An investigation on the impact of fisheries along Zambezi River as a livelihood strategy in Binga district: a case study on the fishing camps in Simatelele Ward 8.

This research is an assessment of the impact of fisheries as a livelihood of the riverine community of Binga, a case study on Simatelele Ward 8. The research begins with an overview study, where the problem statement is formulated and research questions developed, further leading to the objectives of the research and the significance of the study, with de-limitations of the area of study. This study adopts sustainable livelihood framework Approach by the Department for International Development UK (DFID), and the problem effect tree and the solution tree as its theoretical frameworks in order to bring a greater understanding of the concept of fisheries as a livelihood and how they impact on the riverine community of Simatelele Ward 8. The data collection instruments used in the study includes focus group discussions, semi-structured questionnaires, unstructured interview and direct observation. The study also presented and analyzed the findings on the investigation carried out during the research work. This was presented in the form of tables, graphs and pie chart. The study further presented the summary, conclusions and recommendations on the gaps found during the research. However, fisheries make an important contribution to local and national economies, because they are a source of employment and incomes, and they contribute food security as enable an individual or household to access nitrates and proteins. As a livelihood, fisheries communities should exhibit improved life styles and better living standards, because fisheries are believed to reduce poverty. Despite the benefits of fisheries, the findings of the research is that the riverine community of Simatelele Ward 8, still continue to suffer from high levels of poverty and food shortages. This is because of poor markets, big families and exclusion of spouses in fisheries, high payment of rents, poor rains and diseases, such as HIV and AIDS and Malaria and low level of education. livelihood, community participation, gender, fisheries and impact