Harnessing Abandoned Mining Water Bodies for Rural Livelihoods in Mapanzure Community of Zvishavane District, Zimbabwe

Zimbabwe is experiencing water challenges especially in rural areas. The study investigated opportunities for harnessing water bodies left behind by open cast miners in Mapanzure community. The study collected qualitative data through interviews, observation and documentary reviews. The findings were that disused mining pits could be utilised for market gardening, bee keeping, tourism and fisheries to support rural industrialisation. However, local community lacked capital and authority to harness the water. The study recommends a business model that is based on the rural industrialisation aspiration of the 2nd National Development Strategy (NDS-2). Water and land rights should be bankable to enable the community to gear development projects.

Water, rural industrialisation

1. Cresswell, J. W., and Poth, C. N. 2017. Qualitative Inquiry and Research Design: Choosing Among Five Approaches. 4th Ed. London: Sage. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

2. Flick, U. 2005. An introduction to Qualitative Research. 3rd ed. London: Sage Publications [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

3. Government of Zimbabwe. Constitution of Zimbabwe Amendment (No.20) Act 2013. Harare: Fidelity Printers, Harare. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

4. Saunders, M. N. 2012. Choosing research participants. Qualitative organizational research. Core Methods and Current Challenges, 4(3)35-52. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

5. Schusler, T., Davis-Manigaulte, J., and Cutter-Mackenzie, A. 2017. Positive Youth Development. In: Russ A. and Krasny M. Eds. Urban Environmental Education Review (pp. 165-174). Ithaga; London: Cornell University Press.www.zimstat.co.zw/wp-content/uploads/Macro/Prices/PDL/2025/Poverty%20Datum%20Lines%20Front_%20Mar_%202025.pdf Accessed on 12 December 2025www.heraldonline.co.zw/mapanzure-community-bears-brunt-of-mining/ Accessed on 12 December 2025 www.s3.amazonaws.com/rgi-documents/fedd75289f0c43d1436ee6d556a520f52d860448.pdf Accessed on 19 November 2025 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

6. Zimbabwe Communal Land Act [Chapter 20:04] of 2004 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

7. Zimbabwe Traditional Leaders Act (Chapter 29:17) of 2000 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

8. Zimstat National Report, 2012. Zimbabwe Population Census. Fidelity Printers, Harare. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

• Methane Emissions from Municipal Solid Waste - Case Study in Cai Rang District, Can Tho City, Vietnam
• Youth Activism, Intentional Integration of Policies to Raise Awareness on Climate Change Action among the Youth
• Breathing Spaces: Environmental & User Experience in Dhanmondi and Zigatola Multistoried Apartments, Dhaka, Bangladesh
• Effects of Solid Waste Disposal on Soil Quality in Makurdi Metropolis, Benue State, Nigeria
• Environmental Impact of Artisanal and Small-Scale Gold Mining in Borgu Local Government Area