Lived experiences of poverty and coping strategies of Gokwe–Nembudziya community in Zimbabwe

Abstract

This paper is an empirical qualitative case study which explores the lived experiences of poverty and the coping strategies used by households in Gokwe -Nembudziya area in Zimbabwe. The study is guided by theories that included capability approach, poverty trap, dependence and sustainable livelihoods framework. The study is grounded in an interpretivist paradigm, and it employed a qualitative case study design. A total of 30 participants comprising household heads, small-scale farmers, informal traders and community leaders were selected using purposive and snowball sampling. Data collection was conducted using semi-structured in-depth interviews, one focused group discussion and participant observation and it was analyzed through thematic analysis. Fundamentally, the findings reveal that poverty in the study area is driven by several intersecting factors including exploitative market prices for cotton and produce, significant education and skills gaps, weak political leadership and governance, inadequate infrastructure, a lack of diversified livelihoods and donor-dependence syndrome.  The study also identified the critical coping strategies that can be used to address the discovered coping mechanisms which include value addition and agro-processing, fair pricing and improved market access, investment in irrigation and climate resilient agriculture, empowerment of youth and women through education and vocational training and investment in suitable infrastructure. The study concludes that effective poverty reduction needs a multi-faceted approach that goes beyond relief-oriented solutions to address the structural and systemic causes of deprivation.  In light of this, the study recommends a collaborative strategy that involves government, non-governmental organizations, and the community itself to champion investment in sustainable agricultural practices, education, infrastructure and economic diversification.