Dr. Keith Phiri is a senior lecturer and researcher in the Department of Development Studies at Lupane State University. He has over 10 years of teaching and consultancy experience at tertiary level. His research thrust is on climate change and livelihoods, gender and food security, natural resource management and marginalized communities. He has presented papers in academic conferences locally and internationally. He holds a PhD in Social Sciences (University of Fort Hare, South Africa. Keith is a member of the South African Sociological Association (SASA) and a lifetime member of the Eisenhower Fellowship, whose headquarters are in the United States of America.
Globally, smallholder farmers are adapting to the negative effects of climate change. This paper ... more Globally, smallholder farmers are adapting to the negative effects of climate change. This paper uses sustainability lenses to interrogate the capacity of current adaptation strategies used by smallholder farmers in Gwanda District, Zimbabwe. In-depth interviews and focus group discussions were held with smallholder farmers, non-governmental organisation representatives, and Agriculture and Extension Services Department (AGRITEX) personnel to understand current adaptation methods used by smallholder farmers and the potential of those strategies to continue delivering positive results into the future. The study found out that most adaptation methods currently being promoted such as conservation agriculture and small grains have various implementation challenges which threaten their sustainability as long-term adaptation methods. Among other recommendations, this paper proposes that more research should be directed at understanding low-cost, labour friendly technologies and strategies...
African Handbook of Climate Change Adaptation, 2021
Livestock rearing is a popular climate change adaptation strategy among farmers in Matobo Distric... more Livestock rearing is a popular climate change adaptation strategy among farmers in Matobo District, Zimbabwe. In this chapter we reveal how farmers in Matobo District have benefited immensely from rearing small livestock in response to climate change. Although the descriptor “small livestock” generically refers to different types of livestock, in this chapter we limit it to goat and sheep rearing. The purpose of the chapter is (1) to discuss the efficacy of small livestock rearing as a response to climate change and (2) to use smallholder farmer’s narratives to evaluate the success of government interventions in enhancing small livestock production. Utilizing an inductive approach, data was gathered through five (5) key informants, five (5) focus group discussions, and 50 in-depth semi-structured interviews. Our study reveals that small livestock are suitable and adaptable to climate change impacts in Matobo. We recommend that government and its development partners prioritize and a...
Abstract Urban household food insecurity is highly prevalent in Zimbabwe due to the persisting po... more Abstract Urban household food insecurity is highly prevalent in Zimbabwe due to the persisting poor macro-economic environment, droughts, HIV and AIDS and climate change. This paper examines the effectiveness of cash transfers in alleviating urban household food insecurity in the city of Bulawayo. The assessment focuses on understanding the extent to which cash transfers improve poor households’ access to food. The study was conducted in Makokoba and Njube townships. A combination of qualitative and quantitative research methods were used in gathering and analysing data. Purposive sampling techniques were used to select study participants. Semi-structured in-depth interviews (50), questionnaires (280), and key-informant interviews (11) were used to collect primary data. The study is anchored on Sen’s Entitlement Approach in examining the role of cash transfers in strengthening trade-based entitlements of ultra-poor households. We find that cash transfers have nominally alleviated urban household food insecurity in these townships. Households receiving cash transfers have not meaningfully improved access to food on a regular basis. They ate small quantities of food, skipped meals and had poor dietary diversity regardless of receiving cash transfers. Factors such as low transfer value, irregular distributions, weak targeting mechanisms, disbursement mechanism and poor communication have deterred the effectiveness of cash transfers in the two townships. We recommend a revamp in design and implementation processes of cash transfer programmes. Transfers meant for improving access to food should be implemented in conjunction with livelihood projects to enable poor urbanites to meet non-food basic needs.
African Handbook of Climate Change Adaptation, 2021
Livestock rearing is a popular climate change adaptation strategy among farmers in Matobo Distric... more Livestock rearing is a popular climate change adaptation strategy among farmers in Matobo District, Zimbabwe. In this chapter we reveal how farmers in Matobo District have benefited immensely from rearing small livestock in response to climate change. Although the descriptor “small livestock” generically refers to different types of livestock, in this chapter we limit it to goat and sheep rearing. The purpose of the chapter is (1) to discuss the efficacy of small livestock rearing as a response to climate change and (2) to use smallholder farmer’s narratives to evaluate the success of government interventions in enhancing small livestock production. Utilizing an inductive approach, data was gathered through five (5) key informants, five (5) focus group discussions, and 50 in-depth semi-structured interviews. Our study reveals that small livestock are suitable and adaptable to climate change impacts in Matobo. We recommend that government and its development partners prioritize and a...
Women’s invisibility in political spaces is a glaring reality, particularly in patriarchal politi... more Women’s invisibility in political spaces is a glaring reality, particularly in patriarchal polities characterized by misogynistic attitudes towards feminine leadership. This article unpacks the socio-cultural variables that hinder women’s participation in politics and other masculinized spheres of influence. The article focuses on the advocacy efforts of Women’s Institute for Leadership Development in Gwanda, Zimbabwe. The article also details the successes and challenges scored by the lobbying effort. The article uses a qualitative research approach. It discusses the extent and effectiveness of women’s involvement in local governance and how their participation relates to Sustainable Development Goal 5. It was established that the project has greatly improved ordinary women’s participation in local governance in Gwanda Central. Capacity-building strategies implemented improved participation, competence, confidence, and effectiveness of women’s local governance processes. Women are ...
Women’s invisibility in political spaces is a glaring reality, particularly in patriarchal politi... more Women’s invisibility in political spaces is a glaring reality, particularly in patriarchal polities characterized by misogynistic attitudes towards feminine leadership. This article unpacks the socio-cultural variables that hinder women’s participation in politics and other masculinized spheres of influence. The article focuses on the advocacy efforts of Women’s Institute for Leadership Development in Gwanda, Zimbabwe. The article also details the successes and challenges scored by the lobbying effort. The article uses a qualitative research approach. It discusses the extent and effectiveness of women’s involvement in local governance and how their participation relates to Sustainable Development Goal 5. It was established that the project has greatly improved ordinary women’s participation in local governance in Gwanda Central. Capacity-building strategies implemented improved participation, competence, confidence, and effectiveness of women’s local governance processes. Women are ...
Urban household food insecurity is highly prevalent in Zimbabwe due to the persisting poor macroe... more Urban household food insecurity is highly prevalent in Zimbabwe due to the persisting poor macroeconomic environment, droughts, HIV and AIDS and climate change. This paper examines the effectiveness of cash transfers in alleviating urban household food insecurity in the city of Bulawayo. The assessment focuses on understanding the extent to which cash transfers improve poor households' access to food. The study was conducted in Makokoba and Njube townships. A combination of qualitative and quantitative research methods were used in gathering and analysing data. Purposive sampling techniques were used to select study participants. Semi-structured in-depth interviews (50), questionnaires (280), and key-informant interviews (11) were used to collect primary data. The study is anchored on Sen's Entitlement Approach in examining the role of cash transfers in strengthening trade-based entitlements of ultra-poor households. We find that cash transfers have nominally alleviated urba...
Resumo: O presente artigo busca compreender como as reflexoes epistemologicas da chamada “virada ... more Resumo: O presente artigo busca compreender como as reflexoes epistemologicas da chamada “virada linguistica” foram apropriadas, no campo da historiografia, pelo vies do contextualismo linguistico, atraves das proposicoes teoricas da Escola de Cambridge considerando, principalmente, as contribuicoes de John Pocock (2003) para a escrita da historia intelectual. Tentaremos compreender tambem, brevemente, a recepcao dessas teorias do campo linguistico na historiografia brasileira. Palavras-Chave: Virada Linguistica. Contextualismo linguistico. Teoria da Historia. Historia Intelectual. Historiografia Brasileira.
Abstract Urban household food insecurity is highly prevalent in Zimbabwe due to the persisting po... more Abstract Urban household food insecurity is highly prevalent in Zimbabwe due to the persisting poor macro-economic environment, droughts, HIV and AIDS and climate change. This paper examines the effectiveness of cash transfers in alleviating urban household food insecurity in the city of Bulawayo. The assessment focuses on understanding the extent to which cash transfers improve poor households’ access to food. The study was conducted in Makokoba and Njube townships. A combination of qualitative and quantitative research methods were used in gathering and analysing data. Purposive sampling techniques were used to select study participants. Semi-structured in-depth interviews (50), questionnaires (280), and key-informant interviews (11) were used to collect primary data. The study is anchored on Sen’s Entitlement Approach in examining the role of cash transfers in strengthening trade-based entitlements of ultra-poor households. We find that cash transfers have nominally alleviated urban household food insecurity in these townships. Households receiving cash transfers have not meaningfully improved access to food on a regular basis. They ate small quantities of food, skipped meals and had poor dietary diversity regardless of receiving cash transfers. Factors such as low transfer value, irregular distributions, weak targeting mechanisms, disbursement mechanism and poor communication have deterred the effectiveness of cash transfers in the two townships. We recommend a revamp in design and implementation processes of cash transfer programmes. Transfers meant for improving access to food should be implemented in conjunction with livelihood projects to enable poor urbanites to meet non-food basic needs.
Abstract Climate smart agriculture has enhanced the viability and sustainability of smallholder f... more Abstract Climate smart agriculture has enhanced the viability and sustainability of smallholder farming in Umguza District of Zimbabwe. This study documents how smallholder farmers in Umguza District have responded to the adverse effects of climate change by venturing into small grains production, conservation farming and small livestock production. This paper discusses the vulnerability of smallholder farmers in Umguza District to climate change induced risks. The vulnerability profile is followed by an exposition of the resilience strategies used by the farmers to mitigate the effects of climate change. Additionally, the paper considers how the government institutions and development agencies can mainstream the adoption of climate smart farming technologies. The study used qualitative and quantitative approaches as methods of data collection, data were gathered through five key informants, and 30 in-depth semi structured questionnaires. This study suggests that government institutions and development practitioners should intensify resilience-building programmes, conduct climate awareness programmes and avail funding to improve the acceptance of CSA practices among smallholder farmers in Umguza and the rest of Zimbabwe.
Globally, smallholder farmers are adapting to the negative effects of climate change. This paper ... more Globally, smallholder farmers are adapting to the negative effects of climate change. This paper uses sustainability lenses to interrogate the capacity of current adaptation strategies used by smallholder farmers in Gwanda District, Zimbabwe. In-depth interviews and focus group discussions were held with smallholder farmers, non-governmental organisation representatives, and Agriculture and Extension Services Department (AGRITEX) personnel to understand current adaptation methods used by smallholder farmers and the potential of those strategies to continue delivering positive results into the future. The study found out that most adaptation methods currently being promoted such as conservation agriculture and small grains have various implementation challenges which threaten their sustainability as long-term adaptation methods. Among other recommendations, this paper proposes that more research should be directed at understanding low-cost, labour friendly technologies and strategies...
The San community in Zimbabwe is one of the indigenous tribes that have had a rather belated enco... more The San community in Zimbabwe is one of the indigenous tribes that have had a rather belated encounter with modernisation and globalisation. Their transition from a hunting and gathering economy to...
Climate smart agriculture has enhanced the viability and sustainability of smallholder farming in... more Climate smart agriculture has enhanced the viability and sustainability of smallholder farming in Umguza District of Zimbabwe. This study documents how smallholder farmers in Umguza District have r...
Globally, smallholder farmers are adapting to the negative effects of climate change. This paper ... more Globally, smallholder farmers are adapting to the negative effects of climate change. This paper uses sustainability lenses to interrogate the capacity of current adaptation strategies used by smallholder farmers in Gwanda District, Zimbabwe. In-depth interviews and focus group discussions were held with smallholder farmers, non-governmental organisation representatives, and Agriculture and Extension Services Department (AGRITEX) personnel to understand current adaptation methods used by smallholder farmers and the potential of those strategies to continue delivering positive results into the future. The study found out that most adaptation methods currently being promoted such as conservation agriculture and small grains have various implementation challenges which threaten their sustainability as long-term adaptation methods. Among other recommendations, this paper proposes that more research should be directed at understanding low-cost, labour friendly technologies and strategies...
African Handbook of Climate Change Adaptation, 2021
Livestock rearing is a popular climate change adaptation strategy among farmers in Matobo Distric... more Livestock rearing is a popular climate change adaptation strategy among farmers in Matobo District, Zimbabwe. In this chapter we reveal how farmers in Matobo District have benefited immensely from rearing small livestock in response to climate change. Although the descriptor “small livestock” generically refers to different types of livestock, in this chapter we limit it to goat and sheep rearing. The purpose of the chapter is (1) to discuss the efficacy of small livestock rearing as a response to climate change and (2) to use smallholder farmer’s narratives to evaluate the success of government interventions in enhancing small livestock production. Utilizing an inductive approach, data was gathered through five (5) key informants, five (5) focus group discussions, and 50 in-depth semi-structured interviews. Our study reveals that small livestock are suitable and adaptable to climate change impacts in Matobo. We recommend that government and its development partners prioritize and a...
Abstract Urban household food insecurity is highly prevalent in Zimbabwe due to the persisting po... more Abstract Urban household food insecurity is highly prevalent in Zimbabwe due to the persisting poor macro-economic environment, droughts, HIV and AIDS and climate change. This paper examines the effectiveness of cash transfers in alleviating urban household food insecurity in the city of Bulawayo. The assessment focuses on understanding the extent to which cash transfers improve poor households’ access to food. The study was conducted in Makokoba and Njube townships. A combination of qualitative and quantitative research methods were used in gathering and analysing data. Purposive sampling techniques were used to select study participants. Semi-structured in-depth interviews (50), questionnaires (280), and key-informant interviews (11) were used to collect primary data. The study is anchored on Sen’s Entitlement Approach in examining the role of cash transfers in strengthening trade-based entitlements of ultra-poor households. We find that cash transfers have nominally alleviated urban household food insecurity in these townships. Households receiving cash transfers have not meaningfully improved access to food on a regular basis. They ate small quantities of food, skipped meals and had poor dietary diversity regardless of receiving cash transfers. Factors such as low transfer value, irregular distributions, weak targeting mechanisms, disbursement mechanism and poor communication have deterred the effectiveness of cash transfers in the two townships. We recommend a revamp in design and implementation processes of cash transfer programmes. Transfers meant for improving access to food should be implemented in conjunction with livelihood projects to enable poor urbanites to meet non-food basic needs.
African Handbook of Climate Change Adaptation, 2021
Livestock rearing is a popular climate change adaptation strategy among farmers in Matobo Distric... more Livestock rearing is a popular climate change adaptation strategy among farmers in Matobo District, Zimbabwe. In this chapter we reveal how farmers in Matobo District have benefited immensely from rearing small livestock in response to climate change. Although the descriptor “small livestock” generically refers to different types of livestock, in this chapter we limit it to goat and sheep rearing. The purpose of the chapter is (1) to discuss the efficacy of small livestock rearing as a response to climate change and (2) to use smallholder farmer’s narratives to evaluate the success of government interventions in enhancing small livestock production. Utilizing an inductive approach, data was gathered through five (5) key informants, five (5) focus group discussions, and 50 in-depth semi-structured interviews. Our study reveals that small livestock are suitable and adaptable to climate change impacts in Matobo. We recommend that government and its development partners prioritize and a...
Women’s invisibility in political spaces is a glaring reality, particularly in patriarchal politi... more Women’s invisibility in political spaces is a glaring reality, particularly in patriarchal polities characterized by misogynistic attitudes towards feminine leadership. This article unpacks the socio-cultural variables that hinder women’s participation in politics and other masculinized spheres of influence. The article focuses on the advocacy efforts of Women’s Institute for Leadership Development in Gwanda, Zimbabwe. The article also details the successes and challenges scored by the lobbying effort. The article uses a qualitative research approach. It discusses the extent and effectiveness of women’s involvement in local governance and how their participation relates to Sustainable Development Goal 5. It was established that the project has greatly improved ordinary women’s participation in local governance in Gwanda Central. Capacity-building strategies implemented improved participation, competence, confidence, and effectiveness of women’s local governance processes. Women are ...
Women’s invisibility in political spaces is a glaring reality, particularly in patriarchal politi... more Women’s invisibility in political spaces is a glaring reality, particularly in patriarchal polities characterized by misogynistic attitudes towards feminine leadership. This article unpacks the socio-cultural variables that hinder women’s participation in politics and other masculinized spheres of influence. The article focuses on the advocacy efforts of Women’s Institute for Leadership Development in Gwanda, Zimbabwe. The article also details the successes and challenges scored by the lobbying effort. The article uses a qualitative research approach. It discusses the extent and effectiveness of women’s involvement in local governance and how their participation relates to Sustainable Development Goal 5. It was established that the project has greatly improved ordinary women’s participation in local governance in Gwanda Central. Capacity-building strategies implemented improved participation, competence, confidence, and effectiveness of women’s local governance processes. Women are ...
Urban household food insecurity is highly prevalent in Zimbabwe due to the persisting poor macroe... more Urban household food insecurity is highly prevalent in Zimbabwe due to the persisting poor macroeconomic environment, droughts, HIV and AIDS and climate change. This paper examines the effectiveness of cash transfers in alleviating urban household food insecurity in the city of Bulawayo. The assessment focuses on understanding the extent to which cash transfers improve poor households' access to food. The study was conducted in Makokoba and Njube townships. A combination of qualitative and quantitative research methods were used in gathering and analysing data. Purposive sampling techniques were used to select study participants. Semi-structured in-depth interviews (50), questionnaires (280), and key-informant interviews (11) were used to collect primary data. The study is anchored on Sen's Entitlement Approach in examining the role of cash transfers in strengthening trade-based entitlements of ultra-poor households. We find that cash transfers have nominally alleviated urba...
Resumo: O presente artigo busca compreender como as reflexoes epistemologicas da chamada “virada ... more Resumo: O presente artigo busca compreender como as reflexoes epistemologicas da chamada “virada linguistica” foram apropriadas, no campo da historiografia, pelo vies do contextualismo linguistico, atraves das proposicoes teoricas da Escola de Cambridge considerando, principalmente, as contribuicoes de John Pocock (2003) para a escrita da historia intelectual. Tentaremos compreender tambem, brevemente, a recepcao dessas teorias do campo linguistico na historiografia brasileira. Palavras-Chave: Virada Linguistica. Contextualismo linguistico. Teoria da Historia. Historia Intelectual. Historiografia Brasileira.
Abstract Urban household food insecurity is highly prevalent in Zimbabwe due to the persisting po... more Abstract Urban household food insecurity is highly prevalent in Zimbabwe due to the persisting poor macro-economic environment, droughts, HIV and AIDS and climate change. This paper examines the effectiveness of cash transfers in alleviating urban household food insecurity in the city of Bulawayo. The assessment focuses on understanding the extent to which cash transfers improve poor households’ access to food. The study was conducted in Makokoba and Njube townships. A combination of qualitative and quantitative research methods were used in gathering and analysing data. Purposive sampling techniques were used to select study participants. Semi-structured in-depth interviews (50), questionnaires (280), and key-informant interviews (11) were used to collect primary data. The study is anchored on Sen’s Entitlement Approach in examining the role of cash transfers in strengthening trade-based entitlements of ultra-poor households. We find that cash transfers have nominally alleviated urban household food insecurity in these townships. Households receiving cash transfers have not meaningfully improved access to food on a regular basis. They ate small quantities of food, skipped meals and had poor dietary diversity regardless of receiving cash transfers. Factors such as low transfer value, irregular distributions, weak targeting mechanisms, disbursement mechanism and poor communication have deterred the effectiveness of cash transfers in the two townships. We recommend a revamp in design and implementation processes of cash transfer programmes. Transfers meant for improving access to food should be implemented in conjunction with livelihood projects to enable poor urbanites to meet non-food basic needs.
Abstract Climate smart agriculture has enhanced the viability and sustainability of smallholder f... more Abstract Climate smart agriculture has enhanced the viability and sustainability of smallholder farming in Umguza District of Zimbabwe. This study documents how smallholder farmers in Umguza District have responded to the adverse effects of climate change by venturing into small grains production, conservation farming and small livestock production. This paper discusses the vulnerability of smallholder farmers in Umguza District to climate change induced risks. The vulnerability profile is followed by an exposition of the resilience strategies used by the farmers to mitigate the effects of climate change. Additionally, the paper considers how the government institutions and development agencies can mainstream the adoption of climate smart farming technologies. The study used qualitative and quantitative approaches as methods of data collection, data were gathered through five key informants, and 30 in-depth semi structured questionnaires. This study suggests that government institutions and development practitioners should intensify resilience-building programmes, conduct climate awareness programmes and avail funding to improve the acceptance of CSA practices among smallholder farmers in Umguza and the rest of Zimbabwe.
Globally, smallholder farmers are adapting to the negative effects of climate change. This paper ... more Globally, smallholder farmers are adapting to the negative effects of climate change. This paper uses sustainability lenses to interrogate the capacity of current adaptation strategies used by smallholder farmers in Gwanda District, Zimbabwe. In-depth interviews and focus group discussions were held with smallholder farmers, non-governmental organisation representatives, and Agriculture and Extension Services Department (AGRITEX) personnel to understand current adaptation methods used by smallholder farmers and the potential of those strategies to continue delivering positive results into the future. The study found out that most adaptation methods currently being promoted such as conservation agriculture and small grains have various implementation challenges which threaten their sustainability as long-term adaptation methods. Among other recommendations, this paper proposes that more research should be directed at understanding low-cost, labour friendly technologies and strategies...
The San community in Zimbabwe is one of the indigenous tribes that have had a rather belated enco... more The San community in Zimbabwe is one of the indigenous tribes that have had a rather belated encounter with modernisation and globalisation. Their transition from a hunting and gathering economy to...
Climate smart agriculture has enhanced the viability and sustainability of smallholder farming in... more Climate smart agriculture has enhanced the viability and sustainability of smallholder farming in Umguza District of Zimbabwe. This study documents how smallholder farmers in Umguza District have r...
Livestock rearing is a popular climate change adaptation strategy among farmers in Matobo Distric... more Livestock rearing is a popular climate change adaptation strategy among farmers in Matobo District, Zimbabwe. In this chapter we reveal how farmers in Matobo District have benefited immensely from rearing small livestock in response to
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Papers by Keith Phiri