Gold panning in Zimbabwe's Mutoko District : a strategy for rural livelihoods and community development?

Abstract

This dissertation presents an analysis of gold panning in rural areas. It investigates the contributions of gold panning to rural livelihoods and community development in Zimbabwe. A qualitative design was used in this research because the relevant phenomena like the gold panners? behaviour had to be studied in the natural and context-specific settings. Research methods that were used in the field included interviews, field observations, focus group discussions, life histories and case studies. The dynamics in gold panning were expounded and contributions of gold panning to rural livelihoods and community development were discussed in detail. The study concludes gold panning contributes to improved rural livelihoods. The improved livelihoods in turn have some effects on community development. The effects can either be positive or negative. The study recommends that gold panning should be incorporated into the mainstream economy.