Zimbabwe Country Study: Case Studies Of Sangwe And Mahenye Communal Areas in Chiredzi and Chipinge Districts. Mapping Phase Report

Abstract

This paper presents research findings from the mapping phase of the Sustainable Livelihoods in Southern Africa: Institutions, Governance and Policy Processes Project. The research was carried out between January and March 2001 mainly in Chiredzi and partly Chipinge districts of Zimbabwe. The aim of the report is to describe and analyse the major policy issues surrounding water, land and wild resources in Zimbabwe. Secondly, the paper focuses on the ways in which people in the case study areas derive their livelihoods from land, water and wild resources. While there is a commercial dimension in the use of the three natural resources, there exists an every day use of the resources, which has no commercial value, but plays a critical role in household livelihood strategies. Thirdly, the paper describes and discusses the configuration of institutions, both formal and informal, that set the parameters that govern people’s access to the aforementioned natural resources. The impact of various institutions on rural people’s livelihoods will be analysed with the view of understanding their different roles in people’s livelihood diversification strategies, and how it promotes or limits people’s access to land, water and wild resources. It is the objective of the report to raise debate on interesting issues that emanate from the mapping exercise, which forms the basis for a more detailed study, in the next research phase of the project