Water provision will trigger us into action and livelihood vibrancy and skyrocketing Deciphering messages from Biriri wards, Chimanimani

Abstract

Water remains the source of all human activities and its availability in arid and semi-arid regions has been erratic with most rural communities of Zimbabwe affected the unavailability. The article explores how the dwindling of water resources can push communities into water conservation practices and how the availing of water provision projects has pushed rural communities into action. Climate change has pushed the groundwater further and caused low rainfall, leaving rural communities that depend on rain-fed agriculture and borehole irrigation short of water. The article is based on the argument that groundwater and rainfall patterns with periodic droughts and extreme weather events. The study engaged a qualitative research methodology with a case study research design. The study used purposive sampling to sample for the participants. The study used in-depth interviews and focus group discussions. It adhered to all ethical principles. The study revealed that the availability of water will trigger communities into livelihoods diversification and changing of of rural communities‟ lifestyles. The study found that rural communities have begun to diversify their livelihoods and taking advantage of the water provision projects. The study concludes that the increase of water provision can be the missing link for rural development. The study recommends diversification of water provision. Keywords: semi-arid, groundwater, agriculture, diversification, conservation, droughts