Livelihoods of the elderly in Zimbabwe: a comparative analysis of Marondera urban and Chivhu rural areas.

Abstract

This study sought to examine the livelihood strategies and challenges faced by the elderly with a particular focus on Marondera urban and Chivhu rural areas in Mashonaland East Province. The research was motivated by the fact that most of the elderly members of the Zimbabwean society are failing to meet the basic needs. There were four specific research objective in this study, the first one being to establish the meaning of sustainable livelihoods according to the perceptions of the elderly in Marondera urban and Chivhu rural areas. The other objectives were to compare the livelihood strategies employed by the elderly in Marondera urban and Chivhu rural areas, assess the challenges faced by the elderly in Marondera urban and Chivhu rural when securing their livelihoods, and to propose alternatives for ensuring that older persons attain the desired livelihood outcomes. This study was guided by the Sustainable Livelihoods Framework (SLF), the Rights-Based Approach to Development, and the FANTASTIC Life Inventory (FLI). The study used mixed methods because of the need for both objectivity and detailed analysis. Given that communities are diverse in terms of assets, „blue-print‟ or „straight jacket‟ approaches, which have roots in quantitative research, were not suitable in this research. The FLI was used to provide „an objective assessment‟ of the livelihoods situation of the elderly in urban and rural settings. There was use of quota, purposive, and convenience sampling techniques in this research. The study found out that the elderly persons in urban areas were better off in terms of their lifestyles as compared to those in the rural areas. The elderly persons in the urban areas were more nutritious conscious, and more positive in terms of health behaviour. The elderly in the urban areas had positive personalities than those who reside in rural areas. It was also pointed out that the elderly, in both the urban and rural area face a myriad of challenges, including lack of access to adequate food, shelter, and clothing. The options for enhancing realisation of desired livelihood outcomes included increased national budgetary support for the social safety nets, creating a positive attitude and humanity (Ubuntu) among the Zimbabweans, and sound implementation of policies relating to the social safety. The older persons need to be assisted to implement livelihood projects, which include beekeeping, fish farming, market gardening, and keeping of small livestock.