ABSTRACT
The research investigated the impact of environmental change on rural livelihoods in Zimbabwe
using the case study of Hurungwe Ward 13 using the qualitative research method which was
complimented by the quantitative method. Focus Group Discussions, questionnaires and direct
observations were used to gather information on how environmental change impacts on the
livelihoods of the people in the area under study. Semi-structured interviews were also used to
get information from key informants like AREX officials and Environmental Monitors from
within the Ward. Both underlying and direct causes of environmental change were clearly
articulated in the text. Results from the research revealed that there are serious negative impacts
on livelihoods as a result of environmental change since soil degradation and climate change
have lowered agricultural yields leading to poverty and food insecurity. Depletion of natural
resources like vegetation and gold has also affected income earned from the exploitation of these
resources and water pollution has led to health problems in both human beings and livestock.
The research established that the situation has been worsened by over-reliance on the
deteriorating natural resource base which is due to lack of livelihood diversification. It is
important for the government and other relevant stakeholders to employ strategies to improve
environmental management and livelihood diversification in order to ensure sustainable
livelihoods in the country.
MUDIMU, E (2021). The Impact Of Environmental Change On Rural Livelihoods In Zimbabwe. The Case Of Hurungwe District Ward 13 (2006-2014). Afribary. Retrieved from https://afribary.com/works/the-impact-of-environmental-change-on-rural-livelihoods-in-zimbabwe-the-case-of-hurungwe-district-ward-13-2006-2014
MUDIMU, EMMACULATE "The Impact Of Environmental Change On Rural Livelihoods In Zimbabwe. The Case Of Hurungwe District Ward 13 (2006-2014)" Afribary. Afribary, 04 May. 2021, https://afribary.com/works/the-impact-of-environmental-change-on-rural-livelihoods-in-zimbabwe-the-case-of-hurungwe-district-ward-13-2006-2014. Accessed 22 Dec. 2024.
MUDIMU, EMMACULATE . "The Impact Of Environmental Change On Rural Livelihoods In Zimbabwe. The Case Of Hurungwe District Ward 13 (2006-2014)". Afribary, Afribary, 04 May. 2021. Web. 22 Dec. 2024. < https://afribary.com/works/the-impact-of-environmental-change-on-rural-livelihoods-in-zimbabwe-the-case-of-hurungwe-district-ward-13-2006-2014 >.
MUDIMU, EMMACULATE . "The Impact Of Environmental Change On Rural Livelihoods In Zimbabwe. The Case Of Hurungwe District Ward 13 (2006-2014)" Afribary (2021). Accessed December 22, 2024. https://afribary.com/works/the-impact-of-environmental-change-on-rural-livelihoods-in-zimbabwe-the-case-of-hurungwe-district-ward-13-2006-2014