User:Siphetha/sandbox/Environmental issues in Zimbabwe

Environmental issues in Zimbabwe are: land degradation, deforestation, inadequate quantity and quality of water resources, air pollution, habitat destruction and loss of biodiversity, waste (including toxic waste), natural hazards (mainly recurring droughts), and climate change (including rainfall variability and seasonality).

Environmental issues in Zimbabwe
Two main issues that stand out are the country’s challenge in facing climate change and unregulated infrastructural development and land use that contribute to deforestation, land degradation and habitat fragmentation.

Land degradation
Land degradation is any condition in the condition of the land which reduces its productive potential. It is the deterioration in the quality of land, its topsoil, vegetation, and/ or water resources, caused by excessive or inappropriate exploitation. Also, multiple forces like intense weather conditions such as drought and human activities like illegal mining affect food production, livelihoods and the production and provision of other ecosystem goods and services.

Illegal mining
Illegal miners are raving havoc in Zimbabwe and are affecting many livelihoods. Deep and shallow unprotected shafts are found even in schools posing great danger to pupils and the community.