Environmental impact of the fast track land reform program on Dingwall Game Ranch and Chesa Forest ecosystems in Umguza district, Matabeleland North Province, Zimbabwe

Abstract

The study examined the impact of The Fast Track Land Reform Program on natural ecological systems at Dingwall Game Ranch and Chesa Forest. It restricted itself to wildlife deterioration and timber poaching as these are attributed to human activity and have a direct link with the Fast Track Land Reform. Questionnaires, interviews, game counts, focus group and experimental plots were used as main methods of data collection. These were able to generate both quantitative and qualitative data. The major findings of the research were that the Fast Track Land Reform Program affected negatively the natural ecological systems. The attitudes and perceptions of settlers towards the protected areas were based on the access costs and benefits from the natural resources. The main recommendations are that the existing legislation on environmental issues must be strengthened and implemented.