Faculty of Social and Behavioural Sciences

Opportunities and challenges for women’s participation in the informal sector: a case of artisanal gold panning in, Mukaradzi, Mount Darwin district, Zimbabwe.

2025-11-13T01:15:23Z

Opportunities and challenges for women’s participation in the informal sector: a case of artisanal gold panning in, Mukaradzi, Mount Darwin district, Zimbabwe. Pachena, Austin The research focused on the opportunities and challenges for women’s participation in the informal sector and a particular focus was on artisanal women gold miners in Mukaradzi, Mt Darwin district. The objectives of the study were to access the social and economic benefits that comes from participation in artisanal gold mining, the challenges faced in participating in the artisanal gold mining and the copying mechanisms employed by artisanal women gold miners for them to remain in the artisanal mining business. A qualitative research approach was used as the researcher wanted to understand artisanal women gold miners in their natural state. In-depth interviews, focus group discussions, life histories and field observations were used for data collection. The study used a sample of 13 participants drawn from artisanal women gold miners. These participants were selected using the convenience sampling technique due to their availability in large numbers in Mukaradzi as well as their willingness to participate in the study. Data analysis was done using thematic content analysis. The study findings show that artisanal gold mining is a source of livelihood to most people in Mt Darwin district. However, from the findings, artisanal women gold miners face a myriad of challenges. These include gender inequalities in artisanal mining sector, sexual harassment and abuse, cultural marginalization and gendered labour dynamics, limited knowledge in the artisanal mining sector, as well as health related challenges. The study concluded that, although women face a number of challenges, artisanal gold mining proved to be their source of livelihood. The research summed up by recommending that the government and non-governmental organizations should continue educating people on issues of gender equality in all sectors of the economy. The government should review and amend regulatory instruments that criminalize artisanal mining activities since the study has shown that it is a source of livelihood to a number of people.

The Marginalization of indigenous vegetables at household level in Figtree.

2025-11-14T01:10:39Z

The Marginalization of indigenous vegetables at household level in Figtree. Mushonga, Precious Household nutrition security and the individual nutritional status respond to trends in food consumption in Zimbabwe. The objective of this study was to investigate the status of indigenous vegetables at household level in the Figtree community. A mixed method approach using household survey and semi-structured interviews were used to gather data in 57 households. Study findings suggest that households marginalize indigenous vegetables because of various individual perceptions, poor knowledge systems, and “exotic” food consumption patterns. More than 50% households were experiencing chronic to severe food insecurity while approximately 23% were food secure. A one-way repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) concluded that some indigenous vegetables are “liked” significantly more than others are, F (5, 190) = 9.597, p < 0.001, partial η² = 0.202 although bush okra and spider flower were equally liked. In terms of indigenous vegetable consumption patterns, post hoc tests pairwise comparisons using the Bonferroni correction showed statistically significant ratings among all spider flower comparisons (p < 0.05) except bush okra (p > 0.05). The post-colonial theory adopted in the study explained that the change on eating patterns as well as individual choices on preferring certain types of foods has led to the marginalization of indigenous vegetables. These results imply that there is a marginalization of indigenous vegetables in diets of people living in Figtree at household level.

Disaster preparedness and management: an assessment of the effectiveness of the Zimbabwean government disaster preparedness in the wake of cyclone Idai disaster in Chimanimani district.

2025-11-14T01:11:09Z

Disaster preparedness and management: an assessment of the effectiveness of the Zimbabwean government disaster preparedness in the wake of cyclone Idai disaster in Chimanimani district. Paza, Chantal This study was an assessment of the effectiveness of the Zimbabwean government disaster preparedness in the wake of Cyclone Idai disaster, using Chimanimani District as a case study. The research was mostly interested in establishing the level of effectiveness of government’s response and preparedness to disaster in the current natural disasters such as Cyclone Idai that hit Chimanimani. The study adopted a qualitative research design. The sample size was comprised of people who were in Chimanimani when the Cyclone Idai occurred. Data were collected through interviews, questionnaire and focus group discussions which were held at Ngangu in Chimanimani district. The literature review was used to engage various scholarly views on the issue of disaster preparedness and management. The methodology of the study comprised gathering and analyzing both primary and secondary data. Secondary sources of data consisted of recently published information from journals and other printed materials. The findings were analysed thematically, and they were presented on an objective by objective basis. The study revealed that the government of Zimbabwe was not well prepared to deal with the Cyclone Idai disaster. The study recommended among other things, that there is need to develop better ways of dealing with disasters in time before the loss of lives through developing a very good system of dealing with any forecasted disaster.

The experiences of micro enterprises in the context of economic austerity in Zimbabwe: the case of brick and block molders in Chitungwiza.

2025-11-13T01:14:14Z

The experiences of micro enterprises in the context of economic austerity in Zimbabwe: the case of brick and block molders in Chitungwiza. Nota, Stephen The focus of the study was to explore the experiences of Chitungwiza people who are in to the business of brick and block molding as they battle to adapt to effects of austerity measures introduced in 2019.This study aimed to establish the experiences of the people of Chitungwiza who are surviving on brick and block molding business. The study was grounded on the structuration theory. The study was carried out using a qualitative research methodology while focus group discussions were used as a tool to capture data. Data was then analysed thematically. The people of Chitungwiza had various experiences as they tried to remain afloat in a business environment which they described as volatile due to austerity measures introduced by the government. Many people complained about their failure to easily adapt to the austerity measures. There is serious environmental degradation in the per urban areas due to sand poaching. The businesses have suffered from hyperinflationary environment and the political landscape has tended to favour those who belong to certain political parties and it became apparent that one has to confirm to certain values in order to be relevant. Erratic rain patterns have also impacted negatively the viability of brick and block molding business. Some business operators opted to diversify their business operation with illegal businesses like money changing and selling of illicit beers. Some operators indicated the need to call off operations while others opted to persevere.