An Analysis on agricultural droughts as a cause for rural poverty in Makaya Village, Bindura, Zimbabwe

Author
Daman, Angeline T.
Title
An Analysis on agricultural droughts as a cause for rural poverty in Makaya Village, Bindura, Zimbabwe
Abstract
This study examines the impact of agricultural droughts on rural poverty in Makaya Village, Bindura District, Zimbabwe, focusing on four key objectives: identifying the effects of agricultural droughts reducing reliance on natural rainfall, educating residents on drought mitigation, and developing social protection systems. Using a mixed-methods approach that combined surveys, focus groups, spatial analysis, and panel data modeling, the research identified significant challenges related to low irrigation adoption, limited awareness of drought-resilient farming practices, and inadequate social safety nets. Findings revealed that over 80% of farmers depended on unpredictable rainfall, leading to 35-45% crop yield losses during drought years, while malnutrition and livestock mortality rates were high. Targeted interventions, including investment in irrigation infrastructure, farmer education, and integrated social protection programs, demonstrated substantial improvements in crop yields, household incomes, adoption of adaptive practices, and poverty reduction. The study underscores the need for coordinated, context-specific strategies to build drought resilience and improve rural livelihoods. In order to lessen the negative consequences of climatic variability on vulnerable agricultural communities, policymakers, development professionals, and community stakeholders need to take note of these observations.
Date
June 2025
Publisher
BUSE
Keywords
Agricultural Droughts
Rural Poverty
Supervisor
Dr. Siziba
Item sets
Department of Disaster Risk Reduction
Media
Daman, Angeline T..pdf

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