https://ir.cut.ac.zw:8080/xmlui/handle/123456789/5 2026-06-05T23:19:55Z https://ir.cut.ac.zw:8080/xmlui/handle/123456789/765 Spirituality in traditional water knowledge systems as a driver and barrier to aquatic ecosystem conservation in Zimbabwe Utete, Beaven; Madzivanyika, Cuthbert Traditional water knowledge (TWK) compounds indigenous people’s profound and inherent understanding, comprehension, and interpretation of natural processes with their ecological dependence on hydrological cycles and spiritual and religious cultural connections. TWK simultaneously coexists and conflicts with Western methods of water management in African landscapes. The objectives of this systematic literature review were to 1) synthesise the role of spirituality in TWK elements comprising spatial-based landscape knowledge, water use and management, and water values i) as drivers and ii) barriers to aquatic ecosystem conservation in rural and urban landscapes and 2) identify salient gaps for its integration in strengthening aquatic biodiversity, climate adaptation, resilience, and sanitation initiatives in Zimbabwe. A Scientific Procedures and Rationales for Systematic Literature Reviews (SPAR-4-SLR) literature review protocol and a Theories, Concepts, Characteristics; Methodology (TCCM) framework were adopted. TWK exhibits subtle variations related to the local geospatial cultural intricate perspectives on the sacredness of water sites. Informal traditional water knowledge networks predict wildlife and water system and rainfall dynamics akin to academic projections but pose unique governance and policy interventions. Gaps exist in studies on the origin of the evolution of mythical water spirits, spiritualism, moneyism, natural medicinal healing attributes, and the lure of water ecosystems as an epistemological aspect of TWK. Geospatial mapping and documentation of the localised contextual conservation astuteness of sacred water sites is a baseline and valid TWK for local conservation policy initiatives. Complementary integration of TWK and contemporary scientific methods will enhance national water policies and water conservation strategies in Zimbabwe. 2026-05-19T00:00:00Z https://ir.cut.ac.zw:8080/xmlui/handle/123456789/764 A comparison of home range estimates using the time local convex hull (T‐LoCoH) and minimum convex polygon (MCP) methods for African savannah elephants in a semi‐arid protected area Mukomberanwa, Nobert T.; Taru, Phillip; Utete, Beaven; Ngorima, Patmore Knowledge of home ranges (HRs) helps conservationists understand movement patterns and can aid management including avoidance of human‐wildlife conflicts. This study examined the African savannah elephant seasonal HRs and space use using telemetry data in Mana Pools National Park, Zimbabwe. The objectives were to (i) compare the HR sizes and (ii) construct utilization distribution of African savannah elephants using the minimum convex polygon (MCP) method and the time‐local convex hull (T‐LoCoH). The results revealed that the dry, transitional, and wet season HR sizes estimated by the MCP method were significantly larger than those of the T‐LoCoH method. Significant differences were observed between core T‐LoCoH home‐range distributions for the wet, transition, and dry seasons. T‐LoCoH more accurately represented the HR size and nuances of repeated movements and internal spaces than the MCP method. The findings show larger‐scale movements in the transition season, which would enhance the potential for human–elephant conflicts. 2025-09-05T00:00:00Z https://ir.cut.ac.zw:8080/xmlui/handle/123456789/759 Social considerations in reframing tourism and resource use in protected areas: a proposed framework for the Save Valley Conservancy in the Southeast Lowveld in Zimbabwe Shoko, Joseph; Muboko, Never; Gandiwa, Edson The Save Valley Conservancy (SVC) in Zimbabwe’s Southeast Lowveld is a key ecological corridor facing pressures from land‑use conflict, tenure insecurity, and fragmented tourism development. This study examines the social dimensions of conservation and tourism in SVC, highlighting the need for inclusive governance, community participation, and coordinated restoration. Using qualitative interviews with community members, interest groups, and governance actors, supported by participatory mapping and policy analysis, the research identifies major challenges including livestock encroachment, wildlife crime, climate impacts, and conflicting land‑use policies. Findings underscore the urgency of securing tenure rights, integrating communities into land‑use planning, and aligning tourism initiatives with conservation goals. A framework for corridor restoration is proposed, centred on landscape‑level planning, equitable benefit sharing, and coordinated engagement. The study contributes actionable insights for strengthening human–wildlife coexistence in contested protected areas. 2026-03-26T00:00:00Z https://ir.cut.ac.zw:8080/xmlui/handle/123456789/758 Social considerations in reframing tourism and resource use in protected areas: a proposed framework for the Save Valley Conservancy in the Southeast Lowveld in Zimbabwe Shoko, Joseph; Muboko, Never; Gandiwa, Edson The Save Valley Conservancy (SVC) in Zimbabwe’s Southeast Lowveld is a key ecological corridor facing pressures from land‑use conflict, tenure insecurity, and fragmented tourism development. This study examines the social dimensions of conservation and tourism in SVC, highlighting the need for inclusive governance, community participation, and coordinated restoration. Using qualitative interviews with community members, interest groups, and governance actors, supported by participatory mapping and policy analysis, the research identifies major challenges including livestock encroachment, wildlife crime, climate impacts, and conflicting land‑use policies. Findings underscore the urgency of securing tenure rights, integrating communities into land‑use planning, and aligning tourism initiatives with conservation goals. A framework for corridor restoration is proposed, centred on landscape‑level planning, equitable benefit sharing, and coordinated engagement. The study contributes actionable insights for strengthening human–wildlife coexistence in contested protected areas. 2026-03-27T00:00:00Z