The Sustainability of Cross-Border trade in meeting household needs in Mkwasine estate, Masvingo. · Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Author

Mudhefi .Admire

Title

The Sustainability of Cross-Border trade in meeting household needs in Mkwasine estate, Masvingo.

Abstract

The sustainability of cross-border trade as a means of meeting household needs in Mkwasine Estate is confronted by a complex array of challenges, encompassing economic, environmental, and policy-related factors. Despite the pivotal role of cross-border trade in fulfilling household requirements, there is a critical need to comprehensively understand the underlying reasons for engaging in cross-border trade, the livelihood strategies employed by traders, the sustainability of these strategies, and the challenges encountered in this context. This study aims to address these gaps by investigating the reasons for cross-border trade, determining the livelihood strategies utilized, assessing the sustainability of these strategies, and identifying the challenges faced by cross-border traders in meeting household needs within Mkwasine Estate. Data was collected through interviews and questionnaires with cross border traders and village heads to investigate their reasons for engaging in trade, the livelihood strategies employed, the sustainability of these strategies, and the challenges they face. The findings revealed that cross border trade is an important source of income for households in Mkwasine Estate, and is driven by factors such as limited opportunities for formal employment, poverty, high prices of basic goods, and the desire to support family members. The study further reveals that cross border traders employ a range of livelihood strategies, including agriculture, retail, manufacturing, services, casual labor, buying and selling a variety of goods, engaging in multiple forms of trade, and seeking financial support from family and friends. Despite the benefits of cross border trade, the study also identifies several challenges faced by traders, including accommodation, sexual abuse, xenophobia, transport cost, crime and theft, abuse, language, competition, currency fluctuations, difficulties accessing credit, safety and security risks, and limited bargaining power. The results of this study are poised to inform targeted interventions and policies aimed at bolstering the sustainability of cross-border trade and livelihood strategies, particularly in meeting household needs within Mkwasine Estate. This involve the development of tailored support programs, capacity-building initiatives, and policy reforms to enhance the resilience and effectiveness of cross-border trade as a means of meeting household needs. Additionally, the findings have the potential to contribute to broader discussions on sustainable economic development and community well-being, offering insights with relevance beyond the local context.

Date

May 2024

Publisher

BUSE

Keywords

Cross border trade, sustaining household needs through cross border trade, trade,

Supervisor

Dr Manyani