Cultural Ecology and Agriculture in Rural Areas in Zimbabwe

Abstract

This chapter is concerned with indigenous wisdom in agriculture in rural Zimbabwe, with a particular focus Mutoko South and Guruve regions. It argues for the enduring presence of indigenous agricultural systems amidst a predominantly modernized, Western-influenced society. From land preparation to sowing, weed management, harvesting, and yield storage, this study underscores the resilience of indigenous agricultural practices. This chapter shed light on the crucial role of Indigenous knowledge systems (IKS) in fostering sustainable farming practices within Guruve and Mutoko South communities. Passed down through generations and deeply ingrained in daily routines, this knowledge has emerged as a vital tool for predicting weather patterns, managing pests, and enhancing soil fertility. It examines how people in Mutoko South and Guruve have steadfastly embraced traditional methods using qualitative methods. The study primarily involves interviews with 20 subsistence farmers residing in tribal trust lands in 10 villages.