MSUIR Community:

Devolution and the Right to Budgetary Participation: Insights from Subnational Governments in Midlands Province, Zimbabwe

2026-03-11T10:14:11Z

Title: Devolution and the Right to Budgetary Participation: Insights from Subnational Governments in Midlands Province, Zimbabwe Authors: Mutema, Edson P.; Mukushwa, Zvimekria Clive; Zevure, Amos Abstract: This chapter examines the capacity of Zimbabwe’s national devolution policy in promoting citizens’ right to participation in budgetary programmes. It focuses on assessing the soundness, adequacy and impact of devolution policy in promoting citizens’ right to participation. The policy was put in place to ensure democratic participation of all citizens in government programmes. Active and effective participation of citizens in budgetary planning is a tool for constructing human rights economies at the local, national and international levels that promote inclusive participation, address inequality, strengthen governance and build social cohesion, contributing to the realisation of Sustainable Development Goals. This is against the backdrop that public consultations for bills and policies are done in urban areas that are inaccessible to rural citizens, thereby disadvantaging them. The study for this chapter deployed a qualitative research approach, collecting data through in-depth interviews, questionnaires, desktop study and netnography. It reveals that major barriers to citizen participation are poor dissemination of information, inclusivity and transparency deficits, lack of residents’ education and awareness and lack of incentives for boosting citizens’ motivation to participate. Findings of this study can help policy makers in the formulation of economic or budget policies that are human rights sensitive at subnational level.

Tied Ridges and Better Cotton Breeds for Climate Change Adaptation

2025-11-26T13:47:24Z

Title: Tied Ridges and Better Cotton Breeds for Climate Change Adaptation Authors: Mandumbu, R.; Nyawenze, C; Rugare, J. T.; Parwada, Cosmas; Tibugari, H.; Nyamadzawo, G. Abstract: Climate change and variability is already reducing agricultural productivity and opportunities for employment, pushing up food prices and affecting food availability and production of formerly adapted crop types. Such is the case in cotton production in Zimbabwe, where it was the only viable commercial crop in marginal areas. As a form of adaptation, there is need for African farmers to have a range of agricultural techniques as coping strategies and tactics to enable sustainable production of crops and deal with extreme events. Such techniques include water conservation and introduction of new adapted crop genetics to cope with the new environment. The emerging trends in climate change will force farmers to adopt new crops and varieties and forms of agricultural production technologies. The objective of this study is to determine the contribution of combining in-field water harvesting and early maturing cotton varieties in curbing drought in cotton in semiarid Zimbabwe. The results show that both water harvesting in form of planting basins significantly (P <0.05) increased boll number and branch number of cotton across all varieties. The varieties M577 and M567 out-performed the conventional varieties in early growth, branch number, and boll number. Tied contour ridges gave a significantly (P <0.05) higher moisture content in 0–5 cm and the 6–10 cm depth compared to conventional tillage. The new varieties displayed early phenological development. Despite the existence of rainfall gaps, the in-field water harvesting techniques captured enough moisture and prevented moisture losses through runoff which resulted successful flowering and fruiting in the short varieties compared to conventional tillage on conventional varieties. In this regard, water harvesting and early maturing varieties offer considerable hope for increasing crop production in arid and semiarid areas of Zimbabwe.

Recent Innovations in Energy Storage Systems

2025-11-13T14:17:56Z

Title: Recent Innovations in Energy Storage Systems Authors: Makepa, Denzel Christopher; Charamba, Anesu Nicholas; Kumba, Hagreaves Abstract: Across the globe, the energy landscape is undergoing a profound transformation, driven by the sustainable development goals to address climate change, reduce dependence on fossil fuels, and ensure sustainable energy access for all [1]. One approach to this transformation is the application of innovations in non-conventional energy sources, providing alternatives to traditional energy systems. Innovations in non-conventional energy sources are essential due to the depletion of conventional energy reserves like coal, environmental concerns, and the need for sustainable energy solutions [2].

Teaching Information Literacy Skills in Higher Learning Institutions in Zimbabwe

2025-11-12T13:11:42Z

Title: Teaching Information Literacy Skills in Higher Learning Institutions in Zimbabwe Authors: Kuchicha, Kudzai; Ndinde, Shadreck Abstract: This chapter highlights the strategies and challenges of teaching Information literacy skills in higher learning institutions in Zimbabwe. Information literacy programs have become crucial in higher learning institutions due to the explosion of information and the need for students to learn lifelong skills. Higher learning institutions worldwide have developed IL learning models to enhance library use and produce knowledgeable students. Teaching information literacy requires organizational skills and knowledge. Most universities worldwide, including in Zimbabwe, have implemented compulsory courses. The chapter relied on secondary research, a systematic investigation method based on existing data from published materials, reports, and surveys. This research design involves organizing, collating, and analyzing data samples for valid conclusions. Available literature expostulates the need to reinforce information literacy skills and integrate them into Zimbabwean university curricula. The study suggests incorporating information literacy skills into university curricula to enhance the process of teaching, lifelong learning, and societal development.