Dube, Thandekile2024-11-072024-11-072024https://hdl.handle.net/10566/18966The preservation of wetlands and pristine riverine eco-hydrological systems in sub-Saharan Africa, is crucial for biodiversity, ecosystem stability, and water availability. These face escalating threats from factors such as rapid population growth, agricultural expansion, and, more importantly, emerging illegal artisanal mining. To address these challenges, this study comprehensively evaluates the impact of artisanal mining on wetland ecosystems in Zimbabwe and proposes possible management strategies for mitigating environmental degradation. To achieve this goal, the research begins with a comprehensive literature review focused on the impact of artisanal mining on wetlands in semi-arid environments of sub-Saharan Africa. The findings underscore the detrimental effects of artisanal mining on wetland ecosystems, including habitat loss, biodiversity decline, riverbed sedimentation, and heavy metal pollution. Subsequently, the study investigated in the Umzingwane Catchment, located in southern Zimbabwe as a case study, to analyse variations in water nutrient and metal concentrations in wetlands affected by illegal mining activities along riparian zones (wetland-dominated areas).enArtisanal miningagricultureland use and land coverrestoration and rehabilitationwater resourcesThesis