Forest and wildlife resource-conservation efforts based on indigenous knowledge: The case of Nharira community in Chikomba district, Zimbabwe

BACKGROUND

Indigenous Knowledge (IK) plays a significant role in the sustainable management of forest and wildlife resources. In Zimbabwe, most forests and woodlands within communal areas are being successfully managed under the authorities of traditional leaders who base their conservation strategies on their local knowledge as compared with conventional methods such as fencing which bring conflict with the local people.

RESEARCH GOALS AND METHODS

To determine the use of IK in the conservation of biodiversity in Nharira community, qualitative research methods are used. The data is gathered through key informant interviews and focus group discussions (FGD). Both interviews and FGD are tape-recorded after receiving consent to do so by the respondents. The targeted respondents are elderly people, who settle around two sacred mountains which are rich in biodiversity.

CONCLUSIONS AND TAKEAWAYS

According to the authors, IK is dynamic and IK forms are context specific to communities. They may include but are not limited to customs, rituals, regulations, totems, taboos, and various proverbial expressions. IK has proved to be highly effective and investing in it can help to ensure the sustainability of forests. The authors also recommend the empowerment of traditional leaders as governors of these forest resources.