ABSTRACT
This chapter focuses on World Vision in Zimbabwe, with the objective to understand and explain its participatory methods, accountability and effectiveness with reference to enhancing rural livelihoods. It draws on qualitative data, gathered through interviews with World Vision staff, government officials and project beneficiaries. The chapter considers in terms of participatory methodologies, which are themselves rooted in the deeply qualitative and immeasurable concepts of empowerment and self-reliance. The use of participatory methods is widely regarded as fundamental and vitally important to implementing development initiatives that promote sustainable livelihoods. Non-governmental organisations (NGOs) operating in Zimbabwe, both national and international, have played a large part in attempting to alleviate poverty and improve livelihood security. World Vision International is a large-scale, international, Christian NGO which focuses on working against the causes of poverty with a particular focus on children. World Vision's work in Umzingwane district focuses primarily on small-scale agricultural development at the household level.
