Browsing by Author "Musinguzi, Simon Peter"

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Evaluating the spatiotemporal dynamics of agrometeorological droughts in semi-arid Gwayi agroecosystems (1990–2020) using multiple indices
(Taylor & Francis, 2024-10-10) Chisadza, Bright; Gwate, Onalenna; Musinguzi, Simon Peter
Climate variability poses a significant threat to smallholder farmers in the Gwayi catchment, Zimbabwe. This study investigated the spatiotemporal dynamics of agrometeorological droughts from 1990 to 2020 using the Standardized Precipitation Index (SPI), Standardized Precipitation Evapotranspiration Index (SPEI), Vegetation Condition Index (VCI), and Vegetation Health Index (VHI). The triangulation of these indices provided a comprehensive understanding of drought dynamics. Severe to extreme drought events were identified in 1995, 1998, 2005, 2016, 2018, and 2020, while moderate droughts were consistently detected across all indices. Favourable conditions were observed in 2000 and 2006. A strong positive correlation (r¼0.88) between VHI and VCI suggests their similar effectiveness in reflecting vegetation health. In contrast, moderate correlations between VHI and SPI (r ¼0.30), VHI and SPEI (r¼0.39), VCI and SPI (r¼0.28), and VCI and SPEI (r¼0.40) indicate that these indices capture complementary information, reflecting not only precipitation deficits but also the impacts of temperature, soil moisture, and land cover changes. The SPI and SPEI displayed a strong positive correlation (r ¼0.78), aligning in their sensitivity to precipitation and evapotranspiration. Spatial analysis revealed a pronounced north-south drought gradient, with the southwestern region being particularly vulnerable, underscoring the need for targeted interventions.
Resilient agriculture in semi‑arid Zimbabwe: adaptation strategies and influencers among smallholder farmers
(Discover Agriculture, 2025-05-20) Chisadza, Bright; Gwate, Onalenna; Musinguzi, Simon Peter; Mpofu, Nkululeko; Macherera, Margaret; Dube, Thulani
Despite extensive research on climate change impacts and adaptation strategies in Zimbabwe, their effectiveness from the perspective of smallholder farmers, particularly in the Gwayi catchment remains insufficiently understood. This study evaluated adaptation strategies in response to land use change and climate variability using a mixed-methods approach. Data were collected through a survey of 483 smallholder farmers, 10 focus group discussions (8–12 participants), and interviews with 25 key informants. Results show that despite farmers’ awareness of improved practices, adaptation remains constrained by limited access to water, quality seeds, and technology (64%), financial constraints (46%), and knowledge gaps (19%). The most common adaptation strategies include soil water conservation (85%), drought-resistant crops (80%), early planting (55%), and diversification (49%), with soil water conservation and drought-tolerant crops being the most widely practiced and perceived as most effective. Regression analysis indicates that livestock ownership, participation in community climate-resilient programs, and recent drought experiences significantly (p < 0.05) influence both the choice and number of adaptation strategies adopted. These findings highlight the need for context-specific interventions to mitigate the impacts of climate and land use changes on food security. Strengthening resilience among smallholder farmers requires improved resource access, livestock support, community-based resilience programs, capacity building, financial aid, and enhanced drought preparedness. Implementing these measures will bolster adaptive capacity and promote sustainable agricultural practices in the face of climate uncertainty.
Review of the land use and climate change impact assessments in semi-arid ecosystems in Africa: Opportunities and challenges
(Water and Environmental Sustainability, 2023-12) Chisadza, Bright; Musinguzi, Simon Peter; Gwate, Onalenna; Malinga, Wayne
Despite the existing literature on climate variability (CV) and land use change (LUC) impact assessments, understanding their effectiveness in semi-arid regions remains challenging. This review aims to assess the effectiveness of CV and LUC impact assessments in guiding adaptation options for smallholder farmers in semi-arid ecosystems and associated challenges and opportunities. We conducted a systematic literature review, primarily using Google Scholar, to examine the impact of LUC and CV in African semi-arid ecosystems. We employed Vos Viewer to analyze the relationships among the identified sources. Our findings reveal that current assessment approaches often fall short in capturing the intricate interactions within semi-arid ecosystems. These assessments frequently emphasize biophysical productivity, employ reductionist modeling methods, and neglect the social, economic, and adaptive aspects of these systems. Our review underscores the importance of integrating CV and LUC in impact assessments. While a majority of studies concentrate on CV adaptation (26%), they often overlook the pivotal role of LUC and their interplay with climate impacts. Only a small fraction (2%) integrates CV and LUC in impact assessments. Assessing the benefits of CV and LUC impact assessments presents mixed results, particularly for smallholder farmers. While global and regional benefits are discernible, quantifying these advantages at the local smallholder farmer level remains challenging due to diversified land use and small-scale operations. This highlights the need for localized studies addressing the specific challenges confronting smallholder farmers in semi-arid regions. To enhance assessments effectiveness, we recommend for more interdisciplinary research and the application of a complex systems approach, integrating GIS and remote sensing.
Smallholder farmers’ Perceptions of climate variability and land-use changes in semiarid Gwayi catchment agroecosystems
(Earth (MDPI), 2025-05-20) Musinguzi, Simon Peter; Chisadza, Bright; Gwate, Onalenna; Nkululeko, Mpofu; Mugoti, Alban; Dagoudo, Bienvenu Akowedaho; Macherera, Margaret
Climate variability and land-use changes are critical challenges impacting agriculture globally, with Zimbabwe’s Gwayi catchment area experiencing noticeable effects. This study investigated how smallholder farmers in the region perceive these changes and their influence on agricultural productivity and livelihoods. The research addresses the gap in understanding local farmer experiences with climate change and land-use modifications in the context of food security. A cross-sectional survey (n = 483) was conducted using selfadministered questionnaires to capture demographic information, perceptions of climate variability, land-use changes, and their impacts on agriculture. The results indicate a trend of increasing droughts, dry spells, and heatwaves, alongside altered rainfall patterns and rising temperatures, corroborating the observed climate data. Environmental degradation, including deforestation, gully formation, and land expansion, exacerbates these changes. Consequently, farmers reported substantial reductions in crop yields, with 84.05% experiencing significant-to-very negative impacts, alongside declining livestock health (32.51% reporting very negative impacts), increased water scarcity (43.3% reporting drying water sources), and more frequent disease outbreaks. These challenges collectively contributed to heightened food insecurity, with 74.12% of households reporting negative impacts on their food supply. The study underscores the synergistic impacts of climate variability and land-use changes, highlighting the urgent need for climate-smart agricultural practices and sustainable land management to enhance resilience and ensure long-term food security for smallholder farmers in the Gwayi catchment.