TITLE:
Catchment Management and Its Effects on Arable Lands of Zimbabwe: A Look beyond the Fast Track Land Reform Program
AUTHORS:
Kosamu Nyoni
KEYWORDS:
Catchment Area Management; Integrated Catchment Management; Arable Lands; Sustainable Land Use; Sustainability; Terrestrial Carbon Sequestration
JOURNAL NAME:
Journal of Environmental Protection,
Vol.4 No.10,
October
10,
2013
ABSTRACT:
This study was carried out in selected districts
of Mashonaland East and Central provinces of Zimbabwe in 2011 to determine the
effects of soil erosion on arable lands and how this related to catchment
management. Results show that the highest contribution is 53% and is obtained
from arable land codes 5 and 7. These fields show signs of excessive sheet and
gully erosion. The least contribution is 0.8% and this is on arable land codes
3, 4 and 8. These fields have properly done conservation works existing. 33% of
the assessed arable lands have conservation works in place whilst 67% are not
protected and as such the fields are eroded. Soil erosion results in the
washing away of the precious top soil, responsible for plant growth and
infiltration of rain or irrigation water. This reduces the usefulness of such
affected arable lands as crops grown on it can’t thrive due to lack of soil
fertility. The paper recommends that government policies focus more on
promoting sustainable land use through integrated catchment area management.
This will go a long way in achieving sustainable development in Zimbabwe.