Utilization of indigenous knowledge systems in water management in Hurungwe District, Zimbabwe

Abstract

Culture is a way of life which pervades all aspects of people’s existence wherever they are situated. Thus the study explores the Korekore culture in a bid to show its vitality and relevance to modern society’s water management in Zimbabwe. The article posits that the Korekore people have indigenous knowledge systems (IKS) that can be tapped and integrated not only in water management but in all sectors of the economy of Zimbabwe and perhaps elsewhere. Adopting a qualitative research design in a case study approach, purposive sampling was used to select community elders and traditional practitioners who are associated with in-depth knowledge of traditional beliefs and practices. The data collection techniques included interviews, questionnaires participant observations and peer reviewed journal articles analysis. Findings show that Korekore beliefs and practices on water resources management can be used as effective water management tools. The paper argues that if blended with modern approaches, IKS can be an effective intervention strategy to mitigate the challenges faced in water management, particularly in arid environments where the dearth of water is commonplace. The paper also posits that the Korekore cultural beliefs and practices are not only relevant at local level but are consistent with the principles of Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM) and thus must be strengthened and integrated into different sectors of the economy as part of a people’s heritage.