Dr Nelson Chanza

 

Dr Nelcon ChanzaName: Dr. Nelson Chanza
Position: Senior Lecturer,
Department: Geography Department
Cell: +263772209860
Email: nchanza@gmail.com, nchanza@buse.ac.zw

Born on the 9th March 1977 in Chimanimani (Zimbabwe), Dr Chanza currently works as a Senior Lecturer in the Geography Department at the Bindura University of Science Education. He has been a Member of the Environmental Management Board of Directors responsible for giving policy directions to the operations of the Environmental Management Agency (EMA) & to give advice to the Minister responsible for the Environment. With country experience in Zimbabwe & South Africa, Dr Chanza has been an active researcher & trainer on development issues, and disaster and environmental management since completing his MSc in 2006. He has participated in a number of local and international consultancies, the recent one being a co-author of the National Climate Policy & Zimbabwe Youth Development Report. He is involved in various training at international and national fora on climate-smart agriculture, environmental sustainability, disaster management & climate change issues. He has graduated over 25 MSc students and is currently supervising 2 doctoral candidates. He has also examined 2 doctoral theses. Dr Chanza has authored a total of 29 publications: 14 peer-reviewed articles in international accredited journals, 8 book chapters, 3 consultancy reports & 4 conference papers. He has also reviewed journal articles in the field of Environmental Management, Climate Science and Development Studies. Thus, Dr Chanza’s contribution to knowledge is particularly evident in the fields of climate change adaptation, environmental impacts of development projects, disaster management & sustainable development. Dr Chanza is an active international trainer and facilitator in capacity building programs for disaster management & policy development, environment management & community-based climate change adaptation practices.

Qualifications:

  • PhD Environmental Geography (Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University, SA),
  • MSc Environmental Policy & Planning,
  • BSc Hons Biological Sciences (University of Zimbabwe),
  • Cert. Low Emissions Development (World Bank),
  • Cert. Urban Policy & Planning (KRIHS, South Korea)

Projects/Consultancy Work/Extension Experience

  1. Principal Researcher, Participatory mapping and vulnerability assessment for managing adaptation barriers associated with environmental stress in Silobela, Zimbabwe. A project supported by the Environmental Management Agency.
  2. Reviewer, Leading Integrated Research for Agenda 2030 in Africa (LIRA 2030 Africa). Reviewed proposals for the call on the Pathways towards Sustainable Urban Development in Africa under the framework of the LIRA 2030 Africa programme implemented by the International Science Council, Dec 2018-Jan 2019.
  3. Principal Researcher, Linking Livelihoods and Environmental Management Project in Zimbabwe. A project supported by the Environmental Management Agency.
  4. Researcher, Indigenous Knowledge Systems for Managing Climate Change in Southern Africa Project. A project sponsored by the Technical Centre for Agricultural and Rural Cooperation (CTA), Wageningen, The Netherlands, Sept 2016-Feb 2017.
  5. Co-Researcher, Hidden Urbanites Project. A project supported by the South African Cities Network and coordinated by the University of Free State, South Africa.
  6. Developed modules and training resources for the Zimbabwe Institute of Management (ZIM)’s Safety, Health and Environment Management (SHEM) programme. Used the resources for a client based training programme for the Zimbabwe Power Company (ZPC) staff at Kariba in 2011 and 2012.
  7. Co-consultant for the development of the National Climate Policy: Cross-cutting issues. Project supported by COMESA/UNICEF/UNDP. Engaged in public consultations and soliciting stakeholder input on climate policy issues. Draft policy currently under review.
  8. In March/April 2015, engaged as a co-consultant for the development of the Zimbabwe Youth Development Report. A project developed by the Zimbabwe Youth Council and co-sponsored by the African Capacity Building Foundation & UNFPA. Responsible for document analysis, determination of the Youth Development Index and report writing.
  9. In September 2014, was responsible for training CCARDESA staff on Monitoring and Evaluation of Agricultural Research and Development Projects as a co-consultant in Johannesburg, South Africa. Was responsible for designing training modules, facilitating exercise and report writing. The participants were drawn from Botswana, Zambia, Malawi and Mozambique.
  10. In March 2012, was involved in Training and Capacity Building Training Workshop on Small Grants Management for Care givers (SRHBC staff & community members) in Seke Distrct. A project supported by USAID.
  11. In July/August 2012, was engaged as a trainer and district supervisor by the Zimbabwe Statistical Agency (ZIMSTAT). Duties include training enumerators and supervisors, supervising data collection process and logistics for data collection for the 2012 National Census.
  12. In 2012, was engaged as a co-consultant in a training workshop organized by the Ministry of Science and Technology Development. Duties include training and capacity building on project appraisal and proposal development. 24-25 July, 2012. Holiday Inn, Harare.
  13. In 2012, was engaged as the main facilitator in Training and Skills Development Workshop on Creating a Conducive Local Business Environment Using Public Private Dialogue in Zimbabwe. The workshop, which targeted officials from Kariba Municipality, councilors and the local business community was organized by the Zimbabwe National Chamber of Commerce (ZNCC) and ran from 26-27 April, 2012 at Kariba Country Club, Kariba.
  14. In December 2012, was engaged as the main facilitator for training UNICEF-Nigeria officials for the Disaster Management Planning and Risk Reduction Course held at Impact-TDI Training Centre, Newtown, Johannesburg in South Africa.
  15. In May 2010, was engaged as a co-consultant for training officials from the Ministry of Economic Planning and Investment Promotion on Monitoring and Evaluation methodologies at a training workshop held at Mazowe Hotel.
  16. In May/June 2007, carried out a Socio-economic Impact Assessment of the proposed New Parliament Building for the Government of Zimbabwe in the Kopje Area, Harare jointly with the Department of Geography/University of Zimbabwe EIA Team.

Teaching & Research Areas
Climate-smart agriculture, environmental sustainability, climate change adaptation, climate change mitigation, disaster management, biodiversity, biogeography, environmental planning, environmental management, environmental impact assessment (EIA), waste management

Examinination of Doctoral Theses

  • ‘Disputes, Relationships and Identity: Analysing Human-Human Conflicts as a Basis for HumanWildlife Conflicts in the Mid-Zambezi Valley, Northern Zimbabwe.’ By Vincent Jani, Department of Geosciences, Faculty of Science, Nelson Mandela University, South Africa.
  • ‘Towards A Community Based Conservation Strategy For Wetlands In Uganda.’ By Alex Barakagira, Department of Geosciences, Faculty of Science, Nelson Mandela University, South Africa.

Postgraduate Supervision

  1. Alice Chari (2018), ‘Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices (KAP) about Indigenous Ways of Managing Natural Resources in Ward 21, Chikomba.’ Bindura University of Science Education.
  2. Admire Manyani (2017), ‘Towards Adaptation to Climate Change through Sustainable Agriculture: Prospects and Barriers in Ward 6, Shamva District.’ Bindura University of Science Education.
  3. Luka Muchimba (2017), ‘Assessing the Role of Indigenous Knowledge Systems (IKS) in Sustainable Conservation of Forest Resources in Binga District. Bindura University of Science Education.
  4. Tamuka Tsabora (2017), ‘Indigenous Biodiversity Conservation Practices in Marginalised Communities: Case of Ward 16, Mudzi District.’ Bindura University of Science Education.
  5. Margret Simango (2017). ‘Climate Change Adaptation and Food Sovereignty: A Study of Nyazura District.’ Bindura University of Science Education.
  6. Arorisoe Sibanda (2017), ‘Limits to Climate Change Adaptation among Subsistence Farmers: Case of Ward 12, Gwanda District.’ Bindura University of Science Education.
  7. Adroit Takudzwa Chakandinakira (2016), ‘Toxicity of Atrazine to Stream Periphyton Productivity and Community Composition in a Changing Climate.’ Bindura University of Science Education.
  8. Crecens Doro (2016), ‘Knowledge on the impact of disposal of baby diapers on the environment among residents of Zengeza 1, Chitungwiza.’ Bindura University of Science Education.
  9. Tibakudze Georginah (2016), ‘Impacts of climate change induced rainfall variability on maize yield in Marondera.’ Bindura University of Science Education.
  10. Samantha Chigovera (2016), ‘The Carbon Footprint of Zimbabwe’s Fertilizer Manufacturing Company: The Case of ZFC Ltd Aspindale Factory.’ Bindura University of Science Education.

External Assessor
Department of Physics, Geography and Environmental Science, Great Zimbabwe University, Masvingo, Zimbabwe

Research Publications

Journal Articles:

  1. Manyani, A; Bob, U; Chanza, N & Mavhura, E (2019). Governance of rural livelihoods and adaptation to climate variability and change in Zimbabwe: Enhancement considerations in Chadereka. Journal of Research in Humanities and Social Science, 7 (1): 6-21
  2. Chanza, N., Chigona, A., Nyahuye, A., Mataera-Chanza, L., Mundoga, T. & Nondo, N. (2018). Diagnosing Barriers to Climate Change Adaptation at Community Level: Reflections from
    Silobela, Zimbabwe. GeoJournal, DOI: 10.1007/s10708-018-9890-3
  3. Manyani, A., Chagweda, K., Muzenda-Mudavanhu, C. & Chanza, N. (2017). Indigenous-Based Practices of Adapting to Climate Change: Reflections from Chirumhanzu, Zimbabwe. Journal of Environmental Science, Toxicology and Food Technology, 11 (12): 54-66.
  4. Chanza, N., Nyahuye, A., Mundoga, T. & Moyo, FF. (2017). Emerging solid waste management issues in Beitbridge Border Town: evidence from a participatory approach. International Journal of Advanced Research, 5 (4): 771-781.
  5. Chanza, N., Mugano, G., Chirisa, I & Bandauko, E. (2016). Locating Harare in the Zimbabwean Mantra of Economic Underperformance: Trends, Reality and Implications in Service Delivery. Journal of Social Development in Africa, 29 (2): 161-186.
  6. Siyongwana, PQ. & Chanza, N. (2016). Interrogating the post-apartheid socio-economic transformation in Mdantsane. GeoJournal 04/2016; DOI:10.1007/s10708-016-9714-2
  7. Chanza, N. & de Wit, A. (2016). Enhancing Climate Governance through Indigenous Knowledge: Case in Sustainability Science. South African Journal of Science, 112 (3/4), Art. #2014-0286, 7 pages. http://dx.doi.org/10.17159/ sajs.2016/20140286
  8. Chanza, N. & de Wit, A. (2015). Rediscovering Indigenous Climate Knowledge for better Responses to Climate Change: Insights from Muzarabani. Int. J. Climate Change: Impacts & Responses, 6(3/4): 19-35.
  9. Chanza, N.; Chirisa, I; Zhakata, W & Makura, ESMS (2015). Ethical and Justice Reflections in Zimbabwe’s INDC and Climate Policies. Brown, D.A & Taylor, P. (eds.) Lessons Learned from Research on How 23 Nations Actually Considered or Ignored Ethics and Justice in Formulating National Climate Commitments, ethicsandclimate.org/category/indcs/
  10. Chanza, N. & Ayal DY. (2014). Local knowledge contributes to adaptation success. Joto Afrika, ALIN, Adapting to Climate Change in Africa, Issue 15, December 2014.
  11. Chanza, N. & de Wit, A. (2013). Epistemological and methodological framework for indigenous knowledge in climate science. Indilinga: African Journal of Indigenous Knowledge Systems, 12 (2): 203206.
  12. Chanza, N. & Chirisa, I. (2011. People or Environmental Quality? Solid Waste Management Dilemma in Epworth, Harare. Regional Development Studies, United Nations Centre for Regional Development, 15: 042 – 057.
  13. Chanza, N. (2011). Building Social Capital for Sustainable Rural Development in Zimbabwe: Lessons from Korea’s Saemaul Undong. Planning and Policy Report, 2: 85-101.
  14. Chirisa, I. & Chanza, N. (2009). How will Climate Change transform African local governance? Assessing the role of civic engagement. Journal of Public Administration and Policy Research,1 (2): 035-046.

Books & Book Chapters:

  1. Chanza, N.; Bandauko, E. & Mutonhodza, C. (2018). Strategies for Water Disaster Management in Zimbabwe. In, Chirisa, I. (edn), Environment, Infrastructure & Services in Urban & Regional Planning in Zimbabwe. University of Zimbabwe Publications, Harare. pp.59-82, ISBN:978-1-77920-187-4
  2. Chirisa, H.; Mandisvika, G.; Bandauko, E. & Chanza, N. (2018). The Climate Change-Urbanisation Conundrum in Africa: A Regional Research Perspective. In, Chirisa, I (edn), Dialogues in Climate and Environmental Research, Policy and Planning: A Special Focus on Zimbabwe. University of Zimbabwe Publications, Harare.
  3. Chanza, N. (2018). Limits to Climate Change Adaptation in Zimbabwe: Insights, Experiences and Lessons. In, Filho, W.L. & Nalau, J. (eds.) Limits to Adaptation: Insights and Experiences, Climate Change Management Series, Springer, pp.109-127, ISBN: 978-3-319-64599-5.
  4. Chanza, N. & Mafongoya, P.L. (2017). Indigenous-based climate science from the Zimbabwean experience: From impact identification, mitigation and adaptation. In, Mafongoya, P.L. and Ajayi, O.C. (editors), Indigenous Knowledge Systems and Climate Change Management in Africa, Technical Centre for Agricultural and Rural Cooperation (CTA), Wageningen, The Netherlands, 316pp.
  5. Siyongwana, PQ. & Chanza, N. (2016). Post-apartheid Transformation of the South African ‘Hidden Urbanites’: Reflections from Mdantsane Township. South African Cities Network
    (SACN)/University of Free State (UFS), http://www.sacities.net/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/Mdantsane%20case%20study%20-%20SACN-UFS%20Displaced%20Settlements%20Study%20(v.20150522).pdf
  6. Marais, L.; Ntema, L.; Rani, X.; Lenka, M.; Cloete J.; Siyongwana, P.Q.; Chanza, N.; Massey, R. & van Rooyen, D. (2016). Hidden Urbanites: South Africa’s displaced settlements 30 years after the abolition of Influx Control. South African Cities Network (SACN)/University of Free State (UFS), ISBN 978-0-620-69819-1
  7. Chanza, N. (2015). “Indigenous-Based Adaptation: An Imperative for Sustainable Climate Change Strategies for Africa.” In: Mawere, M. & Awuah-Nyamekye, S. (eds), Harnessing cultural capital for sustainability: A pan Africanist perspective. Langaa Publishing House: Bamenda, pp. 85134.
  8. Chirisa, I.; Mutsindikwa, N. T.; Chanza, N.; Dumba, S.; Chaonwa-Gaza, M.; & Bowora, J (2012) Technocracy, Rationality and Post-Coloniality in Zimbabwe: A survey of selected planning issues
    In: Chirisa, I. (eds), Contemporary Rural and Urban Issues in Zimbabwe: Implications for Policy and Planning. Academic Press, LLC. ISBN 10: 193632055X

Consultancy Reports:

  1. Murwira, A……Chanza, N et al (2018). National Climate Policy, Ministry of Environment, Water & Climate, Government of Zimbabwe, Harare
  2. Chanza, N., Mundoga, T. & Nyamudeza, S. (2018). Deepening Understanding of Multilateral Environmental Agreements (MEAs) for Policy Intervention by the Environmental Management Board, Environmental Management Agency, Harare
  3. Chingarande-Mutanga, S.D., Chanza, N & Mugano, G. (2015). Zimbabwe Youth Development Report 2015. The Zimbabwe Youth Council, Harare. ISBN: 978-0-7974-66-340

Conference Papers/Abstracts

  1. Chanza, N. & Manyani, A. (2018). ‘Enhancing Food Security through Indigenous Food Management Methods.’ First International Conference on Food Security & Climate Change. 4-5 October, 2018, Crowne Plaza Monomotapa, Harare.
  2. Nondo, N. & Chanza, N. (2018). ‘Infusing Environmental Concerns into the Food Security System: Insights from a Bee Keeping Project in Zvimba.’ First International Conference on Food Security & Climate Change. 4-5 October, 2018, Crowne Plaza Monomotapa, Harare.
  3. Chanza, N. & de Wit, A.H. (2014). ‘Harnessing indigenous knowledge for enhancing CBA and resilience in Muzarabani dryland, Zimbabwe.’ Paper presented at the East & Southern Africa CBA and Resilience Learning Conference. 1-4 September 2014, ILRI Campus, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
  4. Chanza, N. (2013). ‘Methodological Guidelines for Indigenous Knowledge in Climate Change Enquiry.’ Paper presented at the First Climate Change Symposium of Zimbabwe. June 17-19, 2013, Cresta Lodge, Harare.

Journal Editor/Reviewer

  1. Co-editor of International Journal of Climate Change: Impacts & Responses, Volume 7
  2. Reviewer of Local Environment Journal
  3. Reviewer of Journal of Environmental Science and Management