Characteristics of herbaceous vegetation on abandoned fallow fields in south central Zimbabwe

Fields abandoned to fallow, due to biophysical and socio-economic factors in communal areas of Zimbabwe, are used for livestock grazing. A study was conducted to characterise vegetation from such fields, and assess its grazing suitability across four agroecological regions (AER II – AER V) characterised by annual rainfall ranging from 750 mm to 400 mm, and five categories of fallow age groups (0-5; 6-10; 11-20, > 20 years and normal rangeland). Most fallow fields did not mature into woodlands but remained grasslands with or without sparse shrubs regardless of the period of fallowing and AER because of high stocking rates. There were no variations in palatability, ecological value, diversity, biomass and grazing capacity across fallow age groups. However, significant differences were observed across AERs. The quality of vegetation from fallows in AER II and III was poor but good in AER IV and V. The quantity of vegetation from fallows in AER II was higher than from other AERs. However, all fallow fields from the four AERs had low grazing capacity than expected from literature. We conclude that using fallow fields for uncontrolled grazing is unsustainable. There is need to investigate better management strategies for livestock production in fallow fields. Keywords: agroecological region; fallow age; grazing suitability; uncontrolled grazin

Influence of smallholder farmers’ perceptions on adaptation strategies to climate change and policy implications in Zimbabwe

Smallholder agricultural production is largely affected by climate change and variability. Despite the negative effects brought by climate variability, smallholder farmers are still able to derive livelihoods. An understanding of factors that influence farmers’ responses and adaptation to climate variability can improve decision making for governments and development partners. This study investigated farmers’ perceptions and adaptation strategies to climate change and how these influence adaptation policies at local level. A survey was conducted with 100 households randomly selected from Chiredzi district. Data collected was used to derive farmer perceptions to climate change as well as the influence of their perceptions and subsequent adaptation methods to ensuing local agricultural adaptation measures and policies. The results indicated that smallholder farmers perceived general reduction in long-term annual rainfall and rising local average temperatures. Adverse trends in rainfall and average temperature perceived by farmers were consistent with empirical data. These perceptions and other socio-economic factors helped to shape smallholder farmer agricultural adaptation strategies. Policy implications are that the government and development partners should seek ways to assist autonomous adaptations by farmers through investments in planned adaptation initiatives