The role of NGOs in addressing socio-economic development challenges in Zimbabwe: a case of Ward 15, Masvingo Rural District.

Abstract

This study investigated the role of Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) in addressing socioeconomic development challenges in Ward 15 of Masvingo Rural District, Zimbabwe. Guided by three specific objectives to identify socioeconomic challenges and NGO interventions, to evaluate NGO impact on livelihoods and well-being, and to examine constraints to sustainable implementation the study adopted a qualitative case study design anchored in the Sustainable Livelihoods Framework (SLF). Data were collected through semi-structured interviews with 10 NGO officials and 5 local government officials, focus group discussions with 15 community members, and documentary review of NGO project reports covering the period 2018 to 2024.Findings revealed that Ward 15 faces severe and intersecting socioeconomic challenges, including chronic food insecurity (93% of participants), inadequate access to clean water (87%), high unemployment (80%), poor road infrastructure (73%), and limited healthcare access (67%). NGO programming was concentrated in food security, WASH, and Internal Savings and Lending (ISAL) schemes, with critical underinvestment in road infrastructure, healthcare, and adult education. NGO interventions produced tangible but fragile livelihood gains: WASH interventions yielded the most durable improvements (80% combined improvement rate), while healthcare access showed the weakest impact (60% reporting no improvement). Six major implementation constraints were identified, including political interference in beneficiary targeting (87%), donor-driven short project cycles (83%), poor road access (80%), community dependency (73%), youth out-migration labour shortages (67%), and regulatory uncertainty arising from the PVO Amendment Act (53%).The study concludes that the structural mismatch between community needs and NGO programming, compounded by political interference and dependency dynamics, fundamentally undermines the sustainability of development outcomes in Ward 15. The study recommends that NGOs diversify their sectoral focus, donors extend project cycles to a minimum of five years, and the Zimbabwe government institute transparent beneficiary selection mechanisms and revise the PVO Amendment Act to restore NGO operational independence.