Development-Induced Displacements and Livelihood Options — A Case of the Chingwizi Community in Mwenezi Rural District

Abstract

Using primary data of 100 households and literature review, this study examined the socio-economic opportunities or lack of them as well as vulnerabilities encountered by the Chingwizi Community in Mwenezi Rural District in Masvingo Province. The study argues that the Chingwizi people are rational, resourceful and strategic actors. It further contents that the relocated households were plunged into deeper socio-economic problems as the climatic and infrastructural conditions in the new area are harsher than where they were coming from. Primary data was collected from key informants through interviews, informal conversations and observation. Key informants included government officials from the ministries of local government, agriculture and land resettlement, community leadership (both traditional and elected), development workers from non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and the resettled farmers of Chingwizi in general. Literature review involved discussing empirical findings by other scholars on development-induced displacements (DIDs) in other parts of the world and Zimbabwe in particular. Findings from the study indicate that the state failed to fulfill its promises to the relocated households and that the principles of free, prior and informed consent (FPIC), fair and comprehensive compensation (FCC) as well as inclusive socio-economic development and profit-sharing (ISDP) were ignored by the state in the process of relocating households from Chivi and Masvingo rural areas. In light of the foregoing the study recommends the need to engage those communities affected by development projects so that sustainable options are arrived at.