An assessment of the effectiveness of community share ownership schemes as a strategy for rural development: a case of Gwanda south rural district

Abstract

This dissertation looks into the impact of Community Share Ownership Trusts on rural development. Indeed, rural communities in Zimbabwe have historically suffered poverty and underdevelopment despite being endowed with rich natural resources. The government has advanced the argument that communities situated near mining areas must benefit from the abundant natural resources in the country. Community Share Ownership Trusts are one way in which the government is trying to ensure that rural communities near mining companies benefit from their resources. The research thus looks at the contribution of the Gwanda Community Share Ownership Trust to rural development.