Green Colonialism in Zimbabwe, 1890-1980 By Vimbai Kwashirai

issues are important in the discussion, especially in the analysis of the history of forestry conservation. However, this book does not propose to develop a detailed ecological record of change in vegetation. The major focus is on two processes: the activities of concessionaire capitalists and the regulatory role of the forestry service. The book also explores the impact of these colonial intrusions (exploitative and conservationist) on African people in the forest zone. The argument is made that the role of the natural forest in providing basic human necessities has long been a neglected theme in historical studies.

There is a longstanding tradition of forest history in Europe and America, where the forest environment has been well documented; a major theme in this literature is deforestation. Richards and Tucker argue that the conversion of forests to other uses impoverished standing forests over the long term.¹ Judge notes that in both the developed and developing world, forest literature is dominated by the depiction of people in conflict with nature.² Terms such as irreversible destruction, decline, wasteful, and degradation are widespread in the historical literature. The emphasis has largely been upon environmental disharmony resulting from human economic activity. Richards and Tucker assert that Europe's power and colonisation produced widespread ecological imbalances in Africa due to exploitation of land for agriculture, grazing, and timber.³ Political colonisation was not necessarily an essential element in this process. Nonetheless, the impact of foreign capital together with colonial control was great because industrial countries tapped natural resources of colonies for profit and economic growth.⁴

The literature on African environments follows this Western tradition and is preoccupied with environmental destruction. It focuses on the role of colonialism in precipitating ecological crises in Africa. Kjekshus, Vail, McGregor, Mtisi, and Matose among others suggest that the penetration of colonial capitalism on the continent in the early twentieth century was responsible for the ecological collapse that followed the unchecked extraction of raw materials in Africa.⁵ For example, the thesis by Kjekshus and Vail maintains that colonial intrusions as well as the methods of game control and bush