Experiences and survival strategies of rural teachers during Zimbabwe’s economic crisis (2016-2020) : a case study of the Zaka district’s primary and secondary school teachers

Abstract: Due to the underdevelopment often noticed in many rural areas of Zimbabwe, the country’s civil servants such as teachers, confront hurdles in their workplaces and when navigating their day-to-day lives. This comes as a result of the economic crisis that the country is experiencing. Literature has shown that the livelihoods of educators living in the peripheries are under-researched. The Zaka area is one of the underdeveloped rural districts of Zimbabwe. Therefore, this study aims to understand the experiences encountered by the Zaka district’s teachers and the survival strategies they adopt in order to improve their livelihoods. By adopting the Resilience Theory and Sustainable Livelihoods Approach, it specifically seeks to study the role played by these survival strategies in resisting challenges and sustaining rural livelihoods. Literature shows that understanding the experiences of teachers in rural areas, is inherent in policy implementation and development in such areas. Therefore, the study also interrogates the views of these teachers regarding how their conditions can be improved. To achieve the aims and objectives of this study, a qualitative approach was employed. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 20 participants, which included teachers, principals and teachers unions’ representatives. Results were categorised and analysed thematically. The findings show that rural teachers of Zimbabwe face obstacles such as cash shortages, limited teaching resources, low salaries and poor living conditions. However, through agency, they are able to rise above these difficulties. This study argues that there is a need to improve the spaces that rural teachers work in by providing adequate resources. Additionally, the study calls for practical solutions in improving these teachers’ welfare. This research also acknowledges that this is a complex process, which requires significant economic advancement to be prioritised. The study was important in highlighting the challenges and opportunities that the Zaka district’s teachers often encounter. Findings in this study can assist local authorities, government and policy makers in the development of interventions that can address the teachers’ challenges.M.A. (Development Studies