Spatial and temporal distribution of fallow land and its utilisation in southeast Zimbabwe
Abstract
198 words
Since the attainment of national independence in 1980 land
distribution has dominated if not defined the agrarian debate in
Zimbabwe. However, evidence of increasing hectarage of
fallow land in communal lands, where 70% of the population
resides, against a backdrop of professed landlessness, presents
a paradox that must be analysed. The present study aims to
assess the spatial and temporal changes in fallow land
distribution and its utilisation in communal areas, and is part of
a bigger study on exploring potential strategies to enhance
productivity of fallow land in communal areas. The study is
being conducted in ward 28 of Chibi district that is located in
the southeastern part of the country, which typifies many
communal areas of semi-arid Zimbabwe. A combination of
technical and participatory research methods are being used to
determine trends in the distribution and utilisation of fallow land.
There are no results as yet as the research is just beginning. It
is, however, expected that fallow land will be shown to have
increased in the last 30 years due to a combination of decreasing
soil fertility and socio-economic factors, and is increasingly being
used for grazing whose quality can be enhanced by introducing legumes.
Subjects
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