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Chronic Poverty in Semi Arid Zimbabwe

Working papers

Written by Kate Bird, Andrew Shepherd

This paper examines the causes of chronic poverty in the remote rural areas (RRAs) of Zimbabwe’s semi-arid communal lands. It explores what can be done to improve links between policy-makers and programme designers and poor farm households at risk from drought and examines whether diversification into non-farming occupations offers an exit route from poverty. Lastly we suggest a number of areas for pro-poor policy intervention, including social protection and a focus on improved delivery of social services, (appropriate) agricultural extension and propoor financial sector reform.

Kate Bird and Andrew Shepherd