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In many impoverished communities and countries, climate change and natural disasters are among the factors contributing to food insecurity. In sub-Saharan Africa, some resource-poor households have relied on the wealth of indigenous fruit trees (IFT) in their localities to supplement their diets during droughts and mitigate the effects of climate change for centuries. This is due to the staggered nature of the fruiting seasons of individual IFT species, ensuring the availability of different fruits throughout the year. However, due to population growth, agricultural expansion, and urbanization, these fruit tree populations are diminishing, exacerbating food insecurity in these communities. Ethnobotanical surveys were conducted in Chirumhanzu, Chivi, and Mberengwa districts in Zimbabwe in April and November 2021. The study aimed to gather information on the types and roles of IFTs in building resilience against the effects of climate change on food security and livelihoods in the study districts. A structured questionnaire was used to collect the data. Responses from the participants were analyzed using frequencies, and chi-square was employed to evaluate the effects of demographic characteristics on the responses. Thirty-seven (37) IFT species were reported in the three districts. Strychnos spinosa (77.91%), Azanza garckeana (76.74%), and Sclerocarya birrea (72.67%) were the most cited indigenous fruit tree species, while Hexalobus monopetalus (1.74%) and Grewia monticola (1.16%) were the least mentioned. About 64% of the respondents had received knowledge on the domestication and conservation of IFT species, mainly from Agricultural Advisory Services extension officers. However, this information was insufficient for them to successfully domesticate and incorporate IFTs into their cropping systems, as 87.2% of the respondents still identified a lack of information as a hindering factor. They pointed out negative attitudes and a lack of quality germplasm as additional challenges. Further efforts should focus on how to practically domesticate and propagate indigenous fruit tree species with high economic potential. There is a need to convince traditional leadership and other arms of government to conserve and promote awareness of indigenous fruit tree conservation.

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Diversity of Indigenous Fruit Trees and Their Role in Supporting Resilient Livelihoods in Marginal Areas of Zimbabwe: Case of Chirumanzu, Chivi, and Mberengwa Districts

  • 动态工具书词条

  • 发表日期：

    2026年

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  • Stanlake Mangezi,
  • Pepukai Manjeru,
  • Raymond Mugandani,
  • Veronica Makuvaro,
  • Paul Chaibva,
  • Moses Mutetwa,
  • Bester Tawona Mudereri,
  • Tavagwisa Muziri

摘要

In many impoverished communities and countries, climate change and natural disasters are among the factors contributing to food insecurity. In sub-Saharan Africa, some resource-poor households have relied on the wealth of indigenous fruit trees (IFT) in their localities to supplement their diets during droughts and mitigate the effects of climate change for centuries. This is due to the staggered nature of the fruiting seasons of individual IFT species, ensuring the availability of different fruits throughout the year. However, due to population growth, agricultural expansion, and urbanization, these fruit tree populations are diminishing, exacerbating food insecurity in these communities. Ethnobotanical surveys were conducted in Chirumhanzu, Chivi, and Mberengwa districts in Zimbabwe in April and November 2021. The study aimed to gather information on the types and roles of IFTs in building resilience against the effects of climate change on food security and livelihoods in the study districts. A structured questionnaire was used to collect the data. Responses from the participants were analyzed using frequencies, and chi-square was employed to evaluate the effects of demographic characteristics on the responses. Thirty-seven (37) IFT species were reported in the three districts. Strychnos spinosa (77.91%), Azanza garckeana (76.74%), and Sclerocarya birrea (72.67%) were the most cited indigenous fruit tree species, while Hexalobus monopetalus (1.74%) and Grewia monticola (1.16%) were the least mentioned. About 64% of the respondents had received knowledge on the domestication and conservation of IFT species, mainly from Agricultural Advisory Services extension officers. However, this information was insufficient for them to successfully domesticate and incorporate IFTs into their cropping systems, as 87.2% of the respondents still identified a lack of information as a hindering factor. They pointed out negative attitudes and a lack of quality germplasm as additional challenges. Further efforts should focus on how to practically domesticate and propagate indigenous fruit tree species with high economic potential. There is a need to convince traditional leadership and other arms of government to conserve and promote awareness of indigenous fruit tree conservation.