The contribution of traditional belief systems in biodiversity conservation among the Ndau people of Nyagadza community in Chipinge.

Abstract

The study strengthens the role played by Ndau taboos, folklore and sacredness in biodiversity conservation. The belief systems’ relevance and resilience around conserved landscapes / sites is symbolic and a reality when contrasted with other open landscapes across the same community where unregulated human activity is common. The latter depict landscapes under degradation with soil erosion leading to loss of arable land and biodiversity. This research paper therefore highlights contrasting conservation realities in the same community across adjacent landscapes. It is interesting to note how the spiritual belief systems have played out a significant role in nature conservation in Nyagadza area. However, the resilience of spiritual belief systems to both local and transnational forces of globalisation for example whilst exhibiting dualistic contrasting landscapes in the same community is of great interest to this study. In essence, traditional knowledge systems are not simply relics of the past, in fact; they remain essential and relevant today for sustainable biodiversity conservation.