TY  - UNPB
A1  - Wilson, K.B.
N2  - This thesis examines the impact of seasonal and inter-annual variations in
rainfall on food supply and disease environment, and hence the biological
welfare of savannah populations in southern Zimbabwe. Ecological dynamics
are thought to determine the impact of rainfall, and this hypothesis is
tested through the comparison of populations either side of a major
ecological boundary between heavy clay rich and sandy soils.
Due to differences in soil-moisture productivity relations, and the level
and form of ecological heterogeneity, the sandveld environment shows much
less seasonal and inter-annual variation in agro-ecological productivity
than does clayveld, and this is reflected in food supply and consumption.
Child anthropometric and birth weight data from several years shows
opposite seasonality, and weight-loss in a serious drought was most
marked on clay-rich soils as predicted. Differences in soil-moisture
relations also influence disease environment dynamics; child morbidity
shows the same seasonal and inter-annual contrasts between the zones as
found with nutritional status. Furthermore, infant mortality is increased
following dry years on clay-rich soils whilst high rainfall leads to
increased infant mortality on the sandy soils. These differences in
welfare dynamics between sandveld and clayveld appear to typify conditions
in other moist and dry savannah areas respectively.
Variability in grain production results from unequal access to livestock
for ploughing and manure, but urban wage labour derived remittances also
affect wealth. The extent and nature of socio-economic differentiation
varies between ecological zones for historical reasons, and its impact on
welfare (together with that of religion and maternal education) is variable
and complex, operating at several levels in household and lineage.
Maternal education has a marked impact on child well-being, particularly
upon infant mortality. Dramatic improvements in Infant mortality and
declines in fertility since Independence (1980) reflect upgrading of
medical services and education provision for women, Indicating the limits
of ecological welfare determinants.
EP  - 664
AV  - public
ID  - discovery1317940
UR  - https://discovery.ucl.ac.uk/id/eprint/1317940/
Y1  - 1990///
TI  - Ecological dynamics and human welfare: a case study of population, health and nutrition in Zimbabwe
M1  - Doctoral
N1  - Thesis digitised by British Library EThOS
PB  - University of London
ER  -