Community Perception On The Effects Of Mining Activities on Wild Fruits Diversity, Vegetation Status and Soil Fertility in Ward 25 Of Zvimba District in the Great Dyke Region
- Author
- Patricia P. Garikai
- Title
- Community Perception On The Effects Of Mining Activities on Wild Fruits Diversity, Vegetation Status and Soil Fertility in Ward 25 Of Zvimba District in the Great Dyke Region
- Abstract
- Zvimba District in Zimbabwe is known for its rich biodiversity, including a diverse array of wild fruit species that are crucial for the livelihoods and cultural practices of the local community. However, the expansion of artisanal and small-scale mining activities in the area has raised concerns about the potential impacts on the natural environment, especially the diversity of wild fruits and soil quality. This research aims to explore the local community's perceptions and experiences regarding the impacts of mining on wild fruit diversity and soil pH in Ward 25 of Zvimba District. The study employs a mixed-methods approach, combining qualitative and quantitative data collection and analysis techniques. The study focused on 11 villages in both mined (n=8) and unmined areas (n=3), and females were more aware than males on the effects of mining and had a higher degree of negativity on mining effects than man. There was a statistically significant difference between unmined and mined groups on soil Ph (t test, p = 0.0001 at ᾳ 0.05) while mining areas showed higher diversity of fruit tree species than unmined areas. Height, DBH and Canopy cover of wild fruit trees showed a significant difference in unmined areas and was the same in mined areas. Females are more aware of the negative impacts of mining on wild fruit diversity compared to males. The study concluded the importance considering the viewpoints of many stakeholders, particularly women, in order to comprehend and lessen the ecological effects of resource extraction. Mining operations have considerably lowered the pH of the soil in mined regions relative to unmined areas hence the mining activities prove to be affecting the environment negatively.
- Date
- June 2024
- Publisher
- BUSE
- Keywords
- Mining
- Wild Fruits
- Vegetation
- Supervisor
- Dr J Gotosa
- Item sets
- Department of Natural Resources
- Media
-
Garikai - NRM.pdf