Knowledge and use value for Schlerocarya birrea and Cassia abbreviata in peri-urban and rural areas of Zimbabwe

Sclerocarya birrea (A.Rich.) Hochst and Cassia abbreviata (Oliv) are frequently harvested in Africa, yet little is known about harvesting implication. To fill this gap, we conducted surveys to assess perceptions of their uses, and how locality, gender, education, and age influence ecological knowledge, awareness of harvesting implications and willingness to conserve among rural and peri-urban populations and χ2 was used to test for associations. We used two-way ANOVA to compare tree density, diameter, height, and stump density, and one-way ANOVA for plant use values across study sites. No association observed between locality and species use; however, gender significantly affected the use of S. birrea (P < 0.05). Educational level influenced S. birrea usage but not C. abbreviata, and age had no influence (P > 0.05). Locality, gender, and education did not impact use values, while age did. Rural areas exhibited higher ecological knowledge and awareness of harvesting implications than peri-urban areas, while gender, educational level and age influenced ecological knowledge and awareness of harvesting implications, with males and tertiary education category more aware of harvesting implications. C. abbreviata had a higher tree density in rural areas, while S. birrea density was stable across locations. No significant differences in average height or stem diameter for either species. S. birrea exhibited higher stump density in peri-urban areas. This research highlights the need for further studies on the ecological impacts of harvesting these species, emphasising management challenges and the necessity for adaptable conservation strategies for C. abbreviata.