Youth living around irrigation schemes in Zimbabwe: their livelihoods and role in the local economy

Young people in southern Africa have limited opportunities for productive employment. This research adds to the literature on young people living around smallholder irrigation schemes and their role in the local economy. Semistructured interviews were undertaken with young people, parents and practitioners from around Silalatshani irrigation scheme in Zimbabwe, and were analysed to provide insight into young people’s livelihoods and their livelihood pathways. The findings illustrate the importance of non-farm activities alongside irrigation and young people’s varied capacity to contribute to stimulating their local economy. Some implications for policy and development for young people around smallholder schemes are highlighted.