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GIS and natural resource management : prospect and problems
Kanyati Communal Lands, Zimbabwe
H. Huizing1 , A.G. Toxopeus 1 , E. Dopheide 1 , and B.M. Kariaga 2
1) International Institute for Geo-Information Science and Earth Observation (ITC), PO Box 6, 7500
AA
Enschede, The Netherlands
2) Monash University, Private Bag X60, Ruimsig, Roodepoort, South Africa
Abstract
Information on the variability and distribution of natural resources and natural resource problems is needed to
support decisions in natural resource management (NRM). However, despite availability of this information, its
actual use in decision-making processes at the local level is often disappointing. The use of GIS might reduce
this problem. A GIS makes it easier to visualize the spatial diversity of resources; to analyze and integrate data
sets; and to assess impacts of interventions, thereby enhancing the transparency of decisions regarding natural
resource use.
In this paper, potentials and limitations of introducing GIS are explored for the Kanyati Communal Lands,
Nyaminyami Rural District, Zimbabwe. Rural District Councils in Zimbabwe have the legal power to manage
natural resources of communal lands for the benefit of the people. Detailed natural resource maps and reports
covering soils, vegetation, land use, land capability and population were available, but not utilized to support
decisions on NRM. It was expected that GIS could contribute to a more effective use of the available
information.
The exploration started with a problem identification workshop with local stakeholders. They identified as main
problems: lack of water for livestock and domestic use; inadequate land and facilities for crop and livestock
production; and damage of crops by wildlife. Subsequently, utilizing available natural resource and socio-economic
data, staff of ITC and the University of Zimbabwe prepared a GIS-based information system and
developed the following GIS applications based on the identified problems:
- Comparison of villages using “indicators” related to natural resource use
- Spatial variation of overgrazing among villages
- Spatial variation of access to water for domestic use and livestock (current and proposed)
- Spatial distribution of crop damage by wildlife
- Comparison of land use plans with the actual land use
During the development of the information system, ITC and UZ staff regularly consulted staff of the Rural
District Council. During the consultations, it became clear that leading District Council staff lacked insight of
how an information system could support decisions with regard to the use of natural resources in situations
where priorities had to be set because of scarce resources. Neither the availability of the minimum hardware
and software, nor a short training course and a demonstration of applications of the information system did
substantially increase the interests. Middle-level technical staff of the Council and its supporting technical
agencies, however, clearly became aware of the benefits of the system. It allowed them to visualize and localize
problems and the impacts of possible interventions.
The lessons learnt are clear. A GIS-based information system has the potential to make decisions with respect to
natural resources more efficient and transparent. Lack of training in GIS use and limited software and hardware
resources are certainly hampering the effective use of GIS. However, lack of interest and appreciation of the role
of existing information among key stakeholders can be the most limiting factor in establishing an operational
GIS-based information system as an integral part of an organization’s planning activities. Although this finding
is in line with other studies on GIS implementation in developing countries (e.g. Ramasubramanian, 1999), it is
still often overlooked in the practice of GIS development.
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