Staff Profile

Qualifications:

• PhD (Philosophy in Geography), University of South Africa
• Msc in Safety Health and Environmental Management, (MSU)
• Post Graduate Diploma in Education, (MSU)
• Bsc (Hons) Geography and Environmental Studies, (MSU)

Research Interests:

• Sustainable livelihoods and Community development
• Informal Cross Border Trading and sustainable development
• Environmental Issues that affect sustainability
• Regional development

Publications: Book Chapters Published

1. Runokunda, J.C., Matsa, M.M. & Dzawanda, B (2026). An integrated sustainable development model to revitalise Mtapa Open Market in Gweru, Zimbabwe. Discov Environ4, 142 (2026). https://doi.org/10.1007/s44274-026-00600-y
2. Dzawanda, B., Chapungu, L., Maoela, M. A., Matsa, M., & Mapitsa, C. (2024). The Trends and Drivers of Climate Change Vulnerability in Rural Southern Africa. In: Matsa, M., Chapungu, L., Nhamo, G. (eds). In book: Climate Change Resilience in Rural Southern Africa: Dynamics, Prospects and Challenges(pp. 31-48). Cham: Springer Nature Switzerland.
3. Tinarwo, J. & Dzawanda, B. (2024). Climate Finance for Building Resilience in Rural Southern Africa: A Systematic Review of the Status Quo, Gaps, and Prospects. In: Matsa, M., Chapungu, L., Nhamo, G. (eds). In book: Climate Change Resilience in Rural Southern Africa: Dynamics, Prospects and Challenges (pp.163-179). Cham: Springer Nature Switzerland.
4. Dzawanda, B.,Matsa, M. & Nicolau, M.D. (2024). Sustainable Development Goals in Zimbabwe: Setbacks Encountered During the COVID-19 Pandemic. In: Leal Filho, W., Abubakar, I.R., da Silva, I., Pretorius, R., Tarabieh, K. (eds) SDGs in Africa and the Middle East Region (pp 1-25). Implementing the UN Sustainable Development Goals – Regional Perspectives. Cham: Springer International Publishing. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-91260-4_16-1
5. Dzawanda, B and Matsa, M. (2021). From Millennium Development Goals to Sustainable Development Goals through Informal Cross Border Trading: An Escape for the Poor in a Suffocating National Economy in Gweru, Zimbabwe. In: Leal Filho W., Pretorius R., de Sousa L.O (eds). In book: Sustainable Development in Africa. World Sustainability Series. Springer, Cham. Https://doi.org/10.1007/978_3-030-74693-3_34.
6. Dzawanda, B and Matsa, M (2020). Shurugwi Partner’s remedy to NGOs crippled project sustainability vis-a-vis climate change -induced food insecurity:The Chikato community gardens initiative in Shurugwi District. In Matsa, M., Marambanyika, T (eds). In book: Climate change, Environmental Change and Community Development in Zimbabwe. Midlands State University Press, Midlands State University, Zimbabwe.
7. Matsa M and Dzawanda B. (2019). Beitbridge Minority Farmer Communities and Climate Change: Prospects for Sustainability. In book: Climate Change and Agriculture. In Hussain S(Ed) IntechOpenHttps://doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.83816.

Papers Published in referred journals:

1. Dzawanda, B., Matsa, M. &Runokunda, J.C. (2026).Second-hand Clothing Trade in Southern Africa: Sustainability Challenges and Policy Responses. Econ.Sust. 6, 120 (2026). https://doi.org/10.1007/s43615-026-00838-x
2. Runokunda, J.C., Matsa, M.M. & Dzawanda, B. (2026). Pathways to open market sustainability at Mtapa Open Market in Gweru, Zimbabwe. Discov Sustain(2026). https://doi.org/10.1007/s43621-026-02910-w
3. Dzawanda, B., Matsa M.M., Gumbo. E, Runokunda, J & Nicolau, M.D (2026). A systematic review of informal cross border trade in African economies towards vision 2030. Discover Sustainability. Https://doing.org/10.1007/s43621-025-02443-8.
4. Runokunda, J.C., Matsa, M., Dzawanda, B. & Mupepi, O. (2025). Unmasking open market informality: merchandise and market interactions at Mtapa Open Market in Gweru, Zimbabwe. Discover Global Society, 3(1), pp. 1-21.
5. Dzawanda, B., Mavugara, R. & Nyathi, T. (2024). Towards zero harm discourse: denaturing the safety performance plateau in underground mining. Safety in Extreme Environments, 1-15. Springer https://doi.org.1007/s42797-024-00111-0.
6. Dzawanda, B., Maderera, T.I. & Matsa, M.M. (2024). Prospects for Circular Economy Adoption in an Urban Open Market: Case Study of Mtapa Open Market, Gweru. Circular Economy and Sustainability, 1-24. Springer https://doi.org/10.1007/s43615-024-00430-1.
7. Matsa, M.M., Dzawanda, B., Mupepi, O., Shabani, T. & Shabani, T. (2024). The Rand-Great Dyke-Copper Belt-Katanga mineral resources axis: blessing or curse for Southern Africa. GeoJournal, 89 (5) 192. Springer https://doi.org/1007/s10708-024-11206-3.
8. Dzawanda, B., Matsa, M.M. & Chireshe, A. (2024). Do Children Matter in the Quest for Sustainable Development Goals Attainment? Children’s Vulnerability and Water Scarcity in Zimbabwe. International Journal of Community Well Being 7 (3) 569-585. https://doi.org/10.1007/s42413-024-00220-5.
9. Matsa, M.M., Mupepi, O., Hove, J. & Dzawanda, B. (2024). Binga’s VaTonga communities’ involvement in Zambezi river fishery resource harvesting and management. Scientific African, 23. Elsevier https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sciaf.2023.e02041.
10. Dzawanda, B., Chari, A. and Matsa, M.M., (2023). Towards a safety climate framework to improve communication and worker involvement in occupational accident prevention at construction sites in Zimbabwe. Safety in Extreme Environments, Springer pp.1-13. http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s42797-023-00092-6
11. Maruta, E., Matsa, M., Mupepi, O. and Dzawanda, B., (2023). Water safety and associated public health impacts in upcoming and informal urban settlements in Zimbabwe: case of Amsterdam Park in Harare. Sustainable Water Resources Management, 9(5), p.138. Springer. http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s40899-023-00921-3
12. Matsa, M.M., Dzawanda, B., Mupepi, O and Hove, J (2023). Sustainability of donor-funded projects in developing remote minority Tonga communities of Zimbabwe. Discov Sustain 4, 34 (2023). Springer https://doi.org/10.1007/s43621-023-00152-8
13. Dzawanda, B and Matsa, M (2023). Strategies for Survival in an Informal Economy: Illegalities of Zimbabwean Informal Cross Border Traders at Ports of Entries in Southern Africa. International Journal of Community Well-Being 1-19. Springer https://doi.org/10.1007/s42413-023-00191-z.
14. Matsa, M; Mugogo, K; Mahakata, I; Dzawanda, B and Mavugara, R (2023). Spatial distribution of invasive large fever berry trees (Croton megalobotrys) in Sengwa Wildlife Research Area: Gokwe, Zimbabwe. Environmental Systems Research. Springer https://doi.org/10.100712.10.1186/s40068-023-00285-9.   
15. Mavesere, F and Dzawanda, B (2022). Effectiveness of Pfumvudza as a resilient strategy strategy against drought impacts in rural communities of Zimbabwe. Geojournal, Springer https://doi.org/10.1007/s10708-022-10812-3.
16. Dzawanda, B and Moyo, G (2022). Challenges associated with household solid waste management (SWM) during COVID-19 lockdown period: Case of ward 12, Gweru city, Zimbabwe. Journal of Environmental Monitoring and Assessment 194 (7).DOI:10.1007/s10661-022-10166-w
17. Dzawanda, B., Matsa, M., Nicolau, M. (2022). A catastrophic threat to the already vulnerable towards 2030: Impact of COVID-19 lockdown on livelihood outcome of informal cross border traders in Gweru, Zimbabwe. Journal of Social Sciences & Humanities Open 6(2): 100316. DOI:10.1016/j.ssaho.2022.100316
18. Matsa, M; Guti, M.; Nyahwa, E and Dzawanda, B. (2022). Toward sustainable community garden driven resilience in semiarid areas of Zimbabwe’s Shurugwi district. Journal of local development and society. DOI:10.1080/26883597.2022.2092767
19. Dzawanda,B.,Melanie N., Matsa, M and Kusena, W.(2021). Livelihood Outcomes of Informal Cross Border Traders Prior to the Rise of the Virtual Cash Economy in Gweru, Zimbabwe Journal of Borderlands Studies, Taylor and Francis Ltd. DOI: 1080/08865655.2020.1865187.
20. Dzawanda, B Nicolau, M.D and Matsa, M. (2021). Impact of Virtual Cash Economy on Livelihood Outcomes of Informal Cross Border Traders in Gweru, Zimbabwe. . Journal of Urban Forum, Springer. Https://doi.org/10.1007/s12132-021-09428-6.
21. Matsa M,Chokuda F, Mupepi O and Dzawanda, B. (2021). An assessment of groundwater quality in Zimbabwe’s urban areas: case of Mkoba 19 suburb, Gweru. Journal of Environment Monitoring and Assessment 193(7), Springer. Https://doi.org/10.1007/s 10061-021-09143-6.
22. Dzawanda B, Matsa, M and Nicolau, M. (2021). Poverty on the rise: The impact of the COVID‐19 lockdown on the informal sector of Gweru, Zimbabwe. International Social Science Journal, Wiley-Blackwell II Publishing Ltd.  DOI: 1111/issj.12285.
23. Dzawanda, B and Ncube, S. (2020). An assessment of vegetation cover changes and soil erosion hazard in Muzvezve Sub-catchment area, Zimbabwe. African Geographical Review, Taylor and Francis Ltd. Https://doi.org/10.1080/19376812.2020.1856156.
24. Matsa M, Mavugara, R and Dzawanda, B. (2019). Urban Domestic Water Supply Crisis in the City of Gweru, Zimbabwe. Geojournal Spatially Intergrated Social Sciences and Humanities, 86 no.3 Pages1-20. DOI: 10.1007/s10708-019-10118-x.ISSN 0343-2521. Springer
25. Matsa, M and Dzawanda, B. (2014). Dependency syndrome by communities or insufficient ingestion period by benefactor organizations? The Chirumanzu Caritas Community Gardening Project experience in Zimbabwe. Journal of Geography and Earth Sciences, 2 no. 1(2014) Pages 127-148.

Conference Proceedings

Dzawanda, B., Matsa, M & Runokunda, J. (2025). Disaster Risk Reduction amongst children in Southern Africa:A Review. (Presented at the international conference on Climate Resilience and Social Protection: Addressing the needs of disaster-impacted communities and strengthening social protection systems which was held at Protea Ryalls Hotel, Blantyre in Malawi 25^th-27th Nov 2025.

Attended a conference on leveraging experiences for research excellence and co-chaired a session on the 9^th of July 2024 at the Research and Innovation Boardroom (Tel One Campus-Midlands State University).

Dzawanda, B., Matsa, M. & Nicolau, M.D. (2022). A catastrophic threat to the already vulnerable towards 2030: Impact of COVID-19 lockdown on livelihood outcome of informal cross border traders in Gweru, Zimbabwe. (Presented at the 1^st international Conference on Disaster Risk Management which was held from the 1^st to the 4^th of October 2022 at Elephant Hills Hotel in Victoria Falls-Won an Award for the best paper presentation)

Dzawanda, B., Nicolau, M.D. & Matsa, M. (2021). Impact of virtual cash economy on livelihood outcomes of informal cross border traders in Gweru, Zimbabwe. (Presented at the 34^th International Geographical Congress IGC “Geography: bridging the continents” which was held virtually from 16-20 August 2021 at Instabul, Turkey)

Dzawanda, B. & Matsa, M. (2019). Climate change, Informal cross border trading and the financial matrix in Zimbabwe. The poor’s fight for survival in a moribund economy. (CASS CLIMATE CHANGE RESILIENCE BUILDING SYMPOSIUM-Strategising on climate change resilience building symposium, University of Zimbabwe, Celebration Centre 18 to 19 July 2019).

Dzawanda, B. & Matsa, M. (2020). Poverty on the rise: Victims of COVID-19 lockdown in the informal sector of Gweru, Zimbabwe. (Presented at the 3^rd Annual Victimology and Victim Support Conference, Nairobi-Kenya, 2020 which was held virtually from 12-14 October 2020).

Dzawanda, B. & Matsa, M. (2020). Poverty on the rise: A call to assist victims of COVID-19 lockdown in the informal sector of Gweru, Zimbabwe. (A Policy Brief presented at the Global Disruptions and Local Democracy for a Post-COVID World Conference at Local Democracy Academy, Stockholm Sweden- 14-18 2020).

Some seminars and Workshops attended

• Open Distance Learning Workshop (ODel) Training Workshop hosted by QAPD at Midlands State University on the 5^th of February 2026.
• SWARM Project Workshop: Advancing Sustainable Plastic Waste Management hosted by Midlands State University Faculty of Social Sciences in partnership with University of Mpumalanga SWARM project team (June 2025).
• Virtual Researchers Training Academy Workshop hosted by the Human Research Council in collaboration with the University of Zululand, the University of Pretoria, the Sol Plaatje University and the Midlands State University, 10^th -14^th of July 2023.
• Prisma Methodology Regional workshop hosted online by the Exxaro Chair in Climate and Sustainability Transitions at UNISA, 26 June 2023.
• Midlands State University World Tousim Day Symbosium, 12 September 2022.
• Agenda for exposure of University Academics to the foundations in Resilience Curriculum held at Montgomery Gardens in Bulawayo, 1-4 August 2022.
• Provincial stakeholders’ consultation of the African Caribean and Pacific –Multilateral Environment Agreements (ACP-MEAS-111) Project: Agrobiodiversity Issues Paper at Government Complex, Gweru, 21 July 2022.

Professional Membership/University   Service

• Member of GESRB Department Research Committee
• Department of GESRB Research Ethics Committee Chairperson
• Member of GERSB Department Staff Recruitment Committee
• Member of GESRB Department Environmental Society Club
• Member of Faculty of Social Sciences Staff Development Committee 
• Faculty of Social Sciences Research Committee Rep