CLIMATE CHANGE/VARIABILITY AND
HYDROLOGICAL IMPACT STUDIES IN
ZIMBABWE: A REVIEW OF PROGRESS
AND KNOWLEDGE GAPS
Authors:
Auther Mavizaa, b
Fethi Ahmed b
Author affiliation
a Department of Environmental Science and Health, Faculty of Applied Sciences, National University of Science and Technology, Corner Cecil Avenue and Gwanda Road, Ascot, Bulawayo, Zimbabwe
b Geography and Environmental Studies Division, School of Geography,
Archaeology and Environmental Studies, University of Witwatersrand, 1 Jan Smuts Avenue
Braamfontein, Johannesburg, South Africa
ABSTRACT
This paper reviews developments in climate science and hydrological modelling studies in Zimbabwe over the past three decades in an effort to expose the knowledge gaps within this domain of research. The review highlights the main themes, findings and conclusions arising from these studies and examines their implications for future climate and hydrological modelling research in Zimbabwe. Past climate change and variability studies are assessed to summarise their findings in as far the state of the past climatic conditions is concerned. The scope of coverage of these studies is also assessed and the thematic areas of focus of the various climate and hydrological studies presented in a descriptive manner. The state and progress towards integrated advanced systems research is assessed, tracking benchmarks in climate and hydrological systems research methodologies covering Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and Remote Sensing (RS) in Zimbabwe. Challenges associated with climate and hydrological research in Zimbabwe are also briefly discussed. Gaps in knowledge in as far the research focus, scope and methodologies employed by various studies in this context are also exposed, we conclude by presenting plausible way forward shedding light on potential areas of advancing scientific knowledge to better under understand the climate-landuse-hydrology nexus in Zimbabwe and are also presented. While this paper is primary relevant for researchers, the general findings are relevant also for research policymakers as it exposes potential areas of policy intervention or agenda setting in as far as climate and hydrology science research is concerned so as to effectively address pertinent questions in this area.
Keywords: Zimbabwe, Climate change, Climate variability, Climate modelling, hydrological modelling, GIS, Remote sensing
