Exploring the survival strategies among female household heads with disabilities in rural areas. A case study of Rimbi and Zuze village in Murehwa district

Author

Mapfumo, Regina

Title

Exploring the survival strategies among female household heads with disabilities in rural areas. A case study of Rimbi and Zuze village in Murehwa district

Abstract

This dissertation explored the survival strategies among female household heads with disabilities in Rimbi and Ruze village in Murewa district. The research’s aim objectives were to explore the challenges faced by female household heads with disabilities in Rimbi and Ruze village, to identify the survival strategies of female household heads living with disabilities in Rimbi and Ruze village and to identify the opportunities and barriers in accessing formal support system among female heads with disabilities in Rimbi and Ruze village. Qualitative research design was used and focused group discussions as well as in-depth interviews were used to collect comprehensive data. In the study findings, it was noted that vending was identified to be the most prevalent survival strategy for female heads with disabilities as they engage in vending in the nearest growth point which is Murewa Centre. Farming was also another survival strategy where they basically deal with small scale farming and gardening due to lack of land ownership and inputs. They exchange their few yields with money to cover up other basics. Female disabled heads also found to survive through quarrying where they sell the stones to those who are still under construction in Murewa Centre. The research study concluded that women with disabilities in rural areas A re engaging in survival strategies that may cause more harm to their lives, patriarchal morns worsened with disability were also leading women to be discriminated and looked down upon. Recommendations were drawn so that social workers in collaboration with the government raise awareness in challenging harmful stereotypes and a better understanding that disability is a socially constructed aspect. Also recommending that non-governmental organization and government collaborate to help female heads with disabilities to access basic services which include money, Rehabilitation services as well as inputs to improve their agricultural stance for sustainable livelihoods strategies.

Date

June 2024

Publisher

BUSE

Keywords

Disabilities

Survival strategies

Rural livelihoods

Female household heads

Murehwa District

Supervisor

N/A