I want to start by giving thanks to Monica and Chikaka Tsikira, who provided the foundation for a decent life amid the struggles of Mudanda Village.
Growing up in this rural part of Buhera, I was fortunate enough to attend Mudanda Primary School, a school named after my village.
It was a place with its own unique swagger, a sign of pride despite the hardships that defined our lives.
To the north, my village was bordered by Maswa, with Chikaka Village to the east. Muchefa lay to the northwest, and Bika was our neighbor to the west.
These are the places that shaped my worldview and continue to drive my inspiration as I navigate the complexities of writing, development and governance.
I shared a childhood with some of the most impoverished people on earth, sharing the same rudimentary toilets, attending the same schools, and hunting together in the same dry landscapes.
As I received a “western” education in my later years, I began to reflect on the patterns I observed growing up. I wondered why so many people in Buhera, including myself, faced such deep struggles.
I am not a politician, but in Buhera, politics is respected and even feared.
To receive any form of assistance; whether from local leaders or Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) – requires a careful dance of positioning, a navigation of social and political networks.
The poverty in my homeland is gut-wrenching. Many adults in my village cannot even afford a simple razor blade for shaving.
They must rely on neighbors or relatives who have traveled to town, for a second hand razor blade.
The perennially low rainfall in Buhera, which falls under the semi-arid Region 5, has devastated agricultural output.
Once, our cattle; our prized possession and a source of wealth—were decimated by the January disease, a cruel reality that haunts many farmers to this day.
This article aims to explore the complex and multifaceted nature of poverty, especially in Buhera.
Poverty is not a sign of laziness; it is often the result of structural forces beyond one’s control.
I will highlight how governance play a role in perpetuating poverty, while suggesting ways to break free from this cycle, drawing on global examples and theories from leading development experts.
The Reality of Poverty in Buhera
Poverty in Buhera is not just an economic condition; it is a lived reality, felt deeply by every individual who calls this land home.
The perpetual drought, the eroded soils, and the empty granaries are not mere statistics—they are personal stories.
In my village, hunger was not an occasional visitor; it was a constant presence, dictating every decision and shaping every aspiration.
Buhera is situated in one of Zimbabwe’s most challenging regions for agriculture.
In Region 5, where drought is as predictable as the seasons, small-scale farmers rely heavily on rain-fed agriculture.
This makes them vulnerable to climate variability, which has only worsened due to global climate change.
The traditional crops—maize, sorghum, and millet—often fail due to the long dry spells, leaving communities without sufficient food or income.
The loss of cattle to diseases like January disease has had profound economic consequences.
Livestock, in rural Zimbabwe, is more than just a source of meat and milk—it is a form of wealth, a status symbol, and a critical element of agricultural productivity.
When the cattle died, so did a part of our resilience, our ability to withstand the harsh economic realities.
Poverty Is More Than Lack of Effort: The Forces Beyond Control
Environmental Challenges
One of the most significant drivers of poverty in Buhera is its harsh environmental conditions.
Low rainfall, soil erosion, and deforestation have depleted the natural resources that are crucial for farming communities.
Without sufficient water, agricultural output remains low, and without agricultural output, income and food security are jeopardised.
Climate change has exacerbated these conditions, leading to more frequent droughts and erratic weather patterns.
For the farmers of Buhera, whose survival depends on consistent crop cycles, these changes have been devastating.
Yet, these farmers are not lazy—they work tirelessly, planting seeds and tending their fields in the hope that the rains will come.
The Legacy of Colonialism and Governance Failures
The governance structure in Buhera, like in many parts of Zimbabwe, has roots in colonial history.
Land reform policies and political restructuring have created a fragmented and often inefficient system of governance.
The allocation of resources, the management of land, and the provision of services are all influenced by political alliances and power dynamics.
In Buhera, to be on the wrong side of politics can mean exclusion from vital services and opportunities.
Local leaders and politicians, sometimes acting as gatekeepers, wield significant influence over who receives assistance and who is left behind.
For those who are not politically aligned or lack connections, the pathway out of poverty is blocked.
Political Patronage and Resource Allocation
As in Buhera, politics is not just about governance, but it is about survival.
To receive aid or assistance from government programs often requires aligning oneself with the right political figures.
This reality has given rise to a system where resources are not always allocated based on need but on loyalty.
For many, accessing basic services like education, healthcare, or food aid is a matter of who you know rather than what you need.
The World Bank and other international development agencies have long emphasised the importance of good governance in poverty alleviation.
In Buhera, where political patronage affects everything from agricultural subsidies to school funding, the need for transparent and accountable governance is urgent.
Corruption and Mismanagement
Corruption remains a major obstacle to development.
Funds that are meant for rural development projects, infrastructure, or health services often disappear before they reach the communities in need.
This has led to a deep mistrust of political leaders and local government officials. I
n my village, projects that were supposed to improve water access or build better roads stalled, not because the people did not want progress, but because resources were diverted or poorly managed.
Paths to Poverty Eradication
Climate-Resilient Agriculture
For Buhera to overcome the challenges posed by its harsh environment, there must be a shift towards climate-resilient agricultural practices.
This means adopting drought-resistant crops, improving soil health through conservation agriculture, and investing in irrigation.
Some villages in Buhera have started experimenting with these techniques, with promising results, but wider support and investment are needed.
Empowering Women and Youth
Empowering women and youth is key to sustainable development.
Buhera, as in many rural regions, women are the backbone of agriculture, yet they have limited access to land, credit, and education.
Providing microloans, vocational training, and education for young girls can break the intergenerational cycle of poverty.
Women’s cooperatives, which have seen success in other parts of Africa, could be a model for Buhera.
Enhancing Education and Health Services
Education and health are crucial pillars of development.
Many children drop out of school due to poverty, early marriages, or the need to support their families.
Investment in education infrastructure, teacher training, and health services can change this narrative.
The United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals emphasise the importance of “leaving no one behind,” and Buhera’s children should be part of that global commitment.
Community-Based Development and Accountability
To improve governance, there must be a move towards community-based development.
This means involving local people in decision-making processes, allowing them to prioritise projects and manage resources.
Participatory budgeting and community monitoring have proven effective in other parts of the world, reducing corruption and ensuring that funds are used effectively.
Integrating Modern Solutions with Traditional Knowledge
Development in Buhera does not have to mean the abandonment of traditional ways.
Instead, there is potential in integrating modern agricultural techniques with indigenous knowledge.
Conservation agriculture, for example, aligns with traditional methods of soil preservation and water conservation.
This approach not only respects cultural identity but also enhances economic resilience.
A Global Perspective on Poverty Eradication
The struggles of Buhera are not unique. Across the world, rural communities face similar challenges of climate change, governance, and cultural complexities.
Drawing from international experiences can offer valuable lessons for Buhera’s future:
Bangladesh’s Microfinance Movement: Initiated by Nobel Laureate Muhammad Yunus, microfinance has empowered millions of rural women to start small businesses.
A similar model could be adapted for Buhera, providing low-interest loans to women’s groups and small-scale farmers.
India’s Green Revolution: Through government support and agricultural innovation, India managed to transform its agricultural sector, increasing food production and reducing poverty.
Buhera; a localised version of this revolution, emphasising sustainable and environmentally friendly agricultural practices, could make a significant difference.
This would require not only government support but also partnerships with NGOs and the private sector, ensuring access to improved seeds, fertilisers, and farming tools.
Brazil’s Conditional Cash Transfers (CCTs): Brazil’s Bolsa Família program, which provides cash assistance to families on the condition that children attend school and receive healthcare, has had a profound impact on reducing poverty and inequality.
A similar model in Buhera could incentivise education and health, helping families to break the cycle of poverty while investing in the next generation.
The Role of International Aid and Global Development Frameworks
The international community has an essential role to play in addressing poverty in regions like Buhera.
The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) set by the United Nations provide a roadmap for poverty reduction, aiming to eradicate extreme poverty by 2030.
However, translating global goals into local reality requires localised solutions, adapting international frameworks to the specific needs of communities like those in Buhera.
Organisations such as the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) have traditionally offered financial support and guidance for development.
Yet, their models often rely on macroeconomic policies that do not always resonate with local realities.
For Buhera, development assistance should focus on grassroots projects, capacity building, and technical support tailored to small-scale farmers, women’s groups, and youth initiatives.
Limits of Aid Dependency
Aid alone cannot solve the problems of poverty.
In many cases, aid has created dependencies, undermining local initiatives and leaving communities vulnerable to shifts in donor priorities.
For Buhera to thrive, development must be driven by the community itself, with external support playing a complementary role rather than a leading one.
A Call to Action for Buhera and Beyond
Poverty in Buhera is not an intractable problem, but solving it requires a comprehensive and multi-faceted approach.
Here are some critical steps that can be taken to build a more prosperous and resilient Buhera:
Strengthening Local Institutions
Local governance structures must be strengthened to be more accountable and transparent.
This involves training local leaders, implementing anti-corruption measures, and creating platforms for community engagement.
When people feel heard and respected, they are more likely to invest in the development process.
Investing in Infrastructure
Basic infrastructure—such as roads, schools, and clinics—is the backbone of any development strategy.
In Buhera, poor road networks isolate communities, making it difficult for farmers to access markets and for children to attend school regularly.
Investment in infrastructure not only facilitates economic activities but also improves access to education and healthcare.
Encouraging Innovation and Entrepreneurship
Innovation and entrepreneurship are key to sustainable development.
Programs that support local entrepreneurs, offer training in business skills, and provide startup capital can stimulate the local economy.
Youth-led initiatives, in particular, can bring fresh perspectives and energy to longstanding challenges.
Building a Culture of Accountability and Transparency
Governance reform should not only focus on political structures but also aim to foster a culture of accountability at all levels.
Civil society organisations, local media, and traditional leaders have a role to play in promoting transparency and ensuring that resources are used effectively.
This includes monitoring government projects, demanding better services, and holding officials accountable.
Concluding Thoughts: A Vision for Buhera’s Future
Growing up in Mudanda Village, surrounded by the dry and unforgiving landscapes of Buhera, I learned resilience from my people.
I saw hope in the eyes of farmers who returned to their fields each season, despite the odds.
I witnessed the strength of women who carried the weight of their families on their shoulders, managing households with dignity and grace.
Poverty is not inevitable. It is a condition shaped by historical, political, and environmental factors, but it can be overcome through a commitment to justice, equality, and sustainable development.
The people of Buhera are not asking for charity—they are asking for a chance. A chance to access education, a chance to farm sustainably, a chance to have their voices heard in the halls of power.
It is time for policymakers, development experts, and international donors to listen, to understand, and to support the unique needs of Buhera’s communities.
It is time for local leaders to rise above patronage and corruption, serving the people they represent with integrity.
It is time for spiritual and traditional leaders to collaborate in building a future that honors the past while embracing innovation.
If Buhera can succeed, it can serve as a model for rural development across Zimbabwe and beyond.
It will take a collective effort—one that values every voice, from the school child in Mudanda Village to the elderly farmer in Muchefa, from the development professional in Harare to the international expert in New York.
Together, we can create a world where no child goes to bed hungry, where every farmer can produce enough to feed their family, and where every person has the opportunity to thrive.
In the spirit of those who raised me, Monica and Chikaka Tsikira, I carry this vision forward, hopeful that Buhera’s story will not end in poverty, but in renewal and transformation.
It is not an easy road, but it is a necessary one—a road that I hope we can walk together, from Mudanda to the world beyond, in the pursuit of justice and dignity for all.
Sources and References
- United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, Goal 1: No Poverty. Retrieved from UN SDG.
- World Bank Development Reports: Climate-Resilient Agriculture in Sub-Saharan Africa.
- Research by Muhammad Yunus on Microfinance in Bangladesh.
- Case Studies from Brazil’s Bolsa Família Program and Conditional Cash Transfers.
- Reports on Rural Development from the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO).