The Role Of Inland Waters In Nature Conservation, Food Production And Outdoor Recreation In Zimbabwe

Abstract

Zimbabwe is a landlocked country with no significant natural lakes. It lies astride the watershed between the Zambezi and Limpopo rivers and forms part of the high southern African plateau, which is here separated from the coastal plains of Mocambique by the eastern border mountains. Despite this it is generally well watered, particularly above the 1200 m contour and towards the east of the country. As in most of southern Africa rain falls mainly in summer (November to March or April), when more than half the country enjoys an average precipitation of over BOO mm which rises to above 1400 mm in the eastern mountains. It is only in the Limpopo and lower Save Valleys that this rainfall declines to less than 400 mm.