Greening the profession: a missing perspective in contemporary social work practice in Zimbabwe

Abstract

This paper looks at social work and environmental problems in Zimbabwe based on perspectives of social work practitioners. Data was collected from 25 social work practitioners from seven non-governmental and governmental organisations in Zimbabwe using in-depth interviews. Two key informant interviews were also done. Social workers said the profession ought to acknowledge the severity and complexity of the environmental problems facing Zimbabwe and reflect this in social work education and practice. It was also said the profession should not stand aside as it is now; but engages itself in green social work to deal with current challenges being caused by environmental crisis. The researcher established that social workers could contribute through enhancing current curricula, engaging in further research and building social awareness through environmental social work.

KEY TERMS: green social work, strength perspective, social work, Zimbabwe