Importance of community participation in sustainable utilization of wetlands: case of Chebvute in Zvishavane district of Zimbabwe

Abstract

Since the turn of the 21st century, the central government in Zimbabwe encouraged community participation in natural resources utilization. The research intends to understand the efficacy of this paradigm shift on sustainable wetland utilization in communal areas, focusing specifically on Chebvute wetland in Zvishavane district of Zimbabwe. Research data was gathered through questionnaires, semi-structured interviews, direct observations and field measurements. These instruments targeted 19 purposively selected plot holders, project chairperson, Environmental Management Agency officer, Agritex officer and the headman. Mapping of the wetland area and its landuse was done using global positioning system receivers and the map was produced using ILWIS, ArcView and Google Earth images. Research findings revealed that the conserved wetland increased its size and biodiversity. Generally, all crops grown had estimated yields higher than the national averages per hectare. The average maize yield was 2.726 tonnes per hectare compared to national average of 0.87. However, conflicts between plot holders, other community members and officials from government institutions such as Environmental Management Agency and Agritex should be ironed out in order to safeguard the wetland’s future.