STRUGGLE FOR CONTROL OVER WETLAND RESOURCES IN ZIMBABWE

Wetlands are key resources for both agriculture and grazing in the dry lands of Africa. They are often central to local contests for control and access. The article examines the struggle for control over wetland resources in Zimbabwe by exploring means by which different local act ors have made claims over dambo resources for both agriculture and gra zing. The impact of the state, mediated through environmental legislat ion, technical research, and development projects, is also examined. A case study of resource management conflict is presented that highligh ts the political and economic dimensions of wetland control for grazin g use.