Land degradation in Zimbabwe: a geographical study

Abstract

This report covers five main aspects of the erosion survey of Zimbabwe. Firstly, the history of the erosion problem is examined with respect to the large and small scale commercial farming areas and the Communal Lands. This historical review is essential to understand how the present circumstances of soil conservation land degradation evolved. Secondly, the methods of the national survey are described and the relative advantages and disadvantages of these methods are discussed. There were no precedents for this survey in Africa or elsewhere and given that the study may well attract a great deal of attention and, perhaps, criticism, a full account of this pioneering methodology has been given.