INVESTIGATING THE SOCIO-ECONOMIC IMPACTS OF CLIMATE- INDUCED DROUGHT RISKS ON RESETTLED WOMEN FARMERS IN MASHONALAND CENTRAL PROVINCE, ZIMBABWE

Abstract

The resettlement programme in post independent Zimbabwe was conducted to address socioeconomic imbalances between white farmers and the majority black population. The study focused on women due to gender inequalities and the historical background of patriarchal society. The aim of this study is to investigate the social and economic impacts of drought on the resettled women farmers. The data base of resettled women is not clear but based on the specific demographics such as similar type of crops and livestock, the sample of resettled women was taken. The convergence parallel mixed method design was applied. A multi sampling technique was used for purposively selecting three out of seven districts in Mashonaland Central province and stratified random sampling, and simple random sampling were also applied. Qualitative data was analysed by extracting themes and quantitative data was analysed using reliability test analysis and descriptive statistics per latent variable. The results showed that the nutrition of the women famers and their families was diminished, some of the children droped out of school because the women farmers were not able to pay school fees. The study recommended that the government and other organisations should offer financial assistance and conduct more drought awareness campaigns.