An Assessment Of Knowledge, Attitude And Practices Towards Veld Fires Among Small Scale Farmers At Manhenga Rural District
- Author
- Munashe Nikisi
- Title
-
An Assessment Of Knowledge, Attitude And Practices Towards Veld Fires Among Small Scale Farmers At Manhenga Rural District
- Abstract
-
Background: Mashonaland Central is ranked amongst the provinces which experience veld fires. As such, the study aimed to assess the knowledge, attitude and practices among small-scale farmers in Manhenga Rural District towards veld fires. Veld fires harm the environment by increasing the likelihood of excessive erosion by altering the soil profile. Small-scale farmers owe it to their properties to take the necessary safeguards for fire suppression. Although it is obvious that efforts are being made to put out veld fires, it is concerning to see that the ability of the local communities to do so has deteriorated and the veld fire has grown to be a serious hazard.
Materials and methods: Data was collected using questionnaires and field observations. Analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Scientists (SPSS) version 20 and Microsoft Excel. A total of thirty-eight respondents. Questions were on demographic characteristics, knowledge, attitudes and practices. Chi-square was used to analyze between demographic factors and KAP variables.
Data analysis: SPSS and Microsoft Excel were used. The responses were categorized as “yes”, ‘no’ and ‘I don’t know’. Binary analysis was used to determine factors affecting knowledge, attitudes and practices. Results were presented with tables and graphs. Statical analysis employed a 95% confidence interval and 5% level of significance.
Results: A total of thirty-two questionnaires were distributed ,78.1% of respondents were female and 21.9 % were male. Calculated mean score (12.09) majority of small-scale farmers had knowledge on causes and impacts of veld fires. Mean attitude score of (4.81) on attitude of small-scale farmers towards veld fires which was fair Mean score (4.675) on practices towards veld fires which was fair.
Conclusion: Farmers in Manhenga community had knowledge on veld fires. Attitudes towards veld fires was poor but the small-scale farmers are willing to attend and learn. Practices were also poor towards veld fires. Adoption of disposal of house-hold ash into dug pits in close proximity to the homestead reduces the occurrence of veld fires. Women had a good knowledge, positive attitude and good practices towards veld fires.
Recommendations: Whistle blowers to report individuals that are seen disposing of lit cigarette studs and also using fire as a method of land clearance among small-scale farmers
- Date
- June 2024
- Publisher
- BUSE
- Keywords
-
Knowledge,
Small Scale Farmers -
Veld fires
-
Attitude And Practices
Manhenga Rural District
Zimbabwe - Supervisor
- N/A
- Item sets
- Department of Environmental Sciences
- Media
-
Nikisi - SHEM.pdf