This book critically examines Environmental Problems and Human Responses in Mazvihwa Communal Area (Zvishavane District) in the Midlands Province of Zimbabwe. This is an area of high rainfall variabilinty and reccurrent droughts. Based on Kay's (1979) and Burton,et al's (1978) models, the book argues that the area's carrying capacity has long been exceeded leading to disastrous consequences for human beings and their livestock. Theformer in turn respond in ways that conform to Burton,et al's model. The book focuses on two major droughts, namely those of 1982 and 1992,the latter one being the worst in living memory.The two models can also be applied to other communal areas of Zimbabwe.
Jemitias Mapira is a lecturer of Geography and Environmental Science at the Great Zimbabwe University where he has been employed since 2003. He has published three textbooks and numerous articles in refereed journals. He is also a PhD student at Stellenbosch University in South Africa. He holds a Masters degree in Environmental Science.