https://hdl.handle.net/10646/197 2026-04-15T18:43:47Z 2026-04-15T18:43:47Z Mutambara, J. Jiri, Z. Jiri, O. Makiwa, E. https://hdl.handle.net/10646/4779 2026-01-06T01:04:05Z 2013-06-27T00:00:00Z

Agricultural training post land reform in Zimbabwe: implications and issues. Mutambara, J.; Jiri, Z.; Jiri, O.; Makiwa, E. This paper explores the implications of the land reform programme on agricultural training and education in Zimbabwe. A critical evaluation of agricultural training post land reform is important given the collaboration and interdependence of human capital and institutions in agricultural growth and development in Zimbabwe. A desk study approach was employed using relevant theoretical and empirical literature. Key informants were interviewed in agricultural training institutions, agriculture and education ministries, and manpower development authorities in Zimbabwe. The first draft of this paper was presented at a National Manpower Advisory Council workshop and comments were obtained on the subject. The study revealed that the land reform programme resulted in increased smallholder agriculture (92%) versus large scale agriculture (8%), expanded area under settlement, changes in typology of farmers, labour shortages, limited partnerships with internal and external institutions, decreased production in agriculture, and gender mainstreaming in land allocation, all of which had implications on agricultural training. For agricultural education, these changes implied; increased demand for human resources to provide supportive services (extension, training and research), a need for curriculum review to integrate emerging issues such as environmental management, business development skills and gender relations, a need for more resources, and a need for strengthening of Private Public Partnerships to enable successful delivery of agriculture education for economic development. An agricultural education policy is essential to provide a harmonized framework in which adjustment measures ensure educational relevance in the new era of land reform.

2013-06-27T00:00:00Z Mafongoya, Paramu, L. Jiri, Obert Phophi, Mutondwa https://hdl.handle.net/10646/3944 2025-12-14T01:12:43Z 2015-10-27T00:00:00Z

Evaluation of Tillage Practices for Maize (Zea mays) Grown on Different Land-Use Systems in Eastern Zambia Mafongoya, Paramu, L.; Jiri, Obert; Phophi, Mutondwa Improved fallows of Sesbania sesban (Sesbania) have been known to improve soil physical and chemical properties and increase crop yield compared to traditional fallows. However, the effects of soil tillage practices after improved fallows on soil properties, weeds, labour and subsequent maize crop have not been assessed in Southern Africa. This study aimed to evaluate how tillage practices affect yield of maize and affect soil properties after two years of fallow and subsequent cropping phase. In this study, done at sites in eastern Zambia, maize yield from a two-year planted Sesbania, natural fallow, continuously fertilized and unfertilized maize were compared under conventional, flat till and zero tillage practices. A split plot experiment, with improved fallow systems in the main plot and the tillage practice in the subplot, was established at the sites. The results showed that the increases in grain yield under conventional tillage over zero tillage practice were 17.8% and 28.2% during 2000/2001 and 2001/2002 seasons, respectively, at Msekera. At Chadiza, the increases in grain yield under conventional tillage over zero tillage were 66.3% and 327.4% during 2000/2001 and 2001/2002 seasons, respectively. Greater maize yields were achieved under Sesbania planted fallows compared to the natural fallow and maize monoculture without fertilizer. Overall, zero tillage practice resulted in lower maize grain yield, higher bulk density, reduced water intake, higher weed infestation and high labour demand during weeding compared to conventional tillage.

2015-10-27T00:00:00Z Jiri, Obert Mafongoya, Paramu, L. Mubaya, Chipo Mafongoya, Owen https://hdl.handle.net/10646/3943 2025-10-02T01:16:13Z 2015-04-15T00:00:00Z

Seasonal climate prediction and adaptation using indigenous knowledge systems in agriculture systems in Southern Africa: A review Jiri, Obert; Mafongoya, Paramu, L.; Mubaya, Chipo; Mafongoya, Owen Erratic rainfall and increasing temperature is rapidly emerging as one of the most serious global problems affecting many sectors in the world. It is considered to be one of the most serious threats to sustainable development with adverse impact on environment, human health, food security, economic activities, natural resources and physical infrastructure. Southern Africa is one of the most vulnerable regions to climate change in the world, particularly because of widespread poverty, recurrent droughts, inequitable land distribution, over-dependence on rain-fed agriculture and low adaptive capacity. Yet rural farmers in southern Africa have managed to survive the vagaries of climate change over the years. This review reveals that these rural farmers can use indigenous knowledge to cope and adapt to climate change. Availability and access to scientific weather information to make cropping and other decisions at the local level remain key issues to usage of climatic data by rural farmers. On the other hand, indigenous knowledge is what rural farmers have been using but is also becoming unreliable due to climate change and variability. Integration of indigenous knowledge and scientific seasonal forecast seems to be a key possible thrust to reduce vulnerability, enhance resilience of rural farmers and increase their adaptive capacity.

2015-04-15T00:00:00Z Magosvongwe, Rubby Ndlovu, Eventhough Mlambo, Obert B https://hdl.handle.net/10646/3942 2025-10-02T01:16:11Z 2016-01-01T00:00:00Z

Africa's intangible heritage and land: emerging perspectives Magosvongwe, Rubby; Ndlovu, Eventhough; Mlambo, Obert B

2016-01-01T00:00:00Z