ABSTRACT
This chapter utilises ethnographic vignettes to explore the role of trust in diaspora led development in Zimbabwe. It focuses on Zimbabweans in West Midlands County, England, with a specific analysis of their perspectives and practices towards the reconstruction of Zimbabwe in the post-Mugabe era. It utilises a case study of two diaspora groups to highlight how trust, as constructed in everyday interactions, is critical in shaping the experiences of individual diaspora members regarding investing in and contributing to Zimbabwe’s reconstruction process. Trust (and distrust) are central to configuring everyday life experiences and practices, as well as relationships between Zimbabweans in the diaspora and the Zimbabwean state, and their relatives back home. Everyday memories, and shared and shattered histories, condition whether diasporans contribute to programmes of reconstruction and development. Ultimately, a level of distrust has meant that Zimbabweans in the diaspora have largely been absent from reconstruction and development efforts beyond sending remittances.
