Experiences of Humanitarian Social Workers in Rural Areas: Voices from Food Deficit Mitigation Strategy in Mashonaland, Zimbabwe

Abstract

This study employs a qualitative research methodology to explore lived experiences of humanitarian social workers implementing the Food Deficit Mitigation Strategy (FDMS) in rural Mashonaland Zimbabwe. Utilising an interpretative phenomenological approach, the research captures the subjective narratives of social workers, focusing on their perceptions, challenges, and the socio-political context influencing their work. Data were collected through semistructured in-depth interviews with 14 social workers as primary participants and five (5) key informants, revealing significant themes related to the intersection of politics and humanitarian aid, the inadequacy of food distribution, and the burdensome beneficiary registration processes. Participants reported challenges in maintaining impartiality due to political interference, which undermined the integrity of aid distribution. Furthermore, the study highlights the struggle of social workers to meet the nutritional needs of beneficiaries with limited resources, leading to ethical dilemmas and professional compromises. The findings underscore the complexities of delivering humanitarian assistance in a politically charged environment and provides critical insights into the operational realities faced by social workers in Zimbabwe. This research contributes to a deeper understanding of the dynamics at play in humanitarian work and emphasizes the need for improved frameworks that prioritise humanitarian principles over political agendas