The contribution of African traditional religion (A.T.R.) to the environmental crisis as key to poverty reduction with special reference to Mhondoro district in Mashonaland West province.

Abstract

This is a study of the contribution of African Traditional Religion to the environmental crisis as key to poverty reduction. The study focuses on the areas of Mhondoro-Ngezi and Mubaira District. The environmental crisis and the poverty crisis are among the major challenges the people in Mhondoro are facing. This study argues that, the Shona people of Mhondoro conserve the environment well through their taboos, totems and belief systems. Taboos and totems have been used successfully to promote natural resource conservation, that is, the land, animals, water bodies, mountains, forests and trees. The study argues that, these practices are helping in the reduction of poverty in Mhondoro.