Community engagement in forest restoration in rural Zimbabwe through intercultural dialogue and participatory action research

Bayley, A ORCID: 0000-0002-2114-5917, Clough, N, Dirwai, C, Manatsa, P and Tarr, J (2025) 'Community engagement in forest restoration in rural Zimbabwe through intercultural dialogue and participatory action research.' Journal of Sustainable Development in Africa. (Forthcoming)

Abstract

The decades-long decline of certain tree species in previously densely forested areas of Zimbabwe suggests that the forest's capacity to regenerate itself is at risk. In an ecologically depleted, rural region outside Harare, Zimbabwe, community members created a tree nursery site, Trees of Hope (https://treesofhopeinzimbabwe.org), in 2019, where indigenous saplings now flourish. From 2023 to 2025, an intercultural, cross-disciplinary, learning initiative - Exploring and Exchanging Communications about Trees (EECAT) - investigated how reforestation practices are understood locally with partners comprising a primary school, a permaculture organisation, researchers from universities in Zimbabwe, South Africa and the UK, a UK community interest company, and an advocate of youth-led climate-resilient agriculture. Participatory action research captured shifts in understanding the value of trees between generations, and between formal and informal sectors engaged in climate change response. Participants' reflections both on and through their actions include tensions between respecting and adapting traditional cultural practices within their communal lands.

Item Type:	Article
Keywords:	intercultural communication, trees, indigenous knowledge, musical arts, intergenerational learning, climate change
Divisions:	Bath School of Music and Performing Arts
Date Deposited:	01 Oct 2025 11:59
Last Modified:	01 Oct 2025 11:59
ISSN:	1520-5509
URN:	https://researchspace.bathspa.ac.uk/id/eprint/17327

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