Chipinge District Research Articles

The Impact of Access to Microfinance Business Loans on Women Empowerment: Case of Chipinge District in Zimbabwe

The Impact of Access to Microfinance Business Loans on Women Empowerment: Case of Chipinge District in Zimbabwe

Assessing the Contribution of Food Assistance for Assets on Food Availability in Chipinge, Zimbabwe

This paper assessed the effects of Food for Assets (FFA) in improving food availability in Chipinge District of Zimbabwe. Results show that FFA significantly contributes to meeting immediate food needs for participating households, especially households with low numbers. However, being a short-term intervention and targeting few households within communities, the FFA programme’s overall effectiveness at the community level is minimal. As a coping strategy, households resorted to food rationing to ensure that the food lasted the whole season. Also, households that participated both as workers and had established plots in FFA irrigation schemes had a better opportunity to cope since they also resorted to their own food production. Such households were found to have increased food availability compared to non-beneficiaries. Short working hours that guide FFA activities have also allowed community members to engage in other productive activities to improve food security. We recommend that future FFA should be implemented over an extended period for a more sustainable benefit on food availability and livelihoods. Participation in the FFA programme should be transitory to enable progression from emergency response to more developmental initiatives that will result in long term food availability and sustainable livelihoods.

Influence of planting basins on selected soil quality parameters and sorghum yield along an agro-ecological gradient in South Eastern Zimbabwe

Planting basins are an important soil and water conservation technology. This study evaluated the effects of basins on soil organic carbon (SOC) stocks, aggregate stability (Ima), bulk density, soil moisture retention and sorghum yield in agro-ecological regions III, IV and V of Chipinge district. The experiment consisted of three treatments; namely planting basins (basins) with goat manure and inorganic fertilizer application, hand hoeing with similar fertility amendments (FP+) and hand hoeing without fertility amendments (FP). It was hypothesized that planting basins with fertility amendments would improve the selected soil quality parameters and sorghum yield. Only planting basins significantly (p˂0.05) improved soil quality parameters in the 0-15 cm depth and bulk density, Ima, SOC stocks ranged from 1356 to 1451 kg/m3; 314 to 450 and 14.18 to 25.55 Mg ha-1 respectively. Planting basins significantly increased (p<0.05) sorghum yield relative to hand-hoeing practices (FP+ and FP) with average grain yield of 2.68, 1.72 and 1.32 t ha-1 in agro-ecological regions III, IV and V, respectively. When compared to FP+ and FP, basins increased grain yield by >130% in all the 3 agro-ecological regions. The hypothesis was accepted and it was concluded that basins improve soil properties and sorghum grain yield in agro-ecological regions III, IV and V. Considering the soil and crop productivity benefits highlighted in this study, there is a strong justification for the widespread promotion and adoption of planting basins in semi-arid agro-ecological regions of Zimbabwe.

Government Capacity In Handling Tropical Cyclone Idai Induced Flooding In Chipinge District, Manicland Province, Zimbabwe To Support National Security

Tropical Cyclone Idai induced flooding hit Zimbabwe from 15-20 March 2019, killing 349 people and damaging infrastructure worthy billions of dollars. Vulnerability to tropical cyclone flood risk remains high against limited government capacity. The Hyogo Framework for Action (2005-2015) indicators were used to analyse government capacity in handling Cyclone Idai disaster. The study used qualitative methodology alongside descriptive research design. Interviews, field observations and document analysis were employed for data collection. Results of the study are: a) legal framework capacity to handle Cyclone Idai met most priority 1 indicators but with some deficiencies, b) early warning systems were satisfactory and fulfilled all priority 2 indicators, c) collaboration and ego-sectoral approach towards building resilience and a safe culture through education, knowledge and innovation fulfilled all priority 3 indicators, d) efforts to reduce flood risk factors met all priority 4 indicators, and e) the active involvement and participation of stakeholders in flood risk research, education and training met all indicators under priority 5 although a holistic disaster response plan has not been developed. Challenges faced were under-funding and inadequate resources, inattention to issues of social vulnerability and social capital, legal gaps and leadership incapacity. Capacity-building efforts implemented were trainings, increased flood risk information dissemination, participation of schools in risk reduction and environmentally friendly conservation measures. The study recommends government to strengthen legal framework, decentralize disaster experts to districts and, allocate adequate funding and resources for risk reduction. Chipinge district to formulate a disaster response plan and institutional structure, increase disaster knowledge through active community engagement and participation in disaster risk reduction to promote resilience for national security stability.

Socio-economic impacts of climate change on indigenous communities in the save valley area of Chipinge district, Zimbabwe

In recent years, climate change has fast become a reality that warrants concerted action from stakeholders across fields. Communities in the Save Valley Area of Chipinge District of Manicaland Province in Zimbabwe, for example, report high incidences of socio-economic disruptions caused by climate change. These include loss of livelihoods, livestock, crops, food stocks and infrastructure damage. This study investigated the coping mechanisms adopted by communities in the Save Valley Area in their attempt to mitigate the socio-economic vagaries of climate change. In order to understand community perceptions regarding the possible link between climate change and the increased frequency and intensity of flooding incidences and to evaluate the evolution of community disaster risk management and resilience building as a function of changing climatic realities, the study employed the mixed method research design. Resettled farming households in the Middle Sabi, communal farming households in Chibuwe and Tongogara areas and members of the Chipinge District Development Committee were sampled for this study. Questionnaires, transact walks, structured interviews and focus group discussions were the main data collection methods utilized. Quantitative data entry was done via the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) software. Qualitative data was coded and analyzed thematically. Findings revealed that climate change has heightened community vulnerability, weakened their adaptive capacities, as well as disrupting the community resilience-building initiatives. In turn, communities have made attempts to respond to the challenges arising from climate change by modifying their socio-economic activities, organizing themselves internally and reverting to the use of indigenous knowledge based interventions.

Factors associated with a malaria outbreak at Tongogara refugee camp in Chipinge District, Zimbabwe, 2021: a case\u2013control study

BackgroundMalaria is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality among forcibly displaced populations, including refugees, approximately two-thirds of whom reside in malaria endemic regions. Data from the rapid disease notification system (RDNS) reports for Manicaland Province in Zimbabwe showed that despite implementation of malaria control initiatives, there was an increase in number of malaria cases above action thresholds at Tongogara refugee camp in Chipinge district during weeks 12–14 of 2021. An investigation that described the outbreak by person, place and time was conducted. Malaria emergency preparedness, response, and appropriateness of case management were assessed. The factors associated with contracting malaria were determined to enable the formulation of appropriate interventions, establish control, and prevent future malaria outbreaks among this vulnerable population.MethodsA 1:1 unmatched case–control study involving 80 cases and 80 controls was conducted using interviewer-administered questionnaires at household level. Data was entered into Epi Data version 3.1 and quantitative analysis was done using Epi Info™ version 7.2.2.6 to generate medians, proportions, odds ratios and their 95% confidence intervals.ResultsMalaria cases were distributed throughout the 10 residential sections within Tongogara refugee camp, the majority being from section 7, 28 (35%). Despite constituting 11% of the total population, Mozambican nationals accounted for 36 (45%) cases. Males constituted 47 (59%) among cases which was comparable to controls 43 (54%), p = 0.524. The median age for cases was 15 years [Interquartile range (IQR), 9–26] comparable to controls, which was 17 years (IQR, 10–30) (p = 0.755). Several natural and man-made potential vector breeding sites were observed around the camp. Risk factors associated with contracting malaria were engaging in outdoor activities at night [AOR = 2.74 (95% CI 1.04–7.22), wearing clothes that do not cover the whole body during outdoor activities [AOR 4.26 (95% CI, 1.43–12.68)], while residing in a refugee housing unit reduced the risk of contracting malaria [AOR = 0.18 (CI, 0.06–0.55)].ConclusionsThe malaria outbreak at Tongogara refugee camp reemphasizes the role of behavioural factors in malaria transmission. Intensified health education to address human behaviours that expose residents to malaria, habitat modification, and larviciding to eliminate mosquito breeding sites were recommended.

Zimbabwe’s post-2000 land reform programme, inter-ethnic hierarchies among ‘Black Zimbabweans’ and the potential of resource conflict: the case of Chipinge District

ABSTRACT This article examines the inter-ethnic hierarchies among ‘Black Zimbabweans’ and the potential of tension and conflict over land in Zimbabwe. The land reform programme executed in 2000, with the intention of restoring land to its ‘rightful’ owners (read blacks/Africans), has accentuated this tension and conflict. However, ‘black Zimbabweans’, irrespective of the Zimbabwe African National Union Patriotic Front’s (ZANU-PF) patriotic history and nationalist rhetoric of ‘sameness’ and ‘oneness’, are not monolithic as they are divided along class, ethnic and gender lines. This division is key in negotiating and accessing national resources such as land as it translates into ‘national cultural’ capital. Ethnic conflict and tension is rife in Zimbabwe and this makes it possible to consider the inter-ethnic dimensions of what it means to be a ‘black Zimbabwean’ and how this inter-ethnicity might have influenced or affected Zimbabwe’s land reform programme. I use the Ndau ethnic group of the Chipinge District as a case study as the majority of the Ndau feel marginalized in the allocation of redistributed A2 farms in Zimbabwe’s Natural Regions 1 and 2 chiefly characterised by dairy and agricultural farming. This marginalization disadvantaged them as it privileged ‘outsiders’ (read ‘other’ ethnic groups in Zimbabwe).

A Process Evaluation of Social Protection Policy in the Unconditional Cash Transfer Programme for Vulnerable People

This study is a Process evaluation of the Unconditional Cash Transfer (UCT), which is implemented by the International Rescue Committee (IRC), in Chipinge District. The study assessed the program's implementation methods. The study utilized a mixed methodology approach. Semi structured interviews were utilized to interview beneficiaries and project staff. A total of 10 interviewees were interviewed and 80 questionnaires were distributed to beneficiaries. Interviewees were purposely selected, and 80 questionnaire respondents were randomly selected. The author also gathered data through document analysis and observations. The study assessed if activities were being carried out according to plan, if non-cash and cash resources utilized according to plan, and whether the skills and competencies of the personnel were adequate. The study also analyzed beneficiary satisfaction and potential changes to the UCT program’s implementation. The findings were that UCT activities are being carried out according to plan. Cash and noncash resources are always available for the implementation of the UCT Programme and there is no abuse of funds. The findings indicated that the personnel are qualified enough for the implementation of the programme and that beneficiaries are satisfied with the UCT programme services. The study recommended that it might be necessary to increase the frequency of the cash transfer payments to a monthly basis instead of bi-monthly to empower the beneficiaries to generate more income. It was recommended that there be an exit strategy to phase out eligible beneficiaries and bring in new beneficiaries. It was also recommended that the payment process may be electrified to cut costs and for easy tracking of payments Since the study was based on a single case, Chipinge, it was recommended that there is need to conduct process evaluations on the UCT programme in other parts of the country to get a broader spectrum on the implementation of the UCT programme.

Stakeholder consultations on small-scale irrigation schemes’ constraints in Zimbabwe

Small-scale irrigation schemes (SSIS) have been considered a solution to viability challenges in drought-stricken farming areas in developing countries. However, the schemes face severe constraints. In this paper, relevant constraints are identified and ranked in terms of how serious the limitations are from the perspective of stakeholders in drought-prone areas of the Chipinge District in Zimbabwe. Information for the study was gained through a questionnaire and focus group discussions with small-scale irrigation farmers as well as key informant interviews with government irrigation officials, irrigation managers and members of the local community leadership. The information was garnered between August and December in 2017 with the analysis conducted using descriptive statistics and thematic analysis, guided by the Theory of Constraints and classified in the political, economic, social, technological, environmental and legal (PESTEL) framework. Results indicated that SSIS are important in the drought-prone areas of the Chipinge District regarding food security and income generation. However, technical issues bedevilling the schemes are considered to be the most challenging limitations. The most important constraints—ranked in descending order of gravity—are technical, economic, social, environmental, legal and political challenges. Based on these findings, the research strongly recommends modernising small-scale irrigation schemes’ infrastructure, among other issues, as a priority in Zimbabwe's drought-prone areas.

Sustainability of water facilities under community based management in Zimbabwe

Abstract Community Based Management (CBM) has been envisaged as a panacea to sustainability challenges faced in the Water Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) sector globally. In spite of this approach having success stories, studies have shown that failures are also being recorded. This study investigated the sustainability of rural water supply facilities under the CBM approach in Chipinge District of Zimbabwe. The specific objectives were to assess the technical, financial and institutional factors influencing sustainability. A cross sectional study design was used. Data was collected using Focus Group Discussions, Key Informant Interviews, household questionnaires and an observation checklist. Quantitative data was analysed using SPSS and Microsoft Excel while qualitative data was analysed using the thematic approach. Results showed that the technical factors which are influencing sustainability are age of the water facility, frequency of carrying out preventive maintenance and existence of external support. Regression analysis showed a positive linear correlation between age and breakdown frequency (R2 = 0.46) and the odds of obtaining a breakdown decreased as the frequency of preventive maintenance increased. User communities were contributing inadequate O&M funds resulting in long downtimes. Non-functionality of WPCs negatively influenced sustainability. The study recommends training of user communities on CBM and technical skills.

Geo-Spatial Distribution of Frequencies of MTB/RIF Detected Specimens based on Requesting Health Facilities in Manicaland Zimbabwe for 2017 and 2018

Objectives: The aim of this study was to produce Geo Spatial Distribution of Frequencies of MTB/RIF Detected Specimens based on Requesting Health Facilities in Manicaland Zimbabwe for 2017 and 2018, so as to give insight to TB program managers. Focusing elimination interventions on hot pockets of Tuberculosis (TB) strengthens rationale use of resources in resource limited countries like Zimbabwe. Early detection and early treatment is backbone of breaking TB transmission. Drug resistant tuberculosis (DRTB) control interventions like Programmatic Management of Drug Resistant TB or mentoring on Short, all Oral Regimen for Rifampicin resistant Tuberculosis (ShORRT) will be driven by science.Materials and Methods: The retrospective study was carried out in Manicaland, Zimbabwe. Manicaland one of the 10 provinces in Zimbabwe, has 7 districts with 308 health facilities. During this retrospective cross sectional study 2221 MTB detected results of 2017 and 2018, downloaded from 14 of the 15 Genexpert sites in Manicaland were employed to generate hotspot maps. Fifteenth Genexpert site lost its electronic records when Genexpert CPU crushed. Geographical Positioning System (GPS) of the health facilities were recorded. The study used MTB detected frequencies at a facility in relation to surrounding facilities in Manicaland, then ran optimised hotspot analysis function in Arc Map 10.5 to implement the Gi*statistic.Results: Overall provincial MTB detected positivity was 2221/36055 (6.2%).Overall provincial Rifampicin Resistant (RR) positivity was .111.2221(5.0%).Geo-spatial map of Manicaland showed 10 facilities that are RR hotspots with 7/10 (70%) of the facilities in Buhera district. Chipinge district had facilities that were MTB detected high hotspots.For the whole of Manicaland, Buhera district had100% MTB detected low hotspots facilities. Ninety percent hotspots were clustered around 2 of the 15 Genexpert Sites in Manicaland, namely Murambinda Mission Hospital and Chipinge District Hospital.Conclusion: Study identified health facilities with high frequencies of RR areas. For the identified health facilities with high frequencies of RR specimens, NTP may focus DRTB control interventions like PMDT, or mentoring on ShORRT. For the health facilities with high frequencies of MTB detected NTP can focus trainings in TB Case Management. Instead of uniformly spreading the limited resources to all 325 facilities, efforts streamlined to manageable number of 20 facilities in commensurate with identified gap( e.g. objective selection of cadres for training, data driven supportive supervision & targeted awareness campaigns).

Geo-Spatial Distribution of Frequencies of MTB/RIF Detected Specimens based on Requesting Health Facilities in Manicaland Zimbabwe for 2017 and 2018

Objectives: The aim of this study was to produce Geo Spatial Distribution of Frequencies of MTB/RIF Detected Specimens based on RequestingHealth Facilities in Manicaland Zimbabwe for 2017 and 2018, so as to give insight to TB program managers. Focusing elimination interventions onhot pockets of Tuberculosis (TB) strengthens rationale use of resources in resource limited countries like Zimbabwe. Early detection and earlytreatment is backbone of breaking TB transmission. Drug resistant tuberculosis (DRTB) control interventions like Programmatic Management of Drug Resistant TB or mentoring on Short, all Oral Regimen for Rifampicin resistant Tuberculosis (ShORRT) will be driven by science.
 Materials and Methods: The retrospective study was carried out in Manicaland, Zimbabwe. Manicaland one of the 10 provinces in Zimbabwe, has 7 districts with 308 health facilities. During this retrospective cross sectional study 2221 MTB detected results of 2017 and 2018, downloaded from 14 of the 15 Genexpert sites in Manicaland were employed to generate hotspot maps. Fifteenth Genexpert site lost its electronic records when Genexpert CPU crushed. Geographical Positioning System (GPS) of the health facilities were recorded.The study used MTB detected frequencies at a facility in relation to surrounding facilities inManicaland, then ran optimised hotspot analysis function in Arc Map 10.5 to implement the Gi* statistic. 
 Results: Overall provincial MTB detected positivity was 2221/36055 (6.2%).Overall provincial Rifampicin Resistant (RR) positivity was .111.2221(5.0%).Geo-spatial map of Manicaland showed 10 facilities that are RR hotspots with 7/10 (70%) of the facilities in Buhera district. Chipinge district had facilities that were MTB detected high hotspots.For the whole of Manicaland, Buhera district had100% MTB detected low hotspots facilities. Ninety percent hotspots were clusteredaround 2 of the 15 Genexpert Sites in Manicaland, namely Murambinda Mission Hospital and Chipinge District Hospital.
 Conclusion: Study identified health facilities with high frequencies of RR areas. For the identified health facilities with high frequencies of RR specimens, NTP may focus DRTB control interventions like PMDT, or mentoring on ShORRT. For the health facilities with high frequencies of MTB detected NTP can focus trainings in TB Case Management. Instead of uniformly spreading the limited resources to all 325 facilities, efforts streamlined to manageable number of 20 facilities incommensurate with identified gap( e.g. objective selection of cadres for training, data driven supportive supervision & targeted awarenesscampaigns).

Estate farming and Ndau people’s displacement from Zimbabwe into Mozambique, c.1940-2010

This article focuses on the development of plantation farming close to the Zimbabwe-Mozambique border and its effects on the Ndau people. Colonial incursions on the Zimbabwe/Mozambique border areas resulted in the development of estate farming in the Chimanimani/Chipinge region. European settlements in the borderland led to land expropriation by the colonial state and multi-national companies for estate farming. These estates ranged from natural and exotic forests, coffee, tea to sugarcane plantations. The majority of the plantations lie along the Zimbabwe/Mozambique border. The estates are vast, numerous and cover a significant area of Chimanimani/ Chipinge district. Apart from protecting tree and animal species, the promotion of tourism and provision of employment, the estates have assisted in the development of amenities and infrastructure in the region. In spite of the positives highlighted above, this article argues that the establishment of plantation agriculture displaced the Ndau people from their ancestral lands and pushed them into Mozambique.

Ecotourism resilience: The case of Mahenye community project, Chipinge District, Zimbabwe

Zimbabwe has endured economic, socio-political and biophysical environmental changes that have resulted in ecotourism facing significant challenges. The Mahenye community ecotourism project has however, managed to withstand these challenges over time. This research sought to analyse the factors influencing the resilience of community ecotourism at Mahenye, Chipinge District, southeast Zimbabwe from 1982 to 2020. Research methods included desktop research, key informant interviews, critical content analysis, observations and researchers’ prior knowledge about Mahenye. The factors influencing ecotourism resilience at Mahenye included resource richness and attractiveness, tourism-product diversification, intra-communal cohesiveness, social energy, a supportive private sector and non-governmental organizations and management of risk factors. These factors ensured that the venture remained operational despite socio-economic, political and biophysical change. It is hoped the resilience lessons and experiences from Mahenye can be shared and adapted to enhance the success of other similar ecotourism ventures under changing operating environments.

Unlocking the potential of value chains as climate change resilience strategies: can macadamia nuts (macadamia integrifolia) offer the gateway?

The consequences of climate change threaten existing agriculture systems across Zimbabwe. The researchers examined the possibility and potential for developing a smallholder farmer driven macadamia nuts value chain. Using the case of Chipinge district, Manicaland province, Zimbabwe, the study evaluated the potential of macadamia nut value chain functions as a climate change resilience strategy in Zimbabwe. Challenges faced by actors and positive developments made in incorporating smallholders into the macadamia nuts production sector were explored. The role of local markets and producers in the international trade in macadamia nuts were also examined, using a modified stakeholder analysis framework. Triangulation, a mixed methodology, was used to adequately capture the various quantitative and qualitative dimensions along the macadamia nuts value chain pillars. A sample of 220 farming units including Estates, A1 and A2 farmers was proportionately selected for the study. Primary data were collected from Key Informants through interviews and personal communications. Secondary data were collected from Agritex officers, buyers, and the Macadamia Association of Zimbabwe farmers’ records. The production-marketing interface for macadamia nuts is weakly coordinated in the study area as shown by the rudimentary production systems especially for the A1 and A2 farmers. Results show that the major missing links are the limited application of extension driven production enhancers and the limited visibility of farmers in more rewarding export markets. Production scales have, however, been increasing with more farmers allocating land towards the macadamia nuts trees. Decentralization of macadamia nuts markets and localized value addition needs to be done to realign domestic and export market prices.

Influence of planting basins on selected soil quality parameters and sorghum yield along an agro-ecological gradient in South Eastern Zimbabwe

Planting basins are an important soil and water conservation technology. This study evaluated the effects of basins on soil organic carbon (SOC) stocks, aggregate stability (Ima), bulk density, soil moisture retention and sorghum yield in agro-ecological regions III, IV and V of Chipinge district. The experiment consisted of three treatments; namely planting basins (basins) with goat manure and inorganic fertilizer application, hand hoeing with similar fertility amendments (FP+) and hand hoeing without fertility amendments (FP). It was hypothesized that planting basins with fertility amendments would improve the selected soil quality parameters and sorghum yield. Only planting basins significantly (p˂0.05) improved soil quality parameters in the 0-15 cm depth and bulk density, Ima, SOC stocks ranged from 1356 to 1451 kg/m3; 314 to 450 and 14.18 to 25.55 Mg ha-1 respectively. Planting basins significantly increased (p<0.05) sorghum yield relative to hand-hoeing practices (FP+ and FP) with average grain yield of 2.68, 1.72 and 1.32 t ha-1 in agro-ecological regions III, IV and V, respectively. When compared to FP+ and FP, basins increased grain yield by >130% in all the 3 agro-ecological regions. The hypothesis was accepted and it was concluded that basins improve soil properties and sorghum grain yield in agro-ecological regions III, IV and V. Considering the soil and crop productivity benefits highlighted in this study, there is a strong justification for the widespread promotion and adoption of planting basins in semi-arid agro-ecological regions of Zimbabwe.

Setting up a nurse-led model of care for management of hypertension and diabetes mellitus in a high HIV prevalence context in rural Zimbabwe: a descriptive study

BackgroundIn the light of the increasing burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) on health systems in low- and middle-income countries, particularly in Sub-Saharan Africa, context-adapted, cost-effective service delivery models are now required as a matter of urgency. We describe the experience of setting up and organising a nurse-led Diabetes Mellitus (DM) and Hypertension (HTN) model of care in rural Zimbabwe, a low-income country with unique socio-economic challenges and a dual disease burden of HIV and NCDs.MethodsMirroring the HIV experience, we designed a conceptual framework with 9 key enablers: decentralization of services, integration of care, simplification of management guidelines, mentoring and task-sharing, provision of affordable medicines, quality assured laboratory support, patient empowerment, a dedicated monitoring and evaluation system, and a robust referral system. We selected 9 primary health care clinics (PHC) and two hospitals in Chipinge district and integrated DM and HTN either into the general out-patient department, pre-existing HIV clinics, or an integrated chronic care clinic (ICCC). We provided structured intensive mentoring for staff, using simplified protocols, and disease-specific education for patients. Free medication with differentiated periodic refills and regular monitoring with point of care (POC) glycosylated haemoglobin (HbA1c) were provided.ResultsNurses in 7 PHC facilities and one hospital developed sufficient knowledge and skills to diagnose, initiate treatment and monitor DM and HTN patients, and 3094 patients were registered in the programme (188 with DM only, 2473 with HTN only, 433 with both DM and HTN). Major lessons learned from our experience include: the value of POC devices in the management of diabetes; the pressure on services of the added caseload, exacerbated by the availability of free medications in supported health facilities; and the importance of leadership in the successful implementation of care in health facilities.ConclusionOur experience demonstrates a model for nurse-led decentralized integrated DM and HTN care in a high HIV prevalence rural, low-income context. Developing a context-adapted efficient model of care is a dynamic process. We present our lessons learned with the intention of sharing experience which may be of value to other public health programme managers.

Male Perceptions Toward the Cultural Practice of Chinamwali/Khomba Among the Mahenye

This exploratory and descriptive article explores male perceptions toward the cultural practice of chinamwali/khomba among the Shangaan of the Mahenye community of Chipinge district in Zimbabwe. Chinamwali/khomba is the cultural practice of female initiation among the Mahenye people. The article draws on narratives of men from interviews and focus group discussions and describes khomba/chinamwali as a central aspect of (female) body politics in the Mahenye community, where the female practice of chinamwali marks the entrance into so-called ‘womanhood’ [sic]. The men’s sexually gendered narratives reveal how the women’s bodily sexual enactments become ‘cultural texts’ prescribed and inscribed by (male) societal perceptions and social (sexual) interactions. Semi-structured interviews and focus group discussions were carried out with 40 men from the community. Social role theory was the lens which was used to analyse these dynamics. Emergent findings reveal that the men of the community compel an overtly patriarchal agenda by encouraging and compelling women to be initiated.

Temporal analysis of gonorrhoea prevalence rate in females aged 15-49 in Chipinge district, Zimbabwe

This study was carried out to examine the temporal prevalence of gonorrhoea in females aged 15-49 in Chipinge district in Manicaland province of Zimbabwe. A mixed research design involving secondary data and focus group interviews was used in this study. Interview guides were used to collect primary data. The data collected was organized and was presented graphically. Findings from the study revealed that females aged 15 to 49 experienced high prevalence rate of gonorrhoea but the number of gonorrhoea cases was declining over the years. It emerged from the study that risk behaviours such as promiscuity and premarital sexual intercourse, lack of abstinence or appropriate sexual behaviour, commercial sex as well as long distances travelled to the nearest health facility for prevention and early treatments impact were the factors that lead to high levels of gonorrhoea in the district. Research findings also showed that there was generally high number of cases of gonorrhoea drug resistance in the district. There was however a general decline in cases of gonorrhoea drug resistance in the district over the years.Numerous recommendations were made to reduce or even eliminate the burden of gonorrhea in the district and improve the that livelihoods of people in the region.

Early breastfeeding initiation and incidence of neonatal sepsis in Chipinge District Zimbabwe

Background: Neonatal sepsis is one of the leading causes of neonatal morbidity and mortality during the neonatal period especially in the first week of life. The objectives of this study were to determine early breastfeeding initiation (EBFI) and the incidence of neonatal sepsis in in the first week of life in Chipinge District, Zimbabwe.Methods: After obtaining approval from the ethical institutional review board and Medical research council of Zimbabwe, a total of 200 healthy term neonates were recruited into a prospective cohort study within 24 hours of birth after the mothers had given an informed consent. Mother and baby pair was followed up at day 3 and day 7 to assess presence of infection using clinical checklist and physical examination.Results: The Pearson correlation was significant at 0.01 level (2 tailed) at day 3 and day 7. The findings revealed a significant association between EBFI and neonatal sepsis in the first week of life.Conclusions: Neonatal sepsis is one of the leading causes of death during the neonatal period especially in the first week of life. Findings of the study revealed a significant Pearson correlation at 0.01 levels (2 tailed) at day 3 and day 7. Delayed initiation of breastfeeding increases the risk of neonatal sepsis and about 33 % neonatal deaths can be averted if breastfeeding is initiated within an hour of birth.