Causes of wildland fires and factors that influence knowledge of fire management at Crofton village, Makoni district, Zimbabwe

Abstract

Wildland fires are a threat to the conservation of biodiversity and human life. In Zimbabwe, the newly re-settled smallholder farmers are perceived as the major drivers of wildland fires. A survey was conducted in Crofton Village Ward 38 of Makoni District in Zimbabwe to determine farmers’ knowledge on the causes of wildland fires and factors that influence their knowledge on the management of wildland fires. Randomised purposive multistage sampling was used to select 60% of the total population in the study area. Data processing and analysis was done using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 21.0 of 2012 to analyse the relationship between the dependent variable (farmers’ knowledge of wildland fire management) and independent variables (sex, age, level of education and period of stay in the village. Farmers revealed that land clearing, poor disposal of ashes, brick moulding and arson were the chief causes of wildland fires. There was a significant (p<0.05) relationship between period of stay in the village with farmer’s knowledge of management of wildland fires. Farmers’ knowledge on wildland fire management was influenced by period of stay and exposure to wildland fires in the village. Farmers with a longer period of stay in the study area were more knowledgeable than those with a shorter period. Gender and age had an effect on farmer’s knowledge about causes of wildland fires and men apparently had more knowledge and experience with wildland fire management. Human activities were responsible for most of the wildland fires. Resettled farmers, farmers with primary level and those with no formal education had limited knowledge on wildland fire management.  It was recommended that effective wildland fire awareness programmes be put in place to improve farmer knowledge and wildland fire management skills.