An analytical assessment of brick moulding processes and its impact on local ecosystems, biodiversity, environment and human health in a rural Zimbabwean village

Abstract

Climate change, environmental degradation, loss of biodiversity, changes in the ecosystem and disasters play an important role in the development and economic advancement. In Zororo Village, Zimbabwe, environmental degradation, changes in the ecosystem and biodiversity have occurred rapidly during the last few decades. A literature review, key informant interviews, and focus group discussions were the methodologies used for this research. All the participants agreed that environmental changes had occurred during the last few decades, however, they could not connect these to activities such as brick moulding. Brick moulding is a lucrative and economic backbone of many communities in rural Zimbabwe and other Southern African countries. It is a way of value adding to the clay deposits for economic development but the practice is associated with various environmental challenges linked to the various stages in the brick production process. The process impacts on the environment, ecosystem, biodiversity and human health. Vegetation, indigenous trees, edible insects, small animals and wild fruit trees have disappeared from the environment. Children and domestic animals drown in uncovered holes which also become breeding sites for mosquitoes and other vectors. This article discusses community contributions to the negative impacts of environmental degradation, changes in the ecosystems, biodiversity and human health, through the destruction of anthills in the process of brick moulding in rural Zimbabwe.