Genetic diversity of sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L. Moench) germplasm and hybrid potential under contrasting environments in Mozambique.

Doctor of Philosophy in Plant Breeding. University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg, 2017.Abstract available in PDF file

Social and Environmental Impacts of Artisanal and Small-scale Gold Mining: The Case of Chimanimani National Park

In Mozambique, artisanal and small-scale mining provides a livelihood for many people and is an important source of economic development for many rural communities. The number of people involved in those activities is likely growing due to population growth, poverty, high price of mineral and climate change. However, there are many social and environmental problems directly associated with gold mining that overshadowed these economic gains. In this sense, the study aimed to analyze the social and environmental impacts of artisanal mining in the Chimanimani National Park and the relevant legislation. Methodologically, it was used a literature review and field research, with a sample of 28 interviewees. The collected data were processed on IBM SPSS statistical package, version 20.0 and analyzed at a level of significance of 5%. The results showed that the development of artisanal mining activities in the Chimanimani National Park, despite providing employment and income, has created problems of soil erosion, clearance of vegetation and water pollution, in addition to the degeneration of areas agricultural, which threatens the local socio-environmental well-being. Keywords: artisanal gold mining, climate change, Chimanimani National Park, environment, pollution DOI: 10.7176/JRDM/79-05 Publication date:October 31st 202

Ethnozoological Impacts on Fauna Conservation: The Case of Chimanimani National Park

Interactions between humans and fauna have been considered essential to better understand the dynamics of socio-ecological systems. This study aimed to assess the ethno-zoological impact on fauna conservation in Chimanimani National Park, by studying the Mpunga Centro community values applied in the use of fauna species, their participation in conservation and the mensuration of ethnozoological impacts. Methodologically, bibliographic review was used for theoretical support and the data collection in the field for information analysis in a sample of 82 households. The collected data were processed on SPSS statistical package, version 20.0 and analyzed at a level of significance of 5%. The results showed that the community ecologically valorizes the species, on traditional medicine, on educational and recreational, cultural and religious value.  The results also showed that the community participates in conservation through preventing uncontrolled fires, getting involved in conservation agriculture, beekeeping, community inspection and ecotourism. Having concluded that the traditional knowledge of Mpunga Centro Community on the use of local fauna, influences on wildlife conservation of the Chimanimani National Park. Keywords: Ethnozoology, conservation, local community, fauna species, Chimanimani National Park DOI: 10.7176/JRDM/76-02 Publication date:June 30th 202