Where are you: Home News March 1999

March 1999 Newsletter

Indications of a busy year for IES Staff

By the 3^rd of February Professor Campbell was attending his fifth workshop for the year!!. By the 20^th of January Professor Frost had attended meetings in Switzerland and Kenya. From the 5^th of January to the 28^th of January Alois Mandondo had to have planned for a spent 100,000 pounds. From the Institute two special issues were finalized (one for Ecological Economics, the other for Zimbabwe Science News) in January. In January 25 international visitors passed through IES. We are all hoping that the rest of the year proves easier.

Professor Campbell

Agroforestry: Southern Africa

We seek applications for research grants of CAD8000 each for work on Agroforestry-related issues. For the procedure for applications please contact the Institute of Environmental Studies; Tel: 263-4-302603, Fax: 263-4-332853

Applications due by the 15^th of May 1999

A warning to Humanity

In 1992 about 1600 scientists jointly declared “A warning to humanity.” The scientists were from all disciplines and from all parts of the world; more that 100 Nobel laureates signed their names. Here is a paragraph from it;

“Human beings and the natural world are on a collision course. Human activities inflict harsh and often irreversible damage on the environment and on critical resources. If not checked, many of our current practices put at risk the future that we wish for human society and the plant and animal kingdoms and ma so alter the living world that it will be unable to sustain life in the manner that we know. Fundamental changes are urgent, it we are to avoid the collision our present course will bring about.”

IES Policy Briefs

IES has launched a series of publications entitled IES Policy Briefs that will consist of 2 A4 pages containing information relevant to policy makers. So, if you have an idea and wish to have it heard through the IES Policy Briefs, please submit it to IES for consideration.

The DFID Modelling Workshop

Date: 1 - 10 March
Venue: Mteri Dam Lodges

The workshop’s aims were to explore the range of options for modeling the processes occurring within selected micro-catchments; initiate the development of one or more relevant models by identifying the links between key components and processes; and discuss data needs, archiving and management. During the workshop participants were able to develop a high level conceptual model. A usable computer model based on Bayesian Belief network and incorporating various components of the micro-catchment was demonstrated. The workshop discussed the following topics: integration of disciplines (biological, geophysical and socio-economic); ideas, data and information; more holistic understanding of the catchment processes; communication between various stakeholders; and spatial, temporal and dimensional scaling of the research. Further work will involve iterative modeling activities that will be extended to include the development of community conceptual models and problem tree analyses, both within a participatory-approach framework.

Training Courses Tertnet workshop on combined use of organic nutrient sources.
Date: 5 – 8 October 1999
Venue: To be advised

2. The Economics of Bark Use
Date: Monday 17^th May 1999
Venue: OTD Harare

IES Publications

1. Nyamandeza, P, Mazhangara E.P, Mushuri S, Mugabe F.J, Nyamangara J and Kamba E (1998) Final Report of the Zimbabwe Vertisol FELSM project. Lowveld Research Stations (DR&SS)

2. Nyamangara J, and Bergstrom L.F (1998) Nitrogen leaching in field by lysimeter under maize fertilized with manure and ammonium nitrate. Poster paper presented at the American Society of America/Crop Science Society/Soil Science Society of America Annual Meetings, 18-22 October 1998, Baltimore, Maryland, USA

3. Nyamangara J (1998) Use of sequential extraction to evaluate Zinc and Copper in a soil amended with sewage sludge and inorganic metal salts. Agriculture, Ecosystems and Environment 69: 135-141

4. Mugwira L.M and Nyamangara J (1998) Organic carbon and plant nutrients in soils under maize in Chinamhora Communal Areas. In: L.Bergstrom and H.Kirchmann (Eds), Carbon and Nutrient Dynamics in Natural and Agricultural Ecosystems. CAB International UK. Pp 15-21

5. Ayling R, Campbell B, Frost P, Goebel A, Gunda W, Mukamuri B, Murray E and Weeman M (1998) Valuing the woodland resources of savanna regions: a conceptual model of woodland use and change. In: P.Mushove, M Mubaiwa, M Mukwekwerere and C Pfukwa (Eds) Forestry in a changing political environment: Challenges for the 21^st century. Proceedings of the 15^th Commonwealth Forestry Conference. Forestry Commission, Harae.

6. Chuma E, Chinduza C and Utete D (1998) Soil Fertility management of smallholder farmers in Zimbabwe. IES Special report no 1. 104pp, Institute of Environmental Studies, Harare.

7. Govere E. (1998) Curriculum Developmentneeds in Agroforestry: Learning Materials for an Undergraduate Agroforestry course in the Faculty of Agriculture. IES Special Report No 4, 8pp. Institute of Environmental Studies, Harare.

8. Giller K.E, Gilber R, Mugwira L.M, Muza L, Pate B.K and Waddington S.R, (1998). Practical approaches to soil inorganic matter management for smallholder maize production in Southern Africa. In Waddington A.R, Murwira H.K, Kumwenda J.D.T, Hikwa D, and Tadwira F (Eds) Soil Fertility Research for Maize-Based Farming Systems in Malawi and Zimbabwe. Proceedings of the soil Fertility Network results and planning Workshop CIMYTT, Harare