DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.18112050
title: Geospatial datasets for Binga, Gwanda, and Mwenezi districts, Zimbabwe

description: Geospatial Datasets for Binga, Gwanda, and Mwenezi Districts, Zimbabwe

OverviewThis repository contains comprehensive geospatial datasets for three districts in Zimbabwe:- Binga District, Matabeleland North Province- Gwanda District, Matabeleland South Province - Mwenezi District, Masvingo Province

The datasets include environmental layers, administrative boundaries, and derived products for land use planning and environmental research.

Project ContextThese datasets were developed as part of the LINCZ Project (Locally-led Indigenous Nature-based Solutions for Climate Change Adaptation in Zimbabwe).

Project Lead: Mennonite Central Committee (MCC)  Funding Partner: Global Affairs Canada  Implementation Period: 2023 - 2026

Dataset Structure

LINCZ_Project_Zimbabwe/├── README.md├── LICENSE├── CITATION.cff├── data/│ ├── raster/ # Raster data (GeoTIFF)│ │ ├── digital_elevation_model/ # ALOS/PALSAR DEM (12.5m)│ │ ├── hillshade/ # Hillshade derived from DEM│ │ ├── land_use_land_cover/ # Esri Land Cover (10m, 2017-2024)│ │ └── slope/ # Slope derived from DEM│ ├── vector/ # Vector data (GeoPackage)│ │ ├── administrative_boundaries/ # GADM boundaries│ │ ├── agroecological_zones/ # FAO agroecological zones│ │ ├── geology/ # USGS geological mapping│ │ ├── hydrology_model/ # Drainage networks│ │ ├── land_use_land_cover/ # Vectorized LULC│ │ ├── protected_areas/ # WDPA protected areas│ │ ├── slope/ # Vectorized slope classes│ │ └── soil/ # FAO soil classification│ ├── documentation/ # Dataset information (CSV)│ │ ├── data_inventory.csv # Complete file inventory├── styles/ # QGIS styling files│ ├── raster_styles/ # Styles for raster data│ └── vector_styles/ # Styles for vector data├── checksums/ # File integrity verification

Data Summary

| Theme | Format | Resolution/Scale | Years | Source ||-------|--------|------------------|-------|--------|| Digital Elevation Model | Raster | 12.5m | - | ALOS/PALSAR || Land Use Land Cover | Raster/Vector | 10m | 2017-2024 | Esri Land Cover || Administrative Boundaries | Vector | - | - | GADM || Slope | Raster/Vector | 12.5m | - | Derived from Digital Elevation Model || Geology | Vector | - | 2000 | USGS || Soil | Vector | -| 2008 | FAO HWSD v2 || Agroecological Zones | Vector | - | 2024 | FAO || Protected Areas | Vector | - | 2019 | WDPA || Hydrology | Vector | - | - | Derived from Digital Elevation Model |

How to Use

In QGIS1. Add raster layers: Layer → Add Layer → Add Raster Layer2. Add vector layers: Layer → Add Layer → Add Vector Layer3. Apply styles from /styles/directory

Data Inventory

A complete inventory is in data/documentation/data_inventory.csv with:- File names and themes- Formats (raster/vector)- Administrative levels- Data sources and years- Coordinate reference system (EPSG:4326)

Intended UseThese datasets are designed for:- Researchers studying climate change adaptation in Southern Africa- Practitioners developing nature-based solutions- Local governments planning climate-resilient development- NGOs implementing community-based adaptation projects

Research ApplicationsPotential research applications include:- Spatial analysis of climate vulnerability- Land use and land cover change from 2017 to 2024- Hydrological modeling for water resource management- Suitability analysis for nature-based solutions- Community resilience mapping

CitationWhen using this dataset, please cite:

Wiederkehr, N. C. (2025). Geospatial datasets for Binga, Gwanda, and Mwenezi districts, Zimbabwe [Data set]. Zenodo. https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.18112051

APA Style:Wiederkehr, N. C. (2025). Geospatial datasets for Binga, Gwanda, and Mwenezi districts, Zimbabwe [Data set]. Zenodo. https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.18112051

LicenseThis work is licensed under a [Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License](LICENSE).

Contact- Author: Wiederkehr, Natalia Cristina- Email: Nwiederkehr@cmu.ca- Affiliation: Canadian Mennonite University- ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4002-0981- Date: December 2025