Trees in fields in Southern Zimbabwe

Abstract

Journal of Southern African StudiesPublication details, including instructions for authors and subscription information:

The Miombo in transition: woodlands and welfare in Africa

“…For example, studies of children in miombo areas have demonstrated how wild fruits, rodents, insects and birds can form a crucial source of foods for children from poorer households while at school (those from better-off households being sent to school with food or money) or while herding (Campbell et al 1991a;Coote et al 1993a;McGregor 1995a). It is partly for this reason that children can display remarkable knowledge of the local woodland resource, with mental fruit tree maps and nicknames for the sweetest fruit trees (Wilson 1989a).…”

“…Indigenous technical knowledge clearly underlies both use and management of trees and woodlands. Knowledge about the taxonomy, ecology, silviculture and uses of trees and woodlands is widespread amongst rural populations throughout the region, as ethnobotanical surveys testify (Wilson 1989a;Tuite and Gardiner 1990a;Matowanyika 1991;McGregor 1991;Coote et al 1993a;Sørensen 1993). …”

“…A number of studies have been carried out on species use and the species preferences of users (Campbell and du Toit 1988;Wilson 1989a;McGregor 1991;Coote et al 1993a;1993b;Lowore et al 1995b). These studies show that species use is highly selective, providing preferred species are still available.…”

“…In south western Zimbabwe, farmers prune the lower branches of Acacia regrowth to encourage vertical growth, increased grass growth and improve accessibility to grass by livestock (Clarke et al 1996). Lopping of branches of valuable fodder trees such as Brachystegia spiciformis, Julbernardia globiflora, Kigelia africana and Colophospermum mopane is carried out in the late dry season to make browse accessible to livestock (Wilson 1989a;Clarke 1995).…”

Producing Nature and Poverty in Africa

“…Research in the social relations of common property systems in Africa reveals a seemingly endless variety and complexity of rights, obligations, and rules, many of them ad hoc (Bassett and Crummey 1993). Rights to a particular area of land may have multiple claims upon it, both group and individual, and can include rights to water, fuel, grazing, and cultivation plots, which in turn may vary according to season, species, or intended usage (Fortmann and Bruce 1988;Wilson 1989;Neumann 1992a;Campbell 1993). …”