Impacts of the Agrarian Land Reform Policy on Livelihoods of Resettled Communities Adjust to the Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe

Abstract

Post-colonial Zimbabwe has seen the implementation of agrarian reform policy. Through a case study of the Chimwara Community in Hwange District of Zimbabwe, It was the purpose of this research to investigate the resultant effects of associated resettlements to the edge of protected areas from the land redistribution processes on community livelihoods. Findings from the study show an increased influx and presence of women in the resettled communities and a diversification of livelihood sources from prior practiced ones, resettled households and farmers changed economic activity sources to suit the demands of the area including the presence of wildlife, with art and craft providing a new source of income for the resettled. 54% of participants shifted to crop production
from a 49% prior practice and a slight decline in livestock farming was observed from 42% to 37% of survey respondents. The study highlights key issues pertinent in the promotion of human and wildlife coexistence practices and the need for diversification to alternative livelihood sources with the provision of key technical support for communities living proximal to protects areas with high
wildlife densities being a priority need.