Abstract
AbstractThe early 1990s were a crucial turning point in Zimbabwe. Not only was the Structural Adjustment Program (ESAP) initiated in 1990, but the country was also hit with a major drought in 1991/92. We know that the urban poor were (and continue to be) disproportionately impacted by wage cuts, lay-offs and changes to food prices, especially since data from the period indicate that the poor spent a third to twice as much of their expenditures on food and health care than the non-poor. This chapter explores the food security situation of 100 lodgers (private renters) in the medium-sized city of Gweru, located halfway between Harare and Bulawayo. Based on data from diverse types of lodging across all density areas, it discusses the linkages between strength of rural ties, modes of livelihood, household composition, and fixed expenses such as rent and food security.
Publisher
Springer International Publishing
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