The fast track land reform and its impact on indigenous knowledge systems: the case of Zimbabwe A1/A2 Farms 2000-2014

Abstract

Indigenous Knowledge Systems, also known as ethno-sciences or traditional ways of knowing are critical in matters of food security, heritage, lifestyles, conservation, relations and the economy among other aspects of life. The Zimbabwe fast track land reform programme starting 2000, a corrective measure in the distribution of land post independence dispensation, came and disregarded these centres of traditional knowledge. This study sets out to assess the impact of the fast track land reform on IKS in resettled areas with emphasis on matters of food security. A survey of resettled areas shall be conducted in 5 A1 and 5 A2 farms in Chinhoyi Mashonaland West and the same number in Mavise- Midlands Province. Findings are largely that because of the relocation of people from communal areas into farmlands, burning of forests, cutting down of trees and mixing of people from different cultures, some indigenous knowledge got destroyed, eroded and even erased