Disruption or confusion? A critical analysis of the mineral explosion in Zimbabwe and its implications on rural resilience activities

Abstract

This study critically examines the consequences of mineral explosion in the rural areas in Zimbabwe focusing on how they are affecting or engendering resilience in the basket of various economic activities undertaken in these areas. Rural areas mostly depend on their resilient livelihoods and livelihoods patterns or trajectories for their functionality and sustainability. The social and economic development of rural areas is tethered to the several livelihoods activities undertaken in these areas constitutive of sources of income for the people and constitute a vital element of rural development. Secondary data sources were used to gather data that was analysed and presented in this study in conjunction with mineral explosion and rural resilience in Zimbabwe. The results indicate that every dimension of rural resilience is affected by the explosion of minerals in the rural set-up thus causing rivals, conflicts and violence among the people. Mining on its own is an activity that requires space and happens within the environment thus disrupting the already existing livelihoods and various land uses in the rural areas and negatively affecting the natural environment. Government policies and strategies to govern mining and mining-related activities should not only focus on the benefits arising from mining but also consider the local communities and the ecology that is often ignored due to the greed of money thus the outbreak of misunderstanding and conflict among the people. It can be concluded that in as much as mineral explosion results in economic growth, rural resilience should not be forgotten, as it is an important pillar for the survival of the rural areas. The study recommends the adoption of mitigation measures as a solution for the creation of equilibrium between rural resilience and mineral explosion and mining activities