The economic activities among mining-induced displacees in Arda Transau, Zimbabwe

Abstract

Mining is one of the leading causes of displacement worldwide and leads to disruptions of household economic activities. With the increase in demand for minerals, the world over by manufacturing industries such as those of jewellery and cellphones and therefore rise in mining activities, displacement of people becomes inevitable. After displacement, households still have to survive and therefore are forced to find alternative ways to make ends meet. The households explore several choices including what to engage in, when to do specific activities and in which combination. This study sought to identify the determinants of the choice of livelihood activities among Arda Transau internally displaced persons (IDPs) using a multinomial model. It also sought to determine the extent of agricultural diversification among these IDPs. The study ascertained that gender of household head, economic activities done by households before displacement and marital status of household head are significant determinants of choice of economic activity among the IDPs. It showed limited agricultural diversification among IDPs in Arda Transau and observed that the age of household head, gender, religion and nature of previous economic activity are important determinants of the activity chosen. The study recommends crop diversification to minimize risks and calls for reduced use of erosive coping strategies.