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Environmental Resources, Population and Sustainability: Evidence From Zimbabwe
Author(s) -
Lado Cleophas
Publication year - 1999
Publication title -
singapore journal of tropical geography
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.538
H-Index - 42
eISSN - 1467-9493
pISSN - 0129-7619
DOI - 10.1111/1467-9493.00051
Subject(s) - sustainability , population , environmental degradation , livelihood , sustainable development , resource (disambiguation) , environmental resource management , environmental planning , economic growth , natural resource economics , redistribution (election) , land degradation , business , geography , economics , politics , agriculture , political science , ecology , sociology , computer network , demography , archaeology , computer science , law , biology
This paper examines four issues central to the relationships between environmental resources, population and sustainability in Zimbabwe. First, the conceptualisation of population‐resource interrelationships and sustainability. Second, the legal basis of land use practices and origins of land use conflict within and between Zimbabwe’s main population groups. Third, the demographic threats to sustainable resource development and the impact of the Structural Adjustment Programmes (SAPs) on rural and urban communities. Fourth, the dynamics of population change and environmental resource use constraints including resettlement and land redistribution or reform programmes. It is concluded that the relationships between environmental degradation and population pressure are complex. Sustainable environmental resource use to supply basic livelihoods can be achieved if appropriate technical expertise or backup is provided to the population. Developing and implementing sustainable resource development strategies in Zimbabwe requires attention to socio‐economic and political challenges.