CANDIDATE NAME : FARAI NYANI

CANDIDATE NUMBER :

CENTRE NUMBER : 100332

NAME OF SCHOOL : ST COLUMBA’S HIGH

TOPIC : ECONOMICAL HISTORY OF ZIMBABWE

CALA TYPE : PEN AND PAPER

DURATION : 2 WEEKS

LEARNING AREA : HISTORY

SUBJECT CODE : 6006/01

Cala

An investigation on the Indigenous Knowledge Systems(IKS) that were in use in

Pre-colonial Zimbabwe.

Competences

 Research
 Critical thinking
 Problem solving

Dimensions

Assessment of the following :

 Research on the importance of studying IKS

 Significance of Indigenous Knowledge Systems towards the economical
survival of communities in Pre-colonial Zimbabwe
 Significance of Indigenous Knoweledge Systems to Food security in Pre-
colonial Zimbabwe
 Role of Indigenous Knowledge System in conserving the natural
environment in Pre-colonial Zimbabwe
Objectives

Learners should be able to :

1. Explain Indigenous Knowledge Systems

2. Research on the importance of studying IKS , significance of IKS towards the
Economic survival of Pre-colonial Zimbabwe
3. Prepare a write up on the IKS in the conservation of the natural
environment in Pre-colonial Zimbabwe

Cala Context

It has been observed that learners lack understanding of IKS in conserving the
natural environment in Pre-colonial Zimbabwe. Learners need to research on the
significance of studying IKS.
Learners
will research on the following :

a. The importance of Studying IKS (5)

b. Significance of IKS torwards the Economical survival of the communities in
Pre-colonial Zimbabwe (5)
c. Significance of Agricultural Food Systems to Food security in Pre-colonial
Zimbabwe (5)
d. Role of Indigenous Knowledge Systems in Conserving the Natural
environment in Pre-colonial Zimbabwe (10)
Achievement standards

Dimensions Excellent Very Good Good Satisfactory Inadequate

75-100% 70-74% 60-69% 50-59% 49 and below

Importance 5 4 3 2 1
of
Indigenous
Knowledge
Systems
Significance 5 4 3 2 1
of IKS
towards
Economical
survival
Significance 5 4 3 2 1
of IKS
towards
food security
Role of IKS in 10+ 8-9 5-7 3-4 2
conserving
the natural
environment
Explain Indigenous Knowledge Systems and the The importance of
Studying IKS (5)

Matsika defines indigenous knowledge as ‘the traditional and local knowledge that exists and is
developed through the experiences of the local community in the process of managing the conditions or
context that challenge the people’s everyday life’.

Indigenous knowledge systems (IKS) are part of Africa’s heritage, which dates back to the pre-colonial
era when they were developed in order to address various survival challenges. cover virtually all aspects
of life including: ecology, climate, agriculture, animal husbandry, botany, linguistics, medicine, clinical-
psychology and craft skills. They are home-grown and they have survived the test of time. However,
European settlers who colonized the continent in the late 19th century sought to destroy, denigrate or
marginalize them and replace them with Western views and approaches, which were in line with their
goals of imperialism. However, since the demise of colonial rule more than four decades ago, there has
been a renewal of interest in IKS

Importance of IKS

1) they are regarded as a source of pride and dignity as they preserve national heritage

2) they promote good and sustainable Land management practices

3) Essential for Environmental conservation and Biodiversity preservation

4) Aid in Maintaining a clean environment.

5) Establish the means to monitor and enforce equitable(fair) sharing of benefits.
6) Promote unity in communities
Significance of IKS towards Economical survival (5 marks)

a) Arable land (minda) These could be used in order to grow crops which could be sold and this
contributes to economic survival of homesteads and communities
b) Grazing land (mafuro),

Livestock such as cattle and goats could be reared on mafuro and then later sold contributing to
economic survival of homesteads and communities

c) Un-inhabited forests (masango).

Trees in these forests could be chopped down and be used as building materials and hence costs are cut
leading to financial stability

-The kuronzera system aided in economic survival of the kings subjects as they could approach the king
for assistance in times of hardship

Significance of IKS towards food security (5 marks)

Grazing land (mafuro), Livestock such as cattle and goats could be reared on mafuro which could then
be used to feed families and the community
Arable land (minda) These could be used in order to grow crops which fed families and the excess could
be sold to bring extra income

Un-inhabited forests (masango) were used for activities such as: game hunting and the collection of wild
fruits, honey and edible insects which assisted in food security during periods of drought

Communal ownership of land was essential for food security. The chief is the custodian of all the land in
the community and could organize a day where everyone would work together in the fields (Zunde) and
when the crops were ripe they would be stored for later redistribution when there is drought
Role of IKS in conserving the natural environment (10 marks)