NAME Group 2

DEPARTMENT Geospatial Science

FACULTY Environmental Science

PROGRAM GIS & Remote Sensing in Natural Resources Management

YEAR 2.2

MODULE Land Evaluation & Land Use Planning (EGR 2202)

LECTURER Mr. N. Ncube

 GROUP 2 MEMBERS

NAME STUDENT NUMBER

KAHARI ASHLY N02217987W
MAKONESE TENDAI N02230922W
MAHLUPEKA MARTIN N02217756C
MARUTA TAFADZWA N02222613K
MBAVARIRA TADIWANASHE B N02216031P
MANYEWU MUNOPAISHE C N02219762T
JENA SANDRA N02219797L
MANYOWA NIGEL N02222613K
MATIVENGA DOREEN N02221758F

QUESTION
Characterization of the Agro- ecological natural regions in Zimbabwe
INTRODUCTION
Zimbabwe is subdivided into what are known as ecological regions or Agro-ecological regions
and knowing these regions is highly important, especially to farmers. Agro-ecological natural
region refers to distinct geographic areas characterized by climate, vegetation, topography and
soil that influence agricultural practices and land use patterns but there are three core
characteristics namely; quality of the soil, rainfall patterns, and type of vegetation. Zimbabwe's
5 natural farming regions are identified based on their unique ecological characteristics and the
suitability of their environments for different types of agricultural activities. The agroecological
classification also known as the natural region (NR) classification of Zimbabwe, divided the
country into five regions based on mean annual rainfall and was done in the 1960s (Vincent and
Thomas, 1960).
Each Agroecological region has its own set of climatic conditions and soil characteristics, which
determine the types of crops that can be successfully grown in that region. Understanding these
crop-specific characteristics helps farmers make informed decisions about what to grow and
where to grow it. The Agroecological regions also influence livestock production patterns
because different regions have varying suitability for raising livestock based on factors such as
the availability of grazing land, water resources, and climatic conditions.
For instance, the Lowveld region in Zimbabwe is known for its extensive cattle ranching due to
the availability of grasslands and water sources. Agroecological regions provide a basis for land
use planning and resource allocation, and the identification of the unique characteristics of each
region helps policymakers and land managers develop strategies for sustainable land
management and use. This includes decisions on agricultural zoning, conservation efforts, and
the preservation of fragile ecosystems. We can also understand and adapt to climate change
impacts through these natural regions thus allowing plans for potential changes, such as shifting
to more drought-tolerant crops in regions prone to increasing aridity to be made.
One strategy for ensuring food security is through proper utilization of land, which can only be
achieved through land use planning in setting out production patterns. Continuous
Agroecological zoning in this era where regions are experiencing climate variability and change
has widespread applications in land use planning; design of appropriate agricultural adaptations
and reducing vulnerability. (Downing et al., 1997; Salinger et al., 2005) The diverse
Agroecological regions in Zimbabwe contribute to the country's overall food security and
economic development by capitalizing on the unique characteristics of each region, such as
growing crops that are well-suited to the local conditions.
The above image shows the Agro-ecological regions of Zimbabwe

NATURAL REGION 1(Highveld)

This region is situated in the central and eastern parts of Zimbabwe and is entirely found in and
occupying part of Manicaland province. It constitutes 2 percent of the total surface area of
Zimbabwe, an area of 7000 square kilometers.
CHARACTERISTICS Of NATURAL REGION 1
Soil Properties
Soil pH: The soil pH in Natural Region I varies but is generally slightly acidic to neutral. This pH
range supports diverse crops.
Soil Texture: Soils are often sandy loam or loamy, allowing good drainage and root penetration.
Organic Matter: These soils have moderate organic content, contributing to fertility.
Climate
Temperature: Natural Region I experiences high temperatures, especially during the dry season.
Rainfall: Annual rainfall of more than 1000 millimeters in Region I and rainfall occurs in any or all
the months. The region receives adequate rainfall, typically between 750 mm to 1,000 mm
annually.
Wind: Moderate winds are common.

Vegetation Characteristics
Trees: Mostly dominated by deciduous trees such as acacias, baobabs, and mopane.
Shrubs: Thorny shrubs like bushwillow and combretum are prevalent.
Grasses: Various grass species cover the landscape.

Agricultural Production
Region I is for specialized and diversified farming. Intensive farming and forestry are the two
major activities in this region. Mixed farming, including livestock production, is also common in
this region. Natural Region I supports a variety of crops and livestock farming, including:
Maize: A dominant crop due to its adaptability and high yield potential.
Tobacco: Important for export.
Coffee, tea, and horticultural crops (e.g., potatoes, peas).
Livestock: Livestock farming, especially dairy, is feasible.
Irrigation: Some areas practice supplementary irrigation during dry spells.
Yield: Crop yields vary, but maize yields can reach around 10 metric tons per hectare under
optimal management.

NATURAL REGION 2(Middveld)

Region II is 58600 square kilometers in area which is 15 percent of Zimbabwe. This region is
further broken down into two categories namely, Region IIA and Region IIB. Region IIA occupies
part of Mashonaland West, part of Mashonaland Central, part of Mashonaland East, and the
whole of Harare province. Region IIB occupies parts of the following provinces namely,
Manicaland, Mashonaland East, Mashonaland West, and Mashonaland Central.
 CHARACTERISTICS OF NATURAL REGION 2
Soil Properties
Soil pH: Varies but is generally slightly acidic to neutral. This pH range supports diverse crops.
Soil Texture: Soils are often sandy loam or loamy, allowing good drainage and root penetration.
Organic Matter: These soils have moderate organic content, contributing to fertility. The soils
are generally fertile but less so compared to the Highveld.

Climate
Rainfall: The region receives 750 to 1,000 mm per year of rainfall, which is fairly reliable from
November to March/April.
Temperature: Moderate temperatures support crop growth.
Wind: Moderate winds are common.

Vegetation Characteristics
Trees: Deciduous trees such as acacias and mopane are prevalent.
Grasses: Various grass species cover the landscape.

Agricultural Production
Intensive farming is the preserve of Region II and this region is the most diversified natural
farming region in Zimbabwe. There are so many agricultural activities that can be practiced in
this region.
Crops: Natural Region II accounts for 75-80% of the area planted crops in Zimbabwe. Common
crops include:
Maize: A staple crop.
Tobacco: Important for export.
Cotton, wheat, soybeans, sorghum, and groundnuts.
Seed maize and burley tobacco are grown under dryland production.
Livestock: Intensive cropping and livestock production are feasible.
Irrigation: Some areas practice supplementary irrigation during wet months.
Yield: Crop yields vary, but maize yields can be substantial under optimal management.

NATURAL REGION 3 (Lowveld)

The region covers an area of 72900 square kilometers. The percentage area that Region III
covers is 18 percent. Region III is found in parts of the following provinces, Midlands,
Mashonaland East, Mashonaland West, Manicaland, Masvingo, and Matabeleland North. This
region is located in the southern parts of Zimbabwe, characterized by lower and more erratic
rainfall and higher temperatures. Dry spells can be encountered but the rainfall is erratic but
heavy when it occurs.
CHARACTERISTICS FOR NATURAL REGION 3
Soil Properties
Soil pH: The soil pH in Natural Region III varies but is generally slightly acidic to neutral. This pH
range supports diverse crops.
Soil Texture: Soils are often sandy loam or loamy, allowing good drainage and root penetration.
Organic Matter: These soils have moderate organic content, contributing to fertility.

Climate
Rainfall: The region receives 500 to 800 mm/year of rainfall.
Temperature: Relatively high temperatures characterize this region.
Droughts: Subject to seasonal droughts and severe mid-season dry spells.

Vegetation Characteristics
Grasses: Various grass species cover the landscape.
Shrubs: Thorny shrubs may be present.

Agricultural Production
Region III is mainly for semi-intensive farming. This region is mainly characterized by two
farming activities namely, beef production and maize farming. Irrigation may be necessary due
to the occasional dry spells.
Crops: Drought-tolerant crops like sorghum, millet, and cowpeas are commonly grown.
Livestock, particularly goats and drought-resistant cattle breeds, are prevalent.
Challenges: Farmers need to manage seasonal droughts effectively.

NATURAL REGION 4 (Semi-arid)

Region IV is the biggest of all the regions with an area of 147800 square kilometers, covering 38
percent of Zimbabwe. This region is found in and as part of all the provinces except for Harare.
(the whole of Bulawayo province is in Region IV)

CHARACTERISTICS FOR NATURAL REGION 4

Soil Properties
Soil pH: The soil pH in Natural Region IV varies but is generally slightly acidic to neutral. This pH
range supports diverse crops.
Soil Texture: Soils are often sandy loam or loamy, allowing good drainage and root penetration.
Organic Matter: These soils have moderate organic content, contributing to fertility.
Climate
Rainfall: The region is characterized by very low and erratic rainfall ranging from 450 to 650 mm
annually.
Temperature: Most prevalent to high temperatures and is subjected to frequent seasonal
droughts and severe dry spells during the rainy season.
Challenges: Managing water scarcity is crucial.

Vegetation Characteristics
Grasses: Various grass species cover the landscape.
Shrubs: Thorny shrubs may be present.

Agricultural Production
Agriculture in this region is challenging, but some drought-tolerant crops like pearl millet,
sorghum, and groundnuts can be grown. Livestock rearing, particularly goats and sheep, is
common.
Crops: Suitable for farm systems based on livestock and resistant fodder crops.
Other Uses: Forestry and wildlife/tourism.

NATURAL REGION 5 (Dry Savannah)

This region covers the western parts of Zimbabwe and is the second-largest natural farming
region in Zimbabwe. It covers an area of 104400 square kilometers which is 27 per cent of
Zimbabwe. The greatest portion of Masvingo province is Region V. Half of Matabeleland South is
Region V. Region V is also part of Matabeleland North, part of Midlands, part of Mashonaland
West, and part of Manicaland. It is the driest and least favorable region for agriculture. Livestock
rearing, mainly cattle, goats, and sheep, is the primary economic activity in this region.

CHARACTERISTICS FOR NATURAL REGION 5

Soil Properties
Soil pH: The soil pH in Natural Region V varies, but the soils are generally poor due to their low
fertility.
The predominant soil types in region 5 are sandy and sandy loam soils. These soils have a
relatively coarse texture, which allows for better drainage but also results in lower water-
holding capacity. Sandy soils are generally less fertile and have lower organic matter content
compared to other soil types
Soil Texture: The topography and soils are poor, affecting their suitability for agriculture.

Climate
Rainfall: Natural Region V experiences very erratic rainfall, with some areas in the northern low
veldt receiving more rain.
Temperature: High temperatures prevail.
Challenges: The Zambezi Valley is infested with tsetse flies.

Vegetation Characteristics
The most dominant vegetation type is the savanna woodlands. These woodlands are
characterized by a mix of trees, shrubs, and grasses. The tree density is relatively low, with
widely spaced trees that allow for the penetration of sunlight and the growth of grasses
beneath the canopy.
Grasses: Various grass species cover the landscape.
Trees: Deciduous trees such as acacias and baobabs may be found.

Agricultural Production
Region V is for extensive farming and just like in Region IV small grains and maize are best suited
to this region. The basis is the same which is the prevalence of dry spells. Agricultural activities
of Natural Region 5 are mostly extensive because of less productivity of the soils and climate.
There's extensive livestock production, irrigation schemes are employed to supplement water
supply for their crops. Drought-resistant crops such as millet, sorghum, and some maize breeds
are grown in the region.
Livestock: Suitable for extensive cattle ranching.
Other Uses: Forestry and wildlife/tourism.
Natural Region V faces challenges due to its arid conditions, but it supports extensive cattle
ranching and other land use

CONCLUSION
Agro-ecological natural regions in Zimbabwe are significant because they determine the
suitability of different areas for specific crops and livestock production. They inform land use
planning, help in adapting to climate change, and have implications for food security and
economic development. Understanding and managing these regions effectively is crucial for
sustainable and productive agriculture in the country. Agroecological zones are also used to
determine crop water requirements and long-term frost protection measures (Espie et al.,
2006).
REFERENCES
Anderson I.P., Brinn, P.J., Moyo, M and Nyamwanza B. 1993. Physical resources inventory of the
communal lands of Zimbabwe – An overview. NRI Bulletin 60
Masarakufa C, 2020, Natural Farming Regions
Chatham, UK: Natural Resources Institute. Carter, S.E. and Murwira, H.K. 1995. Spatial variability
in soil fertility management and crop response in Mutoko Communal area. Zimbabwe. Ambio
Journal(24): 77-84