Smallholder gardening as a sustainable livelihood strategy in Chikwanda communal lands, Gutu, Zimbabwe

Mudavanhu C*, Zinyandu T, Mudavanhu N, Mazorodze S, Chinyanganya TP, Manyani A, Maponga R, Pedzisai E, Phiri S

Faculty of Science, Bindura University of Science Education, Zimbabwe

*Corresponding Author’s E-mail: chipomuzenda@gmail.com

Accepted 16 December, 2012

Abstract

This paper seeks to assess the potential of transforming smallholder gardening into a sustainable livelihood strategy in Chikwanda Communal Lands, Zimbabwe through a case study approach. Questionnaires, interview guides and observation guides were used to collect both the qualitative and quantitative data. The questionnaires were administered to 37 household heads from VIDCO 3 with 210 households. Results indicated that smallholder gardening is a viable livelihood strategy as it acts as a source of food, provides income and some form of employment though in varying degrees. However, smallholder gardening can be a sustainable livelihood strategy if people have access to viable markets and receive training on the proper utilisation of natural resources.

Keywords: Livelihood, smallholder garden, sustainability, transformation, viability, sustainable livelihood.