This makes traditional weather forecast less reliable. There are few elders aware of traditional methods of weather forecasting. The study notes that there is rapid disappearance of plants and animals due to climate variability and human activities. Astronomic features were used to predict weather especially coming of rains within a period of about two weeks. Human ailments such as operations were pointed out as accurate indicators of impending weather changes. The behaviour of animals and insects were less mentioned as useful in determining weather conditions. Temperature and wind patterns were regarded as pointers to weather changes.

It was found that biological, atmospheric conditions, astronomic and relief features are used to predict weather over short and long periods of time. Purposive sampling was applied to collect data from people purported to be rich in indigenous knowledge. A descriptive survey was adopted using open ended questionnaires and interviews to collect information in order to assess peoples’ understanding, attitudes and beliefs on the value of indigenous knowledge on weather prediction. It is the purpose of this study to show how Indigenous Knowledge Systems have been used by rural communities to predict weather and seasonal changes in their environment. The study focused on how traditional knowledge is used to forecast weather in the Chimanimani District in Manicaland Province of Zimbabwe.

Animal behaviour as weather indicator