Tonga Livelihoods in Rural Zimbabwe

This book explores the complex and diverse livelihoods of Zimbabwe's Tonga people, who have developed over time despite marginalization and underdevelopment. It highlights the challenges faced by the Tonga, such as poor infrastructure, health and education facilities, soil infertility, and low rainfall, and the ways in which they thrive despite these challenges. The book showcases the research of Zimbabwean scholars and emphasizes the resilience of the Tonga people in the face of political and economic crisis.

Format: Hardback
Length: 202 pages
Publication date: 15 December 2022
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

This captivating book delves into the intricate and multifaceted lives of the Tonga people of Zimbabwe, shedding light on their historical development, particularly in the aftermath of the country's post-2000 political and economic crises. Despite being blessed with abundant natural resources, the northwest region inhabited by the Tonga people remains one of the most marginalized and underdeveloped areas in Zimbabwe, having been neglected by both colonial and postcolonial governments. The Tonga-speaking people, who settled on both sides of the Zambezi River around 1100 AD, have a deep and enduring reliance on the river for their socio-economic well-being.

This book serves as a reflection on the numerous challenges faced by the Tonga people, ranging from inadequate infrastructure, healthcare, and education facilities to the exacerbation of soil infertility and extremely low rainfall caused by climate change. Many Tonga individuals were displaced by the construction of the Kariba Dam in the 1950s, further restricting their access to the region's natural resources. However, this book goes beyond these vulnerabilities, showcasing the research of Zimbabwean scholars in particular, to explore the thriving livelihood practices that persist amidst these hardships. It also delves into the ways in which livelihoods intertwine with Tonga culture and society as a whole.

Overall, this book highlights the remarkable resilience of the Tonga people in the face of years of political and economic turmoil. It makes a significant contribution to the field of livelihoods, ethnic minorities, and rural development in Africa, providing valuable insights into the lives and experiences of this marginalized community.

Weight: 550g
Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032244327