Based upon fieldwork conducted by the author as well as historical research, this study analyzes land reforms in the northern part of Zimbabwe and the ways in which local populations reacted to them. Spierenburg (Vrije U., Amsterdam) outlines a "land degradation narrative" prevalent since the mid 1980s and describes its influence on land use policies. She also assesses the role played by the spirit mediums of the royal ancestors (Mhondro) in the resistance to the government's Mid-Zambezi Project. The text is based upon Spierenburg's doctoral thesis. Annotation ©2004 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)