The Impact of climate-induced food insecurity on child marriage in Chiredzi district, Zimbabwe

Author
Ziwewe, Lynette
Title
The Impact of climate-induced food insecurity on child marriage in Chiredzi district, Zimbabwe
Abstract
This study examined the impact of climate-induced food insecurity on child marriage in Chiredzi District, Zimbabwe, with the primary objectives of assessing how food insecurity influenced child marriage rates, exploring coping mechanisms employed by families, and identifying the socio-economic and cultural factors mediating this relationship. A total of 50 respondents participated in the research, consisting of 30 community members who completed structured questionnaires and 20 local government officials who engaged in semi-structured interviews. Employing a mixed-methods approach that integrated both quantitative and qualitative data allowed for a comprehensive analysis of the issues. The findings revealed a significant correlation between food insecurity and increased rates of child marriage, with many community members recognizing the detrimental impact of food scarcity on early marriage decisions. Key challenges identified included pervasive economic instability, entrenched cultural norms, and limited access to education. Despite these obstacles, the research highlighted opportunities for improvement through community awareness programs, government interventions, and support services aimed at alleviating economic pressures. Recommendations included enhancing community education programs to raise awareness about the implications of food insecurity on child marriage, improving access to education for girls, fostering partnerships with NGOs and government entities, strengthening community support systems, and implementing robust monitoring and evaluation frameworks for ongoing interventions.
Date
March 2025
Publisher
BUSE
Keywords
food insecurity, child marriage
Supervisor
Mr. K Mhuri
Item sets
Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities
Media
LYNETTE ZIWEWE.pdf

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