Author's Name:	Edith Karimanzira
Subject Area:	Social Science and Humanities
Subject	Other
Section	Research Paper

Participation, involvement, sustainable livelihoods activities, sustainable livelihoods, children

The participation and involvement of children in sustainable livelihoods activities (SLAs) in developing and least developed countries appears to be a common phenomenon. Children no longer look up to their parents and caregivers for the provision of all basic needs. This study analysed the extent to which children are participating and getting involved in SLAs in Madziwa area of Zimbabwe. This was a qualitative ethnographic study which was informed by phenomenological research philosophy. One hundred and ten (110) participants namely, 30 parents, 30 primary and 30 secondary school pupils and 10 primary and 10 secondary school pupils were selected using quota sampling. The data generation methods were in-depth face-to-face interviews and focus group discussions. The seven main findings with respect to involvement of children in SLAs in Madziwa area were also focusing on farming (mushroom farming and rabbit rearing), weaving (rabbit rearing), and pottery (wood, water and clay soil fetching). The other finding from this study was that involvement of children in SLAs had to be sensitive to the needs of children. One key conclusion from this study is that while children’s participation and involvement in SLAs was more likely to be seasonal-bound. They were largely engaged in SLAs throughout the year in a bid to help their parents and caregivers to raise income and ensure food security in the home. The study’s recommendation was that children should be engaged in SLAs by adults not as full time workers, but as situational helping hands if ever the magnitude of children’s rights through SLAs is going to be curtailed in Madziwa area. More research of similar magnitude should be conducted to create more knowledge in the area.