Evaluating watershed restoration techniques for climate resilience and livelihood security in Matobo District, Zimbabwe
Ashton Mutovhe & Nqobile Sikhosana
Abstract
This study assesses watershed restoration techniques in mitigating the impacts of climate change and safeguarding livelihoods in Ward 7, Matobo District, Zimbabwe. The study used qualitative research approaches to collect, analyse and interpret the findings. There were three primary instruments, unstructured interviews, focus group discussions and observation. Using case study design and purposive and snowball sampling techniques, the study had an in-depth exploration of 20 participants in real-life contexts. Key findings revealed that communities in Matobo District employ several watershed restoration techniques which include conservation farming, afforestation, contour farming and construction of erosion control physical structures such as silt traps, stone bunds, gabions and check dams. The findings also unearth the reality that the community members have knowledge about watershed management though they face a myriad of challenges in implementation and maintenance of these structures. Key among the challenges include lack of resources, lack of stakeholder collaboration and lack of technical capacity. The study therefore recommends training sessions focused on advanced watershed management techniques, sustainable agricultural practices, and climate adaptation strategies.
Keywords
climate change, mitigation, livelihoods, integrated watershed management, ecosystem restoration
Author information & Contribution
Ashton Mutovhe. Corresponding author. PhD. Postdoctoral Research Fellow, Population and Health Research Unit, North-West University, Mafikeng, South Africa. Email: nsikhosana2012@gmail.com
Nqobile Sikhosana. MSC Development Studies, Lupane State University, Lupane, Zimbabwe. Email: ashtonmutovhe@gmail.com
"All authors equally contributed to the conception, design, preparation, data gathering and analysis, and writing of the manuscript. All authors read and approved of the final manuscript."
Disclosure statement
No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.
Funding
This work was not supported by any funding.
Institutional Review Board Statement
Ethics committee approval was received for this study from the Development Studies Development Research Committee dated 01 June 2024. Participants were informed about the purpose of the study and were asked to sign informed consent forms.
Data and Materials Availability
The data supporting the findings of this study are available from the corresponding author upon reasonable request.
AI Declaration
Quillbot and Grammarly software were used only for language editing purposes.
Notes
Acknowledgement
References
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Cite this article:
Mutovhe, A. & Sikhosana, N. (2026). Evaluating watershed restoration techniques for climate resilience and livelihood security in Matobo District, Zimbabwe. International Review of Social Sciences Research, 6(2), 51-71. https://doi.org/10.53378/irssr.353349
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