Severe Land Degradation Hits Checheche as Heavy Rains and Poor Vegetation Take Toll

By Rudo Mupatsi

CHECHECHE, CHIPINGE DISTRICT – Vast tracts of land in Checheche, Chipinge District, are rapidly deteriorating due to a combination of heavy rains, recurrent flooding, and poor vegetation cover, raising alarm among environmentalists and local farmers over the long-term impact on livelihoods and food security.

In recent years, Checheche — located in the southeastern lowlands of Manicaland Province — has experienced increasingly erratic rainfall patterns. Torrential downpours during the rainy season have caused widespread soil erosion, silting of rivers, and destruction of farmland. The once-fertile soils are being washed away, leaving behind gullies and barren patches that threaten both agriculture and settlement areas.

Local farmers say the degradation has worsened due to deforestation and poor land management practices, including overgrazing and uncontrolled cultivation along riverbanks. The lack of sufficient vegetation has left the soil exposed, making it more vulnerable to erosion when floods strike. The lack of proper road networks makes it difficult for the local people to travel and access basic facilities, such as clinics, when it rains. This creates scary situations in times of emergency. 

Mr Garahwa, in a statement, said, "We have black soil here, so when it rains, it becomes very difficult to navigate and get to places. We use tractors to move from point A to B, but if one doesn't own a tractor, the situation could become a tragic one."

The floods have also damaged local infrastructure, including roads and bridges, disrupting access to markets and basic services. Communities have been forced to relocate to higher ground, while others face declining crop yields and increased food insecurity. 

Local leaders always look for sustainable land management initiatives, including imposing fines on anyone who cuts down trees or farms on land that is sacred, to help reverse the damage. The introduction of climate-smart agriculture — such as growing drought-resistant crops — could also help farmers adapt to changing weather patterns while protecting the environment.

As climate change continues to intensify extreme weather events, Checheche’s experience reflects a broader environmental crisis across many rural parts of Zimbabwe, where fragile ecosystems and human activities are colliding, but efforts are being made to adapt and create a sustainable environment for the future.