Rains in Zimbabwe and other parts of Africa are unpredictable and often scarce, and local farmers attest to the fact that they are becoming more so. This means that Zimbabwe could soon see the kind of food insecurity and malnutrition that has plagued other sub-Saharan African nations with less rainfall. The backdrop for the water concerns of small-scale farmers lies in the issues of land distribution, and ownership. Zimbabwe has long struggled to establish land rights that will sustain the large number of small scale rural farmers, yet inequitable distribution persists. That is no place to farm.
Ownership is also a concern, since many farmers lack titles to their lands.
If it is only mine for production, I will just use it up. Phiri's homestead Cultivation without careful management will damage the soil, further reducing one of Zimbabwe's most critical assets. Phiri expressed deep concern that farmers who are allocated land are often ignorant of soil and water management strategies, and are given the land without any system of accountability. To Phiri the link between quality of life and quality of soil and water is inextricable. Harvesting Water, Protecting the Soil Phiri's farm is located in a hilly area outside the small town of Zvishavane.