Cultural Ecology and Agriculture in Rural Areas in Zimbabwe

Background Of The Study

Despite ongoing efforts to combat climate change, Zimbabwe faces many challenges brought about by these changes, including erratic rainfall patterns, increased temperatures, and extreme weather events. These climatic changes pose significant threats to conventional agricultural practices, necessitating a shift towards more sustainable and resilient farming methods. The failure of conventional systems to address the sustainable use of resources and practices has led to the realisation of the importance of indigenous knowledge. The World Commission on Environment and Development conference, also known as the Brundtland Commission of 1987 and the Convention on Biological Diversity of 1997, underscored the significance of indigenous knowledge in development. While this chapter is not a development paper, it contributes to understanding IKS and sustainable development. Seko et al. (2021) published a compelling chapter assessing the impact of IKS on sustainable agriculture, arguing for its importance. Buthelezi and Hughes (2014) contribute to the limited literature on IKS and agricultural development, focusing on rural areas. Muthee et al. (2019) align closely with our study, noting that while 'modern' education has impacted the full utilisation of IKS, these systems are still in use. Our study aims to address this niche; in Zimbabwe, IKS is particularly crucial in communal areas where subsistence agriculture is practised. While the local communities do not necessarily equate the farming practices influenced by IKS with sustainable farming practices, we have contextualised them as such. In the Guruve and Mutoko districts, indigenous communities possess a wealth of traditional knowledge passed down through generations. This knowledge includes agroecological practices, prudent crop selection, water management techniques, and effective pest control strategies. The focus on the Guruve and Mutoko districts stems from understanding Zimbabwe's unique ecological and cultural contexts. Despite shared challenges, variations in soil composition and agricultural traditions necessitate understanding how IKS facilitates sustainable farming practices. This study fills a gap in academic research by exploring the agricultural practices ingrained in these villages, where indigenous wisdom remains a steadfast anchor amidst a rapidly evolving, Western-influenced society. The central motif that emerges is the irreplaceable role of Indigenous Knowledge in shaping and sustaining farming practices.