Dr. Werner Nel

Environment As the Victim of Circumstances: Land Redistribution, Ecological Sustainability and Impact Mitigation at Makarara, Zimbabwe Dr. Werner Nel

Land redistribution in Zimbabwe has been a subject for intense debate. Nonetheless, previous research has tended to focus on the political, social and economic dimensions, with very little attention on the ecology. This book explores the ecological impacts of Zimbabwe?s third phase of the land redistribution programme: the Fast Track Land Reform Programme (FTLRP 2000-2002). Research undertaken at Makarara farm, based on multi-temporal LANDSAT imagery, depicts spatio-temporal land-use/cover changes, culminating in the years subsequent to the FTLRP. Land-use/cover map overlays show that farmland increased while grassland and woodland decreased. These adverse vegetation change patterns ultimately led to soil erosion. The book also incorporates such interrelated issues as conservation techniques, land tenure and the role of the government, environmentalists and NGOs in maintaining ecological integrity even in the wake of land redistribution. This book provides an insight into the socio-economic-political dynamics, whilst transcending the three dimensions and showing how the environment often suffers victim. It is therefore useful for all scientists, politicians and students alike.