Theses and Dissertations

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Critiquing the Viability of a Trade Biased Approach to Regional Integration in Southern Africa
(University of Fort Hare, 2008-12) Chipendo, Kudakwashe
Africa’s international marginalization is preponderantly conceptualized through world systems approaches, particularly structural dependency. Consequently, the region’s socioeconomic quagmire‚ characterized by economic Stagnation, abysmal poverty, inequality and foreign dependency, is often attributed to its colonial heritage. Particular reference is made to the small size of the African state and its structural specialization in primary production. Collective self reliance based on mutual interdependence (regional integration) thus suggests itself as a logical way to overcome the structural constraints imposed by the small size of the state, while at the same time representing a viable alternative to asymmetric trade with developed countries. It is within the context of this theoretical framework that this study critiques the predisposition of the regional body in . Southern Africa, the Southern African Development Community (SADC), towards a A trade biased approach to regional integration (market integration). This critique is based on theoretical and empirical findings showing that trade led strategies are primarily suited for developed countries with robust manufacturing industries and complimentary e production structures. Countries in Southern Africa are however characterized by a near absence of manufacturing industries, are at different levels of development and show low levels of trade complementarities. This study therefore concludes that market integration i is an inappropriate strategy for regional integration in Southern Africa and in the process suggests development integration — a political economy approach, as an alternative.
Informal Cross - Border Trade : A Review of its Impacts on Household Poverty Reduction (Zimbabwe).
(University of Fort Hare, 2008-11) Chani, Chivimbiso
This study endeavors to explore the value of informal cross-border trade to household poverty reduction. Informal cross-border trade has become a panacea to most Zimbabweans both employed and unemployed in the middle of the socio-economic crisis which has eroded the standards of living in Zimbabwe. This study is an eye opener to those who view informal cross-border trade as merely a survival strategy. It explores the efficacy of informal cross border trade as a poverty reduction strategy looking at its viability and sustainability despite criticism by many people who associate informal cross-border trade with all kinds of negativity. It thrusts forward the agenda of participatory poverty reduction agenda within a nexus of partnerships and relationships between the government, non-governmental organization, institutions and families.
Local Economic Development Initiatives as an Intervention Measure for Rural Development: A Case of the Amathole District Municipality of the Eastern Cape in South Africa
(University of Fort Hare, 2008-03) Dapira, Clarah
The demise of apartheid in the early 1990s has left South Africa with an indelible social and economic legacy which is characterised by racial division, discrimination‚ high unemployment and poverty rates. These developmental challenges are more pronounced among the previously disadvantaged communities especially in provinces that host the former homelands. Though it can be argued that the new democratic government has made tremendous strides in its first decade but‚ continuing poverty, and inequality tends to undermine these gains, some even sees it as a crisis and perhaps as a threat to survival (Cousin, 2004). Faced by this development impasse, the democratic government has adopted various development endeavours in an attempt to address issues of social and economic development. Among the various efforts being experimented with by the state and non-governmental organisations to bring about social and economic development in South Africa's rural-urban landscape or within the previously disadvantaged communities is Local Economic Development (LED).
Traditional Authorities and Social Development in South Africa
(University of Fort Hare, 2008) Adom, Alex, Yaw
Traditional leadership was the cornerstone of sociopolitical development in pre—colonial South Africa. However, with the arrival of the colonialists in Africa, this important institution became corrupt. The colonial administrators destabilized what traditional administration stood for and made use of native leaders as tools of colonial administration. In post 1994 however, leaders of South Africa have gone all out to revive traditional leadership in South Africa. It is based on the foregoing discussion that this study seeks to investigate traditional authorities and social development in South Africa. The focus is to interrogate whether the ANC-led govemment’s decisions to resuscitate native institutions in South Africa can help promote development.
An Assessment of the Effectiveness of Community Development Strategy on Poverty Alleviation in Zimbabwe
(University of Fort Hare, 2007) Chadoka, Rumbidzai
The major objective of this study was to assess the effectiveness of community development projects in addressing poverty in Zimbabwe. In order to make this assessment an evaluation of Nyandoro community project was undertaken to find out if they have managed to create employment, increase consumption and increase the incomes Ievels of the majority of the population within these communities as it was the intention of government. The second goal of the state for these projects was to bring equity among the citizens by empowering and promoting people's participation in decision making and to reverse the years of deprivation and neglect of the poor. Therefore this study also made an assessment of the extent to which these objectives of the government have been accomplished. The research investigates the factors hampering the upliftment of the Iivelihoods of the poor through community development projects. For this study qualitative and quantitative methodology paradigms were employed. Qualitative research is one of the two major approaches to research methodology in social sciences. The qualitative perspective can give the researcher the inside view of the informants and can give the researcher a chance to probe for more information. Simply put, it investigates the why and how of decision making, as compared to what, where, and when. WhiIst on the other hand quantitative is deductive and will comprise of structured questions to eliminate researchers influence (Creswell, 1994:174). These two l perspectives complement each other and their convergence will increase confidence that what is being targeted is being accurately captured since any bias will be neutralised through the utilization of structured questions.
The effects of poverty on health equity in Zimbabwe : the case of Chegutu Urban District
(University of Fort Hare, 2016) Budzi, Joseph
This study employed a qualitative methodology to investigate the effects of poverty on health equity in Zimbabwe. The investigation was motivated by the fact that the effects of poverty on health in Chegutu District have not yet been examined systematically despite the fact that the focus on poverty and equity considerations dictates the opportunities for equal health for the marginalised people. The contemporary socioeconomic crisis in Zimbabwe has posed a serious challenge to the comprehensive and equitable health systems and wellbeing. There is mounting pressure globally to implement appropriate interventions that can contribute concretely to health institutions’ efforts to tackle poverty and health inequities. In Zimbabwe, the extent to which poor people, households and social groups are accessing the resources to be healthy strongly determines their health potential. The study also examined the role of the non-governmental organisations and the town municipality in addressing poverty and promoting health equity in Chegutu. It was established that the focus on poverty entails the broader commitment of the local government and NGOs to the achievement of greater equity in health using a human rights framework to consider both poverty and equity. In practice, all systematic differences in Chegutu could be regarded as unfair and avoidable, and therefore regarded as inequities. The evidence points to the existence of extensive and widening social inequities in Chegutu District which have escalated the unequal distribution of diseases and survival in the district. The complexity of poverty as it relates to the distribution of health in Chegutu demands new ways of understanding the growing rich-poor gap. Thus to understand this complexity the Capability Approach and the Sustainable Livelihood Approach were used as the basis for critical appraisal of the variables under study. This study advances the vii understanding of the urgent need to take action to reduce these inequities and their root causes. The study calls for new ways of thinking about the direction of policy and also calls for renewed vigilance in monitoring impacts, to make sure that no segment of the population is excluded. Their implementation is seen to be dependent on increasing the capacity and organisation of the poor to more strongly influence policy and resource distribution in the health sector. It is important that health services respond effectively to the major causes of preventable ill-health among the poor and disadvantaged so as to address these continuing inequalities.
The contribution of smallholder agriculture production to food security in rural Zimbabwe : a case study of Masvingo Province
(University of Fort Hare, 2016) Toringepi, Godfrey
Agricultural development is back on the development agenda. Even though the smallholder farmers are in the majority and at the forefront in terms of food production and agriculture being the backbone of the economy of Zimbabwe, there is no clearly defined policy on smallholder agriculture in Zimbabwe. The food insecurity has remained a continuous challenge for the rural poor in Zimbabwe. This study investigated the contribution of smallholder agriculture to food security with particular reference to the Masvingo province. The study employed qualitative method of research entailing extensive review of literature as a method of data collection. The study utilized the modernisation theory and sustainable livelihoods framework to illustrate smallholder agriculture and food security nexus. The study revealed that smallholder agriculture is the best option for addressing food security since agriculture is considered the main livelihood strategy for small scale farmers in Zimbabwe. There is general scholarly consensus that the main cause of food insecurity in Zimbabwe is a decrease in smallholder agriculture productivity. The study revealed that poor infrastructure , limited access to credit, limited access to inputs, poor investment in human development, limited access to markets and harsh climatic conditions weaken the capacity of small scale farmers to improve food security. Key recommendations are that supportive institutions need to be put in place to strengthen the smallholder farmer’s capacity to improve food security in Zimbabwe.
Energy and sustainable development : the case of Dewedzo Rural community in Zimbabwe
(University of Fort Hare, 2014) Mbulayi, Shingirai Paul
Energy poverty is a concept that has gained significance quite recently. Its significance has been prompted by the realization that without sustainable modern energy alternatives for the rural poor, prospects for rural transformation remains low. The recognition of modern energy as one of the missing link in rural transformation comes amid the growing concern about the negative effects of relying on traditional energy services and the increasing forecasts that most developing countries are likely to miss their MDG targets by 2015. Drawing on the Modernization and the Sustainable Development Approach, this study concluded that improving the quantity and quality of energy services consumed by the rural poor can counteract rural underdevelopment and enhance rural social and economic transformation in Dewedzo. The study confirmed that energy poor households are prone to various social, economic and environmental detriments such as poor health, hunger, malnutrition, poor education and missed socio economic opportunities. By addressing rural people‟s energy needs, more nexus can be injected into rural productivity and the economic social outputs of this process can in turn increase the pace at which MDGs can be achieved.
Rethinking water service delivery system in Zimbabwe: a case study of Kwekwe municipality
(University of Fort Hare, 2010) Mupindu, Wiseman;
This study examines the perceived scarcity of household water service delivery in the city of Kwekwe under the Midlands province of Zimbabwe. Kwekwe Municipality appears to be characterized by an erratic supply of clean water for household use. The city of Kwekwe has experienced an unreliable domestic water service delivery system since the beginning of this millennium. This study aims to investigate the causes of the problem, its extent, impact and what could be done to mitigate the problem. The study employs interviews, questionnaires, observations and document analyses to establish that population growth, ageing equipment, a lack of foreign currency and local funding, as well as a lack of expertise and of political will have contributed to the poor domestic water supply in the city of Kwekwe. The city of Kwekwe needs to commit itself to improving the current situation by involving the community, constructing more storage facilities, and by putting monitoring and evaluation mechanisms in place. The research design took the form of a case study of Kwekwe Municipality. A mixture of qualitative and quantitative research designs were used in this study. The qualitative/interpretivist approach was more dominant, allowing some overlapping with the quantitative/positivist paradigm whenever this was considered reasonable. The study sample consisted of a conveniently assembled sample of 120 respondents. The target population for the study comprised of 110 residents of Kwekwe urban and 10 Kwekwe City Municipality Water Authorities from the Works Department. This study focuses on the 4 residential areas of Kwekwe Municipality. The data collection instruments include questionnaires and focus group interviews. Electronically recorded, in-depth interviews were held with the water authorities and the consumers to establish their perceptions on the best practice of the water service delivery system in Zimbabwe. The data collection tools contained a preliminary section on the biological data of the respondents. All data was subjected to either qualitative or quantitative analysis techniques in order to strike a balance between the structured survey instruments and the anecdotes of the respondents. Quantitative data was analyzed using a Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS), while qualitative data was subjected to document analysis which entailed classifying the data, extracting themes, identifying patterns, tallying and quantifying responses and making generalizations out of these patterns. This implies that the research methodology focused on the method, tools and techniques used to assist in achieving the objectives of the study and answering the research questions that the research seeks to address. The term research methodology is used, in this study, to refer to the philosophical assumptions, values, and theories which inform and underpin the way in which a particular research method is used. In this study, the case study research design was used as the operational framework for data gathering. The case study research method is essentially grounded in the interpretive research paradigm. To this end, the study sought the perceptions of both the consumers and the water authorities. The major finding of the study is that the ability of Kwekwe Municipality to provide household water service delivery to its consumers is slightly below average. However, there was a slight improvement in the household water service delivery but consumers are still remaining dissatisfied. Another finding, related to this one, was that the electricity deficiency cost the efficacy of Kwekwe Municipality in its provision of household water service delivery. The study proposes that more studies which seek to interrogate the domestic water service delivery system of the Zimbabwean Municipalities should be embarked upon by the state. The study also recommends that service delivery training programmes be implemented in order to enhance the competence of the water authorities. Furthermore, the study suggests that consumers be placed at the center of household water debates when policies, rules and regulations of the water service delivery system are formulated. Finally, the study implores that municipalities need to have their own reserves and generators for emergency cases during electricity power cuts. It is imperative that the water reservoirs constantly hold 4 days‟ worth of water capacity. The municipality of Kwekwe must refurbish the entire water reticulation system. Municipalities must carry out an audit of water meter readings and also confirm that all water meters are functional. Manpower to read the correct meter reading should be increased in number and must have reliable transport.
An investigation into public works programmes as a poverty reduction strategy for rural Zimbabwe: a study on Gutu district
(University of Fort Hare, 2008) Zindoga, Blessing Josiah
has taken charge in most developing countries, unfavourable to the wellbeing of the less economically advantaged populations. Seemingly, Zimbabwe is not an exception to this development. Increasing concerns have been expressed about the effects of the several interventions aimed at poverty reduction in Zimbabwe, both from within and outside the country. The programmes and projects that have been devised to address poverty nationally and at local levels since 1980 have allocated vast amounts of resources and funding to different projects and initiatives. The nature of these initiatives have not demonstrated huge and resounding successes mostly because there have been serious shortcomings in their conceptualisation and implementation. Based on the social development theory that believes that the human being should be the centre of development, this paper conceived poverty as deprivation of means of securing necessities in life. This research focused on assessing why the contribution of Food-for-work and Cash-for-work (public works) programmes towards reducing vulnerability of households to the problems of food deprivation, unemployment, and social exclusion in making important decisions in life has not produced resounding results. This dissertation provides answers the problem and sub-questions based on both quantitative and qualitative data collected from a focus group discussion and a household questionnaire survey carried out in July-August 2008. From the discussions held it was established that, poverty in the Gutu District is strongly linked to a failure of productive agriculture and exclusion from formal or urban wage employment. The main conclusions are that the public works programme has neither brought all the benefits its proponents
The changing role of non-state actors’ relations in post apartheid South Africa: a case study of two Eastern Cape non-governmental organisations (NGOs)
(University of Fort Hare, 2016-08) Chirowamhangu, Raymond Farai
This study focused on the changing role of non-state actors’ political relations in post-apartheid South Africa. During the apartheid period, NGOs were considered to be pushing a people-centered agenda, but the transition to the post-apartheid era made the role of NGOs complex and debatable as they are now viewed as organisations that work hand in hand with the government. A qualitative research design was implemented to conduct the study, in particular, individual interviews. The respondents included local households, community leaders and NGO representatives. The selected NGOs which participated were World Vision, Africare, Phumalanga and Victim Support Center (VSC). This research was conducted in Nkonkobe Municipality, in the communities of Alice, Middledrift and Seymour. The major finding of the study is that the political role of the NGOs has changed. Whilst in the apartheid period the NGOs openly opposed the state, in the post-apartheid period NGOs find themselves providing development services to the state. In other words, in the post-apartheid period NGOs tend to co-operate with the state by acting as service providers for a variety of development related functions. This condition raises questions about the autonomy of the NGOs and the agenda they serve in the post-apartheid period.
An assessment of public participation strategies in the provision of water in Malawi: the case study of Blantyre water board
(University of Fort Hare, 2011) Khomba, Grace Precious Kasamira
The key focus of this study is the assessment of the effectiveness of public participation strategies in the provision of water in Malawi, through the case study of the Blantyre Water Board (BWB). After a thorough literature review, it has been noted that this is the first research of its kind in the analysis of public participation as a social problem facing water users in Malawi. The provision of water is a basic right for every citizen and it is the responsibility of the government to ensure that each and every Malawian has access to clean water. This being the case, it is also a constitutional right for every citizen to participate in the water related activities and decisions affecting them. It is also the responsibility of water utilities to allow water users access to information as only an informed public is able to make informed decisions regarding their needs. This research aimed to assess the extent to which the BWB public participation strategies have contributed towards the sustainability of public involvement in water programmes or projects in general. From the findings, it was noted that the public participation strategies used by the BWB have not contributed to the sustainability of the water projects. It was further revealed that there is not much public involvement taking place between the BWB and its beneficiaries which has created an obvious gap, as per the findings. The research also aimed to identify major challenges affecting public participation in the provision of water in the Blantyre City Assembly in Malawi. It was noted, from the respondents' responses that the major challenges are poor management and administrative styles; political interference and lack of community sensitization. It would be advisable for the BWB to take cognizance of the results and concerns of this study in an effort to improve and ensure effective service delivery as stipulated in the Malawi National Water Policy which is a guiding policy framework for all water utilities.
Evaluation of the principles of public accountability in housing services in the Eastern Cape Ndlambe local municipality (2010-2011)
(University of Fort Hare, 2011) Balura, Vukile Michael
The purpose of this summary is to give the reader a synopsis of this mini thesis. Firstly it will summarize the nature and place of public accountability in Public administration, secondly it will give a short synopsis about Ndlambe local municipality and the housing situation, and thirdly it will briefly summarize the findings about the title. Lastly it will conclude the study. Five aspects of accountability have been looked, namely: political accountability, administrative accountability, accountability to the law, accountability to the consumer and professional accountability. It is import for chief officials and political office bearers to observe the above dimensions of accountability and be responsive to the real needs and justifiable expectations of the citizens. Political office-bearers and chief officials need to spend taxpayers money to the benefit of the community and that community must take part in deciding how their money must be spent. It is important for the powers that be to make income and expenditure statements available to all and place them on the Ndlambe local municipality's website.
Sustainable agricultural development in the Malawian smallholder agricultural sector: a case of Lilongwe district
(University of Fort Hare, 2010) Martha, Chizimba
Even though agriculture is the backbone of Malawi‟s economy, food insecurity has remained a continuous threat among the poor. Until the 1980s, Malawi had been achieving national food security through an extensive system of agricultural inputs and marketing subsidies. However, these subsidies were removed and at the same time, the agricultural credit system collapsed. Consequently, agricultural productivity in Malawi remained low, poverty remained pervasive and food insecurity remains a main constraint to national and household food security. Therefore, the success of the agricultural sector in Malawi is very critical for raising the living standards and for food self-sufficiency. In this vein, the study hypothesized that Malawi can only achieve sustainable agricultural development if its agricultural policies are focused towards intensifying agricultural productivity through active participation of smallholder farmers. The major aim of the study was to contribute towards an improved understanding of how the issues of sustainable agricultural development have been addressed in Malawi and how they have influenced the lives of smallholder farmers. The analysis of the results revealed that even though what was implemented in the 1970s to early 1980s was financially unsustainable, but it provided some solutions to the fundamental challenges of smallholder development in Malawi. However, the liberalisations eroded whatever economic benefits achieved then. Never the less, the re-introduction of the agricultural input subsidies restored back the means of production leading to significant transformation of the country from a net importer to a net food exporter. On the other hand, although the agricultural input subsidy programme is being commended for having helped in achieving food security, the study revealed that the programme requires complementary services of credit, extension, research and market to support it. This will provide an exit strategy, which can enable the producers to sell their produce at higher prices sufficient enough for them to afford agricultural inputs without subsidies.
An evaluation of the role of local economic development in promoting infrastructural development: a case study King Sabata Dalindyebo local municipality
(University of Fort Hare, 2008) Mbontsi, Nandipha Siphokazi
This study examines Local Economic Development intervention strategies in relation to promoting infrastructural development with specific reference to roads as one of the vital interventions for alleviating poverty in the KSD Municipality. The study sought to evaluate the impact of the deteriorated condition of roads on the growth of economic activity and community development, the understanding of LED by both the Council and the officials, and also to evaluate LED approach on infrastructural development for poverty alleviation. The study reveals that the municipality does not understand the concept of LED as a result this has caused blockages and impediments in terms of implementing the program in the municipality. Though there are some successes achieved through the construction of the 2010 FIFA World Cup Stadium, there are key constraints related to shortages of funds, staff, skills and resources. The study has established that LED is not living up to expectations in the area, there seems to be confusion regarding its definition and application. Furthermore, there is a confusion regarding the purpose of LED whether it is purely about poverty alleviation or whether LED it is about encouraging economic growth. Ideally it should be about the combination of the two. LED clearly has a critical role to play in terms of considerations of poverty alleviation in terms of addressing development backlogs and promoting sustainable economic growth. In order to achieve this, there is a need to establish a permanent LED facilitation and support unit. The need to identify key intervention strategies, for example, the Expanded Public Works Program which aims at identifying labor-intensive and community construction methods. In order to achieve this the study details a number of key recommendations which are mentioned below: The need to properly define LED and its goals, also to align LED with business and market realities. There should be adequate and appropriate training of officials, adequate funding and ensuring accountability. Active encouragement of local leaders, local level forums and partnerships and close co-operation with beneficiaries should be encouraged. It is also vital to establish LED units and development agencies at local level to drive LED process. It is also important for the municipality to encourage economically viable projects which meet poverty and growth requirements and which can also encourage SMME development.
An assessment of the child support grant as a poverty alleviation intervention in South Africa: the case of Mdantsane Township in the Eastern Cape
(University of Fort Hare, 2008) Mase, Blossom Bukelwa
There were different kinds of imbalances that were created by the past regime in which race and colour were determining factors in terms of access to state welfare. The State Maintance Grant was one of the state welfare interventions where African women did not even know how or where to access the grant. When the Child Support Grant was introduced in 1998 it gave hope to the vulnerable section of the society, the children. The CSG is one of the poverty alleviation programs introduced by the government to target the poverty stricken children of South Africa. This is a means tested program which not all children are to benefit but a certain portion of the society. There are special conditions attached to the grant which require to be fulfilled. These conditions require the child to be fed, clothed, immunized, school needs be paid, and have proper accommodation. This study made use of the Mdantsane Township which is 25 km away from East London city centre as a case study to determine whether the CSG has managed to achieve its objective of relieving poverty among children, given the conditions of poverty and unemployment in Mdantsane. The findings of this study indicate that the people of Mdantsane are still in poverty and the most affected sections remain the children. The respondents indicate that the people are unemployed as a result the CSG seems to be the source of livelihood in these households leaving the children at a disadvantage as the grant is intended for their own needs. Therefore there is a need to investigate whether the CSG has any impact on the lives of these children. Also since Eastern Cape is known to be one of the poorest provinces, it is important to investigate whether the CSG has become the source of livelihood in some households.
Foreign land investments and the survival of small-scale farmers in copper belt province of Zambia
(University of Fort Hare, 2016) Toro, Bigboy
This study was undertaken with the objective of examining the impacts of foreign land investments on the survival of small-scale farmers in Zambia. Nevertheless, the study generates knowledge, provides insights, raises awareness, suggestions and foster constructive dialogue aimed at designing and implementing more effective strategies and policies that would enhance agricultural productivity among small-scale farmers in Zambia. Small-scale farmers can play an important role in Zambia in terms of overcoming poverty, enhancing food security and stimulating growth in other sectors of the economy. Despite their potential, the Zambian government in collaboration with multinationals continue to stifle their latent potential by evicting small-scale farmers who are living on communal lands. Underpinning these foreign land investments is the longstanding failure of the Zambian government to recognise, in law and practice, the communal land rights of small-scale farmers. Relying on the neo-classical property rights approach, the thesis argues that the creation of more secure property rights, and enforcement of these rights, is essential in motivating small-scale farmers to make the kinds of short and long-term fixed investments in their farms that will increase agricultural productivity and raise rural household incomes. Likewise, transformations which reinforce the property rights of small-scale farmers and ensure that their land cannot be alienated or otherwise used without their consent are necessary. Therefore, obtaining secure property rights is critical to rural development and recognition of small-scale farmers in the country’s agricultural framework. Although, the thesis focused only on Zambia as the case study, the findings may provide an example for other Sub-Saharan countries on how to improve the tenure and productivity of small-scale farmers.
Critiquing the viability of a trade biased approach to regional integration in Southern Africa
(University of Fort Hare, 2008) Chipendo, Kudakwashe
Africa’s international marginalization is preponderantly conceptualized through world systems approaches, particularly structural dependency. Consequently, the region’s socioeconomic quagmire, characterized by economic stagnation, abysmal poverty, inequality and foreign dependency, is often attributed to its colonial heritage. Particular reference is made to the small size of the African state and its structural specialization in primary production. Collective self reliance based on mutual interdependence (regional integration) thus suggests itself as a logical way to overcome the structural constraints imposed by the small size of the state, while at the same time representing a viable alternative to asymmetric trade with developed countries. It is within the context of this theoretical framework that this study critiques the predisposition of the regional body in Southern Africa, the Southern African Development Community (SADC), towards a trade biased approach to regional integration (market integration). This critique is based on theoretical and empirical findings showing that trade led strategies are primarily suited for developed countries with robust manufacturing industries and complimentary production structures. Countries in Southern Africa are however characterized by a near absence of manufacturing industries, are at different levels of development and show low levels of trade complementarities. This study therefore concludes that market integration is an inappropriate strategy for regional integration in Southern Africa and in the process suggests development integration – a political economy approach, as an alternative.
Informal cross – border trade: a review of its impact on household poverty reduction (Zimbabwe)
(University of Fort Hare, 2008) Chani, Chivimbiso
This study endeavors to explore the value of informal cross-border trade to household poverty reduction. Informal cross-border trade has become a panacea to most Zimbabweans both employed and unemployed in the middle of the socio-economic crisis which has eroded the standards of living in Zimbabwe. This study is an eye opener to those who view informal cross-border trade as merely a survival strategy. It explores the efficacy of informal cross-border trade as a poverty reduction strategy looking at its viability and sustainability despite criticism by many people who associate informal cross-border trade with all kinds of negativity. It thrusts forward the agenda of participatory poverty reduction agenda within a nexus of partnerships and relationships between the government, non-governmental organization, institutions and families. Informal cross-border traders have maneuvered their way out of the chains and shackles of poverty even though it has been tough due to many obstacles from different angles. They have helped to distribute the scarce goods and products in Zimbabwe as a consequent of the socio-economic crisis. If they are given a better platform they can perform much better than they are getting at present. Thus this study advocates the forging of networks between various stakeholders in both the formal and informal sector in order to fight against poverty.
Challenges for rural tourism development in Zimbabwe: a case of the great Zimbabwe Masvingo area
(University of Fort Hare, 2013) Musasa, Gabriel
The main focus of this study is the challenges of rural tourism development in Zimbabwe. The study identified that there is a lack of sustainable interventions in the development of rural tourism which is catalyzed by the absence of rural tourism promotion strategy to support the sustenance of livelihoods through socio-economic transformation. Meaningful socio economic transformation in the African rural areas through tourism remains a major development challenge. Development initiatives through different forms of tourism in the rural communities, has to a less magnitude benefited the rural communities and have negatively impacted the socio–economic environment. A qualitative research methodology and case study design was employed in order to have a deeper understanding of the experiences of the society around this project. Face to face interviews and focus group discussions guides were used to collect primary data. Purposive and convenience sampling techniques was employed to select respondents. Data was analysed using the transformative theory and sustainable livelihoods theory and was organized into categories and themes. The study established that the absence of a strategy is caused by political instability, community conflict, lack of finance, marketing, poor communication, and limited knowledge of tourism. All the aforementioned reasons complement each other and poise a challenge to the sustainability of rural tourism development. For Zimbabwe to effectively transform its economy through tourism, the government needs to plan the process, formulate and implement relevant economic and social development strategies and policies. Although this dissertation is a case study of sustainable rural tourism in Zimbabwe, it can be used to appreciate the role of tourism in bringing about socio-economic transformation and sustaining livelihoods in developing countries.

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