TRANSFORMING PEOPLE’S LIVELIHOODS THROUGH LAND REFORM IN A1
RESETTLEMENT AREAS IN GOROMONZI DISTRICT IN ZIMBABWE

TRANSFORMING PEOPLE’S LIVELIHOODS THROUGH LAND REFORM IN A1
RESETTLEMENT AREAS IN GOROMONZI DISTRICT IN ZIMBABWE

TAVONGA NJAYA (PHD)

The study reflected on the livelihoods activities of A1 farmers in Goromonzi District in Mashonaland
East Province in Zimbabwe. The study used both quantitative and qualitative data collection techniques. Data
were collected through in-depth interviews, focus group discussions, direct observations and document reviews.
A structured household questionnaire was used as the basic tool to collect socio-economic and production data
pertaining to A1 farmers. Using a livelihoods conceptual framework and elicitation approach, the study
revealed interesting points with regard to the assets extended to and acquired by A1 households in Baines Hope
and Ingwenya farm in Goromonzi District. The study found that while some households engaged in non-
agricultural activities, for most households crop production was the main source of livelihoods. Although maize
was the dominant crop, there was some diversification into soya beans, potatoes, tobacco, sorghum and
groundnuts. In this respect, almost all households were able to utilise their landholdings to ensure household
food security. Further, several households exchanged grain as payment for agricultural labour services while
surplus grain was sold. The provision of land had also a positive impact of enabling some beneficiaries to
acquire certain assets that they did not have before they were resettled, or that they would not have been able to
accumulate if they had remained in the areas they previously lived. The acquired assets included livestock, ox-
ploughs, scotch carts, lorries, tractors, passenger vehicles and bigger houses. Some of these assets were used to
supplement household livelihoods in various ways. Generally landholding had led to significant welfare and
income gains for the majority of the households. However, limitations, in terms of access to agricultural inputs,
credit, equipment and infrastructural support severely restricted the potential of livelihood enhancement arising
from land redistribution.

IOSR Journal Of Humanities And Social Science (IOSR-JHSS)

2015