Effects of climate change on natural flora and fauna: learning from indigenous knowledge based insights in ward 32, Buhera district
- Author
- Kuchenga, Letwin
- Title
- Effects of climate change on natural flora and fauna: learning from indigenous knowledge based insights in ward 32, Buhera district
- Abstract
- The study aimed to critically understand the effects of climate change on natural flora and fauna learning from indigenous based insights in ward 32. The study used a sample size of 68 households. According to the data gathered, 91% of respondents have noticed changes in the distribution of animal species, while a staggering 95% have observed changes in their abundance. These high percentages suggest that the local animal species have been greatly responsive to the impacts of climate change, such as shifts in temperature, precipitation, and the availability of resources. Questionnaires were administered in households, key informant interviews and focus group interviews to gather data on effects of climate change on natural flora and fauna. The research findings show that climate change has been affecting flora and fauna resulting in decline in animal population and certain flora species. The community has observed more visible changes in the phenology, migration patterns, and other behaviours of local fauna in response to the shifting environmental conditions. They have also noticed some changes in animal behaviour through IKS. Therefore, they have resorted to preservation of sacred plant and animal species (34%) and the controlled cutting down of trees (43%) as vital indigenous practices. The indigenous practices illustrate the society's traditions and ecological custodianship towards preserving their natural plant and animal species in the face of climate change. These have helped to protect natural flora and fauna.
- Date
- October 2025
- Publisher
- BUSE
- Keywords
- Indigenous Knowledge
- Climate Change
- Natural Flora and Fauna
- Supervisor
- Dr. Bowora
- Item sets
- Department of Disaster Risk Reduction
- Media
-
Kuchenga, Letwin.pdf