ABSTRACT
This chapter explores, examines and analyses the livelihood strategies and challenges of poor urban women in contemporary Zimbabwe in the context of harsh socio-economic and political conditions. The focuses is Harare and specifically an area called Magaba that is located in Mbare, a high-density area in the capital city of Zimbabwe. Methodologically, this study was mainly qualitative in nature. However, author's research utilised both qualitative and quantitative methods of data collection in order to complement each other and, in the end, to derive 'thick descriptions' of livelihood activities. Three techniques were used to pursue the objectives of this research: a closed-ended survey questionnaire was administered, in-depth interviews with women vendors were conducted and participant observation was pursued. The main source of outside remittances for Magaba women traders was South Africa and primarily in the form of commodities cash though is also remitted and used, for example, for educational expenses.
