to food security in Gokwe South district. CA is a farming system or practice which aims to conserve soil, labour and water by using blanket cover (mulch) to minimise runoff and improve the conditions for plant establishment and growth. This practice includes various mechanisms like use of hand hoes for basin formation, jab-planter, animal drawn direct seeder, animal drawn ripper and motorised equipment like tractor mounted direct seeder, tractor mounted sub-soiler and multi row tractor mounted direct seeder. Survey results indicated that although CA contributes significantly to household food security, ‘as a best practice’ but it’s not a ‘best fit’ practice since results fluctuates from one area to the other. Introduction of CA in Zimbabwe was input driven supported mostly by non-governmental organisations hence sustainability of the concept is highly questionable. The results revealed that CA is more of a farming system than technology and its key principles are not of equal eminence and farmers are practising CA at a small scale citing labour constraints. Markets play a crucial role in attainment of sustainable food security. Description: Theme: 1st International Research Conference On Driving Socio-Economic Development Through Value Addition And Sustainable Use Of Resources 2016-01-01T00:00:00Z Mashango, Gift https://cris.library.msu.ac.zw//handle/11408/1317 Title: Climate change adaptability: the economic efficacy of investing in irrigation in Chivi Rural District, Zimbabwe:paper presented at a conference held on the 14th-16th July 2015, Elephant Hills Resort, Victoria Fallls, Zimbabwe Authors: Matunhu, Jephias Abstract: In Zimbabwe, food insecurity is linked to factors ranging from climate-change, low capitalisation of the agriculture sectorand weak landholding rights. In the country,irrigation is generally regarded as a sustainable climate change adaptability strategy especially for semi-arid regions. While there is consensus on the notion that irrigation is the solution to social development ills at community level (World Bank 2008), there is no consensus on economic benefits of investing in small irrigation in dry areas. The study collected data from 30 farmers drawn from two communal irrigation schemes (CRD1 and CRD2) in Chivi District. Scheme CRD1 is located in an area that receives 400ml - 450mlof rainfall per year while CRD2 receives >300ml of rainfall per year. The District has a population of 166 049 people of which 111 944 are females (ZimStat 2012). The study established that farmers in the District know the effects of climate change on food security but they (farmers) differed on what causes climate change.This suggests that dealing with climate change requires a multi-faceted approach. By using the Cost Benefit Analysis (CBA) and the Net Present Value (NPV) tests, the study established that irrigation has the highest economic return on investment made in CRD1 compared to the returns on investment in CRD2. The study concluded that irrigation does not always bring about positive economic returns on investment. Description: Theme: 1st International Research Conference On Driving Socio-Economic Development Through Value Addition And Sustainable Use Of Resources 2016-01-01T00:00:00Z Matunhu, Jephias