Assessing the socio-economic and environmental impacts of veldfires on small-scale farmers in ward 4 of Matepatepa Bindura Mashonaland Central, Zimbabwe

Abstract

Veldfires threaten small-scale farmers in rural Zimbabwe, yet their impacts remain poorly documented. This study examined the causes of veldfires, their effects on farmer livelihoods and the environment and the effectiveness of fire management strategies in Ward 4 of Matepatepa, Bindura District, Zimbabwe. A mixed-methods approach was used, collecting data from 60 farmers through questionnaires, interviews and direct observation. Quantitative data were analysed using Microsoft Excel, while qualitative data were analysed thematically. Residue burning was the primary cause of veldfires (26.8%), followed by lightning (23.2%), land clearing (17.9%), honey harvesting (16.5%) and hunting (10.7%). The most severe economic impacts were livestock losses (29.6%), fence damage (27.8%), and crop loss (25.9%). Environmental impacts included soil fertility loss (27.6%), vegetation loss (20.5%)and loss of grazing land and wildlife (19.0%). Fire prevention strategies were rated as ineffective by (48.3%) of respondents, primarily due to inadequate resources and limited community participation. The study concludes that veldfires remain a major threat to sustainable livelihoods in Matepatepa. There is need for strengthening community awareness, improving enforcement of veldfires regulations and promoting community participation in fire prevention planning.