Research is aimed at the discovery and interpretation of facts, revision of accepted theories or laws in the light of new facts or practical application of such new or revised theories or laws. A sample provides needed information about the population quickly. However, there is no guarantee that any sample will be precisely representative of the population from which it comes. It is cheaper to observe a part rather than the whole. This chapter is a discussion on sampling in research and it is mainly designed to equip researchers with knowledge of the general issues to consider when sampling. The purpose of sampling in research, dangers of sampling and how to minimize them, types of sampling and guides for deciding the sample size are discussed. For a clear flow of ideas, a few definitions of the terms used are given. They highlight the types and methods of sampling, sampling errors and discusses techniques of sample size determination. Different types of sampling technique, how to carry them out, and their advantages and disadvantages are also introduced.
Artisanal and small scale gold mining (ASGM) is an informal economic activity. ASGM is the process of extracting gold ore from the ground in the absence of land rights, mining license, exploration or mining mineral exploration permit or any legitimate document that allows the operation. Its haphazard nature, location close to and dependence on water have negative effects on the physical, chemical and biological composition of water. The socio-economic benefits of small scale mining, which include employment and income generation, are seriously outweighed by devastating environmental costs and impacts. The objective of this chapter is to examine effects of ASGM on water quality in Mozambique and Zimbabwe. Findings show that ASGM causes land disturbance, loss of biodiversity, deforestation and depletion of water resources, increased levels of siltation, turbidity and heavy metal content and the disturbance of aquatic life and its habitats. ASGM also negatively effects the health of people and animals. Based on the research findings, it is important to support and formalize, as much as possible, the mining operations so that it becomes environmentally friendly and sustainable.
This chapter examines the contribution of an urban irrigated agriculture project towards household food security and poverty alleviation in Harare City, Zimbabwe. It also considers the types of crops grown, crop productivity and challenges faced by the urban farmers. Findings from this case study demonstrate that although urban irrigated smallholder agriculture contributes to livelihoods, there are numerous socio-economic factors that impede people from participating more in the project. Additionally, some people have withdrawn from the project, due to security threats from perceived political affiliations.
Concerns of food and environmental security have increased enormously in recent years due to the vagaries of climate change and variability. Efforts to promote food security and environmental sustainability often reinforce each other and enable farmers to adapt to and mitigate the impact of climate change and other stresses. Some of these efforts are based on appropriate technologies and practices that restore natural ecosystems and improve the resilience of farming systems, thus enhancing food security. Climate smart agriculture (CSA) principles, for example, translate into a number of locally-devised and applied practices that work simultaneously through contextualised crop-soil-water-nutrient-pest-ecosystem management at a variety of scales. The purpose of this paper is to review concisely the current state-of-the-art literature and ascertain the potential of the Pfumvudza concept to enhance household food security, climate change mitigation and adaptation as it is promoted in Zimbabwe. The study relied heavily on data from print and electronic media. Datasets pertaining to carbon, nitrous oxide and methane storage in soils and crop yield under zero tillage and conventional tillage were compiled. Findings show that, compared to conventional farming, Pfumvudza has great potential to contribute towards household food security and reducing carbon emissions if implemented following the stipulated recommendations. These include among others, adequate land preparation and timely planting and acquiring inputs. However, nitrous oxide emissions tend to increase with reduced tillage and, the use of artificial fertilizers, pesticides and herbicides is environmentally unfriendly.
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