https://cris.library.msu.ac.zw//handle/11408/61 2026-04-08T09:03:10Z https://cris.library.msu.ac.zw//handle/11408/5016 Title: Spatio-Temporal Dynamics of Agro-Meteorological Drought Between 1990 And 2020 In Mberengwa And Zvishavane Districts, Zimbabwe Authors: Mupepi, Oshneck Abstract: Drought has increased in frequency and severity during the previous decade in response to climate change, hence drastic actions are required to ensure drought resilience of most vulnerable communities, especially in developing countries. The study assessed the Spatio-temporal dynamics of agro-meteorological drought between 1990 and 2020 in Mberengwa and Zvishavane Districts. A mixed-methods approach was employed with both qualitative and quantitative data collection methods adopted in the context of the pragmatist research philosophy. Geographic information system and remote sensing, assessment questionnaire, interviews, focus group discussions and observations were used to collect required data in this study. Microsoft excel 2013, Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 20.0 and ArcMap 10.5 software were used for data analysis. Findings showed that despite constant change in climate, drought dynamics did not follow a constant trend in Mberengwa and Zvishavane Districts over the 30 year period studied. However, these dynamics in drought conditions experienced spatial heterogeneity in terms of severity. The 2011-2020 decade experienced more frequent droughts followed by the 1990-2000 and 2001-2010 decades. The El Nino Southern Oscillation phenomenon proved to be the major drought driving factor as its El Nino and La Nina phases corresponded to drought and non-drought years respectively. Zvishavane District was more affected by droughts compared to Mberengwa District. Drought in both districts experienced an increasing trend between 2017 and 2019 before a slight decline in 2020. An increase in spatial coverage of severe droughts was confirmed in both districts. Findings indicated that the length of the rain season has reduced due to late-onset and early cessation of rainfall. Results indicated that local people were in agreement with the spatial and temporal distribution of severe droughts in both Mberengwa and Zvishavane Districts. Findings showed that there were significant improvements in adaptive, absorptive and transformative capacities of households to overcome the impacts of drought in Mberengwa and Zvishavane Districts. Since drought severity and frequency have increased in Mberengwa and Zvishavane Districts, the impacts of drought on people’s livelihoods have proportionally increased. The Government of Zimbabwe is encouraged to provide all necessary support to AGRITEX, the Veterinary Services Department and rural district councils throughout the country especially in drought-prone areas so as to strengthen drought resilience support which proved to be effective under the Enhancing Community Resilience and Inclusive Market Systems project in Mberengwa and Zvishavane Districts. The government is encouraged to introduce climate research centers fully equipped with resources that allow climate parameter analysis. This will aid the development of new drought monitoring indices that best suit the climatological conditions of Zimbabwe. This will enhance innovation as ascribed by education 5.0 and improved climate-related disaster management which will culminate into the rejuvenation of agriculture as the backbone of the economy. This will contribute to the achievement of National Development Strategy Goal number one of achieving a prosperous and empowered upper-middle-income status by 2030. 2022-01-01T00:00:00Z Mupepi, Oshneck https://cris.library.msu.ac.zw//handle/11408/4047 Title: Impact of oil pollution on soil properties : a case of Sable Chemical Industries Authors: Chimhina, Chiedza M. Abstract: The study examined the impact of oil pollution on soil properties at Sable Chemical Industries. The researcher used a descriptive case study research design. The research encompassed both qualitative and quantitative research paradigms and use of primary and secondary methods of data collection. Primary data was gathered through questionnaires, direct field observations, interviews and soil sample collection while secondary data was obtained from the journals and Sable Chemical Industries SHE incident records. Data analysis was done using Statistical Package for Social Scientists (SPSS), content analysis and Microsoft Excel. The research findings identified mechanical failure, breakdown maintenance and human error as the major causes of oil spills at Sable Chemical Industries. The level of knowledge on oil handling practices amongst Sable Chemical industries’ employees is still low due to lack training and Managemental commitment. The collected soil samples were subjected to laboratory tests and the results obtained showed variations in pH, electrical conductivity and moisture content. The range of electrical conductivity of the unpolluted sites was 20-49(mS/m) compared to the 31-99(mS/m) for the polluted sites with an average of 78% increase. The soil pH drastically decreased from 7.12 (control) to 5.48 whilst the soil moisture content has decreased by 60%. Due to hydrocarbon pollution the soils have become highly acidic, compacted, negatively charged (ions) with low moisture content. The result from the chi-square test shows that there is a significant relationship (p<0.05; p=0.04) between oil pollution and physic- chemical alteration of soil properties. The research recommends Sable Chemical Industries to formulate an oil spill response team and draft an oil spill response procedure which clearly outlines the responsibilities, targets and action plans towards oil spill reduction to reduce environmental pollution. Environmental Management Agency should also educate waste oil producing entities on how to practice safe and sound waste oil disposal 2018-01-01T00:00:00Z Chimhina, Chiedza M. https://cris.library.msu.ac.zw//handle/11408/3970 Title: An assessment of the causes of accidents at RioZim’s Dalny mine in Chakari, Zimbabwe Authors: Meya, Josephine Abstract: The research was carried out at Dalny mine with the aim of understanding the causes of accidents at the organisation. The objectives of the study included the identification of the causes of accidents, establishment of the trends on the occurrence of accidents at the mine and to evaluate the level of awareness of employees on the causes of accidents. A descriptive research design was used and a sample of 92 employees was selected. The research encompassed both qualitative and quantitative techniques and the use of primary and secondary methods for collecting valid and reliable data pertaining to the research. Primary data was obtained through questionnaires, field observations and interviews whilst secondary data was obtained from the organisations HSE records. Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) was used to analyse both quantitative and qualitative data. The major findings were that accidents at Dalny mine were caused by unsafe conditions and to a lesser extent by unsafe acts. The causes of such accidents were attributed to lack of adequate training on accident causal factors, poor standard working procedures, unrealistic production targets and ignorance to HSE issue. The research revealed that accidents negatively impact gold production at Dalny Mine as there are frequent stoppages of production operations. There is also a high rate of lost time and increased absenteeism. The study tested whether there is a significant relationship between level of education and employees knowledge on causes of accidents. Results indicated there is no significant relationship (p> 0.05; p=0.21) between level of education and employees knowledge on the causes of accidents. The study recommends that employees at Dalny mine need to attend courses on Safety, Health and Environment offered by organisations like NSSA so that they will be well versed in HSE issues. Safety, Health and Environmental standards like the OHSAS 18001 and ISO 9001 should be implemented in order to improve the safety system of Dalny mine. These recommendations were forwarded to the organisation so that they can have an accident free workplace. 2017-10-01T00:00:00Z Meya, Josephine https://cris.library.msu.ac.zw//handle/11408/3655 Title: Impacts of black granite quarrying on household income and food security: a case study of Mutoko district in Zimbabwe Authors: Sibanda, Abel Abstract: The purpose of this study was to assess the impacts of black granite quarrying on household income and food security in Mutoko district. The researcher adopted a case study research design and used two methods of sampling that is purposive sampling and census sampling. Research instruments used were questionnaires, interview guides and an observation check list. Research findings were that black granite quarrying was contributing to household income only to the employed households. Main beneficiaries of increased household income from black granite quarrying were male headed families which were employed in greater numbers compared to female headed families. Quarry salaries had managed to raise the food security status for employed households as households had managed to buy extra food stuff from Harare while other households had purchased farm inputs like fertilisers and maize seeds. However the situation was very different for the non employed households. These are the households who rely on agriculture for accessing food and household income. Quarrying activities like forest clearing was affecting their access to non agricultural sources of food, blasting processes during the excavation stage affected underlying granite rock which had a bearing on availability of underground water necessary for agricultural purposes. In conclusion quarrying is negatively impacting household income and food security in Mutoko district. Some of the recommendations included employment of all the locals who were affected by the land eviction process and raising salaries for locals. 2018-01-01T00:00:00Z Sibanda, Abel