Economic Empowerment a Panacea to Conflicts: A Case of Mashonaland Central Province, 1999 to 2012

Since Zimbabwe’s political independence in 1980, the government has been making efforts of trying to raise the living standards of the citizens through various means. However, because of a variety of challenges and other factors like colonial policies, national divisions, illiteracy, selfishness and a poorly performing economy amongst others, poverty has continued to affect Zimbabweans. Subsequently, conflicts have characterised Zimbabwean communities. This study, through an intensive desk research supported by some interviews, sought to establish the most prominent conflicts that have bedevilled the society and their respective possible remedies. The study was focussed on Mashonaland Central province, Zimbabwe and was conducted in 2012. Data was collected from key stakeholders; farmers, technocrats, business-people, the youth, peasant farmers, public servants and political activists while reviewed literature was from government policy papers, political party policy positions, specialist organisations (RBZ, Zimstat, TIMB, GMB, AREX, Lands, Veterinary Services and ZIA), security services, media and past research papers. The study established that economic empowerment is indeed one of the best long-lasting and sustainable solutions to the conflicts, albeit with some short-comings and challenges like politicisation of the efforts and clientelism.