‘Keep burning of crop residue to a minimum’

VILLAGERS in Chimanimani have been urged to minimise burning of field residue as it has become a source of air pollution, posing a threat to the environment and their health.

Speaking at the belated World Environment Day celebrations at Nyanyadzi Primary School last week, Southern Alliance for Indigenous Resources (SAFIRE) technical manager (natural resources management and disaster risk reduction) Mrs Alice Mugore said there was need to stop pollution as a way of reducing ozone layer  damage.

“The ozone layer is mainly affected by the emission of hazardous smoke which is attributed to our unnecessary burning of farm residue,” she said. “This will eventually affect the rainfall pattern, resulting in poor rain falls.

“Currently, we’re seeing that ozone changes have shifted temperature and precipitation patterns in the southern hemisphere, contributing to the drought we experienced this season.”

SAFIRE has a mandate to develop self-sufficiency of rural communities through improved management and sustainable utilisation of indigenous natural resources partnered several institutions to fight against air pollution.

Environmental Management Agency environment officer for Chimanimani District Mr Ernest Marange said there was need to engage rural folk to ensure less emission of dust and smoke from the fields.

“We want to encourage the local people, especially in rural areas to avoid air pollution wherever possible,” he said.

“Poor rainfalls recorded are also attributed to air pollution with a lot of gas emission contributing. The rural community had been targeted as strategic stakeholders who can make a difference in conserving the environment.”

Runnng under the theme “Beat Air Pollution,” this year’s commemorations were combined with World Desertification Day.