Social Internship

[Community Engagement and Social

Responsibility]
24 UCI 203

Final Report
By
Pro VC Academic Affairs Office

Issued by: Pro VC Academic Affairs Office

Guidelines for: Students [3rd Semester]
Version: 2
Revised on: May,2024
 Social
Internship Report
20th May – 13th July 2024

University School of Business (USB)

2
Submitted by: Submitted to:
Name: Adore Tanaka Charivanda Name of Social Internship Coordinator: Mr
Anuj Gupta
UID: 23BEM10042 Department Name: BEM
Section: 3MTC Institute Name: Institute of Engineering
Program: Mechatronics Engineering Chandigarh University

Certificate / Letter by the Gram

Pradhan/
Sarpanch/ Mukhiya [duly signed and
stamp] Certificate /Letter by NGO
Certificate by Conducting Organization
[Only in case of Rural Immersion Program]

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4
5
 Acknowledgement

To begin, I express my gratitude to the Almighty for His constant

presence and protection, and I pray for His continued guardianship over
us all. Next, I extend my appreciation to my parents for their invaluable
assistance and encouragement throughout my social internship program.
Their support was crucial in helping me connect with an NGO. Finally, I
want to acknowledge the Regai dzive shiri, the Non-Governmental
Organization that graciously accepted me as an intern. Through this
experience, I gained firsthand insight into how organizations contribute
to rural development.Regai dzive shiri also introduced me to Ngomahuru,
an organization dedicated to rehabilitating young children.

I am grateful to Chandigarh University for providing me with the

opportunity to visit rural areas and villages, where I could share
knowledge, gain new insights, and offer assistance when needed. This
unforgettable experience has left a lasting impression on me.

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 Index
S.No Chapter Page Page
required No.

1 Introduction 1-2 1-2

2 Review of Literature 1 3
3 Methodology 1 4-5
4 Day wise Activities List 1-2 6-8
5 Daily Diary Summary 2 9-10
6 Profile of Study Area 3-4 11-13
7 Addressing Various Socio-Economic 1-2 14-15
Challenges

8 Local Governance and Decentralization 1-2 16-17

at village

9 Government's efforts towards Holistic 2-3 18-19

Rural Development and Promoting
Inclusive Growth.

10 Findings 1-2 20-22

11 Suggestions & Recommendation 1-3 23-25
12 Conclusion 1 26
13 References 1 27
14 Photo Evidence 1-3 28-30

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 Introduction
A Social Internship offers students and recent graduates the chance to
acquire hands-on experience in social work, community service, or social
impact fields. These opportunities are available across various organizations,
including non-profits, public welfare agencies, healthcare facilities, NGOs,
and educational institutions.Interns in these programs work directly with
communities, tackling social issues such as poverty, education, healthcare,
safety, and housing. They can contribute to raising awareness and
collaborating with community members to develop solutions. When necessary,
interns may seek government assistance to address problems or modernize
villages.These internships cultivate valuable project management skills.
Interns can engage in ongoing rural projects or treat their internship as a
project itself, fostering a sense of responsibility and self-assurance for
future endeavors. They gain practical experience in projects that
significantly impact people's lives, while also enhancing communication skills,
learning fundraising techniques, and developing advocacy abilities for shared
causes.Social internships provide opportunities to network with professionals
in the field, potentially leading to future career prospects. This can be
achieved through organizations actively involved in village development,
allowing interns to operate at a professional level. These experiences can be
highly rewarding, helping interns develop empathy, leadership, and problem-
solving abilities.

The primary goal of social internships is to equip students and recent

graduates with practical experience in social work and related areas. Interns

8
learn to adhere to professional standards, conduct themselves appropriately
in work environments, and apply ethical principles in real-world situations – a
crucial skill as they will be expected to follow their profession's ethical
guidelines.However, social internships have some drawbacks. These include
short durations that limit learning potential, potential skill mismatches where
interns may handle tasks unrelated to their skills or career goals, the risk of
being overworked and underappreciated, insufficient feedback for
performance improvement, limited networking opportunities, and lack of job
security after completing the internship.

Regai dzive shiri, an international non-profit organization based in the

Mozambique, aims to alleviate poverty and distress while promoting
educational advancement. Its Masvingo, Zimbabwe branch focuses on
supporting women and children in challenging circumstances through
donations and projects.

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 Review of literature
To prepare for my data collection, I initially conducted online research about
the area I planned to visit. This included gathering details on its distance
from the central business district, transportation options, and visual
characteristics to form a general impression. Additionally, I sought personal
accounts from individuals who had previously visited the location to gain more
insights.

For my survey methodology, I opted for interviews. At first, I approached

these conversations without a structured set of questions, asking what
seemed relevant in the moment. However, by the third day, I decided to adopt
a more professional approach to respect both my time and that of the
interviewees. During these interviews, I recorded key points from the
respondents' answers. I found this method effective as it allowed for quick
responses and direct interaction with participants.

To assess the environment, I primarily relied on observation. When more

specific information was needed, such as details about land use or restricted
areas, I consulted local residents to obtain more accurate answers.

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 Methodology
1. Pre-departure Training: As a result, some of the conditions that must be met
before proceeding for the rural internship are the following: Some of the areas
that can be covered under this training may include workshops, or online lectures
regarding significant aspects. It is necessary to raise awareness among interns
about the threats that can occur in the rural environment and protect against them.
Moreover, the research skills should be developed especially those in relation to
rural research. It is also equally important to know cultural/tourism sensitivity and
the basic tenets of rural development. This training aims at ensuring that interns
are well prepared and well equipped to handle all the difficulties that may arise when
posted to rural areas.

2. Needs Assessment: Community needs should be evaluated before the formulation

of the internships so that they meet the needs of the community. This assessment
enables one to determine the specific needs/ difficulties of the community where
the internship shall be done hence appropriately aligning the intern’s functions
appropriately. For this action, the internship program or the host organization
might consider doing this exercise so as to come up with useful information. That
way, interns will be in a position to improve the environment through
recommendations and solutions within areas they majored in by identifying the
communities’ needs.

3. Establishing Expectations: Setting and explaining expectations is very

important for interns especially for an internship to be fruitful. It is useful to
determine the rights and obligations of interns, program providers, and host
organizations to avoid conflict. This concerns the questions of who, what, when,
where, and how. One must discover that expectations regarding responsibilities and
commitments as well as timelines when it comes to internships reduce the chances
of a conflict. Efficient check-ups as well as feedback meetings may also help even
more in establishing this understanding.

4. Examining the Body of Research: It is suggested that interns should have

certain background of knowledge concerning the studies done prior to the
internship in the identified field of rural development. This encompasses the
discovery of business models and causes of poor incomes, as well as possible
solutions for the rural regions. It makes sense to enhance their awareness of the
previous studies in the field and develop new conclusions based on the former
studies of others. In this way, this knowledge base allows them to make appropriate
decisions in their internships and supports their projects.

5. Interviews : One of the best ways to get quall data is by conducting interviews

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with end users as well as any other stakeholders in your organisation. Interns
conducted official or partially-official interviews with farmers, local stakeholders
and other community individuals. These interviews are an opportunity to hear
directly from the community about their struggles, needs and dreams. Establishing a
connection with respondents helps them to trust the researcher and share
information openly which subsequently makes data accurate.

6. Surveys: Like interviews, surveys are another method for collecting quantitative
data. Interns can develop and provide questionnaires to obtain income level data,
population statistics & specifics on challenges locals are dealing with. Surveys are
giving a wide-angle view, and complete the marginalisation of qualitative data from
social contexts in interviews. Interns can use this data to mine for trends by
analysing their survey results.

7. Community Engagement: One of the hallmarks of a good rural Internship is

significant community engagement. Every day, the interns should be involved in local
activities and events where they can work with members of their community on
various projects. Such an involvement gives the intern a feeling of belonging and
proves surgical commitment to patient welfare in that community. Strong
connections with community members provide a base for an internship experience
that is both smooth and rewarding, where the intern can make sure her or his
efforts are going to be welcomed well.

8.Reflection and Reporting: interns are expected to reflect on their experiences

throughout the internship, reporting either an essay or log of findings at its
completion. They use this reflection to debrief and find ways they would like to grow.
Provide the host organization, and future interns essential feedback by writing a
detailed report with their activity logs, observations and recommendations.

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 Day Wise Activities List

S.No Day Date Activity Brief Description Objective of Outcome of

Name of Activity / visit Activity / Activity /
visit visit

1 Week 1 13/06/24 Soul of the Explore the Get a layout No proper

/Day 1 village village of the place roads
and people available
2 Week 1 14/06/24 Soul of the Explore the Interviews Only 1
/Day 2 village village person
available
3 Week 1 Soul of the Explore the Garden Removed
/Day 3 15/06/24 village village work weeds

4 Week 1 16/06/24 Soul of the Explore the Interviews No success

/Day 4 village village

5 Week 17/06/24 Soul of the Explore the Interviews Interviewed

1 /Day village village a few people
5
6 Week 1 18/06/24 Soul of the Explore the Interviews Found a
/Day 6 village village school to
interview
7 Week 19/06/24 Soul of the Explore the Interviews Success
1 /Day village village
7

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8 Week 2 20/06/24 Voices of Visit nearby local Explore the Poor roads
/Day 1 the market markets and rural area maintenance
understand their
different daily
challenges
9 Week 2 21/06/24 Voices of Visit nearby local Engage with Unsuccessful
/Day 2 the market markets and the
understand their different
different daily vendors
challenges
10 Week 2 22/06/24 Voices of Visit nearby local Engage with Found a car
/Day 3 the market markets and the repair shop
understand their different with
different daily vendors mechanics
challenges
11 Week 2 23/06/24 Voices of Visit nearby local Engage with Engaged
/Day 4 the market markets and the with a
understand their different baking shop
different daily vendors
challenges
12 Week 2 25/06/24 Voices of Visit nearby local Engage with Interviewed
/Day 5 the market markets and the some
understand their different vendors
different daily vendors
challenges
13 Week 2 29/06/24 Voices of Visit nearby local Engage with Engaged
/Day 6 the market markets and the with a tailor
understand their different shop
different daily vendors
challenges
14 Week 2 30/06/24 Voices of Visit nearby local Engage with Interviewed
/Day 7 the market markets and the some
understand their different outdoor
different daily vendors vendors
challenges
15 Week 3 01/07/24 Voices of Interact and Approach Found some
/Day 1 the engage with the passerby’s/ mechanics
community community people in working
their homes from home
16 Week 3 02/07/24 Voices of Interact and Approach Engaged
/Day 2 the engage with the passerby’s/ with some
community community people in tailors
their homes

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17 Week 3 03/07/24 Voices of Interact and Approach Went deeper
/Day 3 the engage with the passerby’s/ into
community community people in Gadzingo
their homes
18 Week 3 04/07/24 Voices of Interact and Approach Interviewed
/Day 4 the engage with the passerby’s/ people
community community people in passing by
their homes
19 Week 3 05/07/24 Voices of Interact and Approach Found a
/Day 5 the engage with the passerby’s/ church
community community people in
their homes
20 Week 4 03/07/24 Work with Find NGO Get Unsuccessful
/Day 1 NGO internship

21 Week 4 04/07/24 Work with Interview with Get Success

/Day 2 NGO NGO internship

22 Week 4 05/07/24 Work with Attend outreach Attend Engaged

/Day 3 NGO outreach with the
program youth
23 Week 4 06/07/24 Work with Visit “The Visit “The Engaged
/Day 4 NGO Village” Village” in with the
Montgomery people there
24 Week 4 07/07/24 Work with Visit “The Help with Successful/
/Day 5 NGO Village” work met new
people as
well
25 Week 4 08/07/24 Work with Visit “The Help with I was
/Day 6 NGO Village” work allowed
limited
interaction
with the
children

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 Daily Diary Summary
Week 1: I journeyed to Gadzingo village and convened with the
community leaders. Upon assessing the local infrastructure, I
determined that the roads required renovation and improvement. This
matter was discussed with village officials, who responded favorably.
The medical facilities were found to lack sufficient medication and a
dependable power source for emergency situations.

Week 2: Due to the high cost of daily travel to Machingambi, I opted for
a new internship location. I selected Gadzingo, a relatively modern rural
area situated near industrial zones. Despite its proximity to industries,
I found it surprising that this area was classified as rural. This
classification stems from its location among other rural regions. On my
initial day, I conducted a survey of the area. The population primarily
consisted of vendors, mechanics, and industrial workers. The roads,
while paved, were poorly maintained. The area had access to water and
electricity. Although there were no nearby medical facilities, the
proximity to the Central Business District likely negated the perceived

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need for such services.

Week 3: My internship continued in Gharuan, India. The local community

dynamics differed from typical village interactions in terms of mutual
assistance and communication. I also managed to examine crop
production within the village and how they make a living through their
harvests. I also looked into the education sector within the village. The
result was not pleasing as I realized that the majority of the primary
students didn't have classrooms . In addition to that, they also lacked
proper uniform . I also promoted women empowerment.
While residents did support each other and interact, they tended to
prioritize individual needs over communal ones. Limited government
involvement in the area made it challenging for residents to seek official
assistance. There were designated locations where community members
gathered to discuss various issues affecting their lives, including
current challenges, business prospects, and local improvements.

Week 4:During my initial week, I was fortunate to connect with a non-

governmental organization called Regai dzive shiri. This UK-based charity,
with a branch in Masvingo, Zimbabwe, primarily focuses on supporting
underprivileged youth, with a particular emphasis on orphans. Their mission
extends to assisting women and children in disadvantaged situations.
Currently, they are engaged in projects across 6 rural areas and villages,
including Hope Fountain, which I had the opportunity to visit.
We collaborated on organizing fundraising events in the village to support
those in need. Throughout the week, we successfully provided essential
supplies to children and elderly individuals. The organization had planned an
outreach program aimed at educating young people about preventing sexually
transmitted diseases and infections through safe sexual practices.

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Subsequently, Regai dzive shiri introduced me to Mind the Gap Africa, an
organization dedicated to helping orphaned children or those removed from
their homes due to exceptional circumstances, such as child care neglect.

Profile of Study Area [Village information]

Gadzingo village in Gwidza Growthpoint

Map:

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Demographic Information: Gadzingo has a mixed demographic, with residents from
various ethnic backgrounds, primarily Tshxosa and Shona. The suburb is home to
families, professionals, and students, contributing to its vibrant community.
Literacy Ratio: Zimbabwe boasts a high literacy rate, often reported around
90%. Gadzingo benefits from this, with access to local schools and educational
resources aiding in literacy development.
Gender Ratio: The gender ratio in Gadzingo is generally balanced, reflecting
national averages. Urban areas tend to have a slight female predominance due
to migration and employment patterns.
Society and Cultural Heritage: Gadzingo is characterized by a blend of
cultures, with a strong emphasis on Ndebele traditions. Community events,
local gatherings, and cultural celebrations are common, showcasing the
suburb’s rich heritage.
Agricultural Practices: While Gadzingo is primarily urban, some residents
engage in urban gardening and small-scale agriculture. Surrounding rural
areas may focus on traditional farming practices, growing crops like maize
and vegetables.
Livelihood Opportunities: Employment opportunities in Gadzingo largely stem
from the services sector, retail, and informal trade. Many residents commute
to the city centre for work, with small businesses and entrepreneurship
playing a significant role.

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Income Levels: Income levels in Gadzingo vary, with many families relying on
informal employment and small businesses. Economic challenges in Zimbabwe
affect the overall income landscape, leading to diverse living conditions.
Infrastructure: Gadzingo has a relatively well-developed infrastructure,
including road networks, housing, and public amenities. However, some areas
may still experience challenges like maintenance and upgrades.
Available Essential Services: Residents of Gadzingo have access to essential
services, including schools, healthcare facilities, and markets. The availability
and quality of these services can vary, with some areas facing challenges in
healthcare access and public services.

Addressing Various Socio-Economic Challenges

Analysis of Rural Household Economics
In countryside regions such as , the domestic economy is shaped by various
elements, including revenue streams, spending habits, and possessions.
• Revenue Streams: Families in these areas typically depend on farming
activities, including crop cultivation (corn, tobacco) and animal husbandry.
Additionally, money sent by relatives employed in cities or overseas often

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plays a crucial role in supporting household finances. Jobs in the informal
sector and small enterprises (such as convenience stores or transportation
services) are also common sources of income.
• Spending Habits: Household expenses generally focus on essential
needs like nutrition, medical care, schooling, and transportation. Due to
limited access to traditional banking institutions, families may resort to
informal saving methods. There is often minimal surplus income for
investments or savings, further restricting economic advancement.
• Possessions: The main assets in rural households comprise land
(frequently family-owned or inherited), livestock, and occasionally small
businesses or equipment. However, restricted access to loans or financial
services often impedes the ability to invest in or expand these assets,
creating obstacles to economic growth.
Population Movement Trends
Population movement is a notable phenomenon with several factors driving
relocation both within Zimbabwe and across international borders:
• Domestic Relocation: Many individuals from rural areas relocate to
urban centres like Bulawayo or Harare in pursuit of improved job prospects,
education, and access to services. This trend is fuelled by the scarcity of
employment opportunities, inadequate infrastructure, and challenges in the
agricultural sector due to factors such as climate change and land ownership
issues. Young adults, in particular, tend to relocate for better economic
opportunities.
• International Relocation: Migration abroad is often motivated by the
quest for improved living conditions and higher wages. Destinations include
neighbouring nations such as South Africa, Botswana, and Mozambique, as
well as more distant locations in Europe, North America, and the Middle East.
While money sent back home is vital for family survival, international
migration can also result in a "brain drain" as skilled workers leave the
country.
• Impact of Relocation: Migration can lead to a shortage of labour in
rural areas, affecting agricultural productivity. However, remittances sent
back to rural households can serve as a lifeline, enhancing living standards
and providing capital for small businesses or infrastructure improvements.

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Self-Reliance Initiative: Small Business Concepts for Rural Advancement
The concept of self-reliance can be adapted to promote independence in rural
communities. By nurturing local entrepreneurship and small-scale enterprises,
rural areas can decrease dependence on urban centers and establish
sustainable local economies. Below are some small business ideas that could
flourish in these areas:
• Agricultural Processing Enterprises: Given the agricultural nature of
rural areas, establishing small agricultural processing units can add value to
raw farm products. For example, processing corn into cornmeal, producing
homemade preserves or juices from local fruits, or setting up small dairy
farms to produce milk and cheese can generate local employment and reduce
waste of agricultural produce.
 Eco-Tourism and Cultural Ventures: Gharuan and Gadzingo , with their
rural charm, can become sites for eco-tourism or cultural tourism.
Small businesses can cater to tourists by offering guided tours,
homestays, or showcasing local crafts and traditions. This can help
generate income while promoting cultural heritage and preserving the
environment.
 Renewable Energy Solutions: Rural areas often face electricity
shortages or unreliable power. Small businesses focused on affordable
solar solutions (solar lamps, water heaters, or mini-grid systems) can
serve the community's energy needs while creating a sustainable
business model.
 Handicrafts and Textiles: Small-scale craft businesses, such as
weaving, pottery, or tailoring, could capitalize on local culture and
create unique products that appeal to both local and international
markets. Encouraging women's groups or cooperatives to engage in
these businesses could also empower women economically.
 Livestock Farming and Value-Added Products: Encouraging small
livestock farming (chickens, goats, cattle) along with value-added
products like processed meat, leather goods, or milk products could be a
profitable business venture. This could provide income opportunities and
help improve food security within the community.
 Technology-Based Services: Even in rural areas, mobile phones and

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 internet connectivity can enable small-scale businesses in fields like e-
commerce, telemedicine, and online education. Local entrepreneurs can
leverage technology to reach broader markets, access information, and
promote local products or services online.

Local Governance and Decentralization

1. Implementation of Local Governance Systems

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While India employs the Panchayat Raj system for decentralized governance,
Zimbabwe utilizes comparable local government structures overseen by the
Ministry of Local Government and Public Works. The Indian system comprises
Gram Panchayats, Gram Sabhas, Nagarpalikas, and Municipal Corporations,
whereas Zimbabwe lacks direct equivalents but has similar entities. In
Masvingo, a Municipal Corporation, akin to India's Nagarpalika or Municipal
Corporation for larger urban areas, governs the city. Smaller communities
like Gadzingo and Gharuan fall under the jurisdiction of the Bulawayo City
Council (BCC), which manages urban planning, public health, water supply,
waste management, and infrastructure development. Rural areas in
Zimbabwe are administered by Rural District Councils (RDCs), focusing on
agricultural needs, land management, and rural health services.

2. Advantages and Disadvantages of Local Governance Institutions

Advantages:
• Citizen Involvement and Local Administration: Zimbabwe's local governance,
similar to India's Panchayati Raj, encourages community participation.
•Understanding of Local Concerns: Local governments in these areas are
typically more responsive to community needs and issues.
• Devolution of Power: Zimbabwe's decentralization process grants local
authorities some autonomy in decision-making, allowing them to customize
policies and services to their communities' specific requirements.

Disadvantages:
• Subpar Service Provision: Despite their urban location, many suburbs
experience inadequate service delivery in waste management, road
maintenance, water supply, and healthcare.
• Insufficient Political Commitment and Administrative Capability: Some
local councils are hindered by political disputes, corruption, and inefficient
administrative practices, compromising their ability to function effectively
and serve residents.
• Minimal Public Awareness and Engagement: Although local councils

24
theoretically provide mechanisms for public participation, many suburban
residents may be unaware of these opportunities or lack the resources to
participate actively, resulting in limited accountability and transparency.

3. Particular Obstacles Confronting Local Governance Institutions

• Monetary Limitations and Resource Administration: Zimbabwe's ongoing
economic crisis has significantly impacted local governance. Municipalities
like the Bulawayo City Council rely heavily on central government funding and
often face financial difficulties that impede the maintenance of essential
services. Local authorities in struggle to provide basic necessities such as
consistent water supply, waste management, and road maintenance.

Government's Efforts Towards Holistic

Rural Development and Promoting
Inclusive Growth.
Holistic Rural Development

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 1 Presidential Rural Development Programme: Launched to accelerate
the attainment of Vision 2030, this program aims to transform rural
communities from economic spectators to active participants. It
includes drilling and equipping 35,000 boreholes by 2025, providing solar
-powered water access, and supporting horticulture gardens, drip
irrigation, and high-value crop farming1.
2 National Presidential Cotton Input and Tillage Scheme: This scheme
targets 400,000 households, providing inputs like cotton seed,
fertilizers, and chemicals to boost cotton production and improve rural
livelihoods.
3 Solar Mini-Grid Projects: Projects like the 200kW solar mini-grid in
Hakwata village bring clean, reliable electricity to remote areas,
enhancing local economic activity and quality of life.

Promoting Inclusive Growth

1 Vision 2030: Zimbabwe's long-term development plan aims to achieve
upper-middle-income status by 2030, focusing on reducing income
inequality and poverty rates. It emphasizes job creation, economic
participation for all Zimbabweans, and empowering youth and women.
2 World Bank Group Strategy: The World Bank Group's Country
Engagement Note (CEN) for Zimbabwe (2025-2026) supports
macroeconomic stability, fiscal policy improvements, and economic
governance. It also aims to build resilience by boosting pro-poor social
services and empowering vulnerable households.
3 Economic Reforms: The Transitional Stabilization Programme (TSP) and
National Development Strategy (NDS) focus on stabilizing the economy,
attracting international investment, and reducing corruption. These
reforms aim to create a more conducive environment for private sector
-led growth.

Findings
1. Challenges Faced by Rural Households in Terms of Economic Sustainability,
Livelihood Opportunities, and Income Inequality
 Limited Livelihood Options: Households largely depend on subsistence farming
and informal labour. The absence of diverse income-generating activities

26
 limits economic growth, leading to high dependency on seasonal work.
 Income Inequality: There is significant income disparity within the
communities, with a small segment of individuals owning businesses while the
majority earn minimal wages through seasonal or informal work.
 Access to Credit: Data suggests that less than 20% of rural households in
these areas have access to formal financial services. This limits their ability
to invest in businesses or improve agricultural practices.

2. Impact of Migration on the Rural Household Economy

 Youth Migration: High levels of migration among youth (18-30) seeking
employment in Bulawayo and other urban centres have left a gap in the
workforce in Machingambi and Gadzingo. Over 40% of the surveyed households
reported at least one family member migrating for work.
 Remittances as a Safety Net: While migration strains local labour, 35% of
households reported receiving remittances, which are used primarily for daily
expenses rather than savings or investments.
 Skilled Labour Deficit: Migration has also led to a decline in skilled labour in
the community, especially in agriculture and small-scale manufacturing.

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3. Delivery of Government Program – Case of the Pfumvudza/Intwasa
Conservation Agriculture Program
 Program Reach: Approximately 55% of farming households in Gadzingo and
Machingambi participated in the Pfumvudza/Intwasa program, which
promotes sustainable farming techniques.
 Improved Yield: Households reported an average 30% increase in yield,
attributed to training on crop rotation, mulching, and better water
conservation techniques.
 Challenges in Program Delivery:
o Resource Limitations: Many farmers cited insufficient access to
subsidized inputs, especially fertilizers, due to delayed deliveries or
shortages.
o Training Gaps: While the program provides training, a lack of follow-up
and practical demonstrations limited its impact on some households.

4. Recommendations to Enhance Effectiveness of Rural Governance and Service

Delivery Strengthening Local Governance: Improving the role of local government
councils (similar to Panchayati Raj in India) could enhance participation in decision-
making and address local needs more effectively. Training village councils in
resource allocation and development planning is essential.

28
 Promoting Local Enterprises: Encouraging small businesses and cooperatives
could reduce migration and provide alternative livelihood options, fostering
economic sustainability.

 Digital Literacy Initiatives: Introducing basic digital skills training for rural
residents would facilitate better access to information on agricultural
practices, markets, and government schemes.

29
 Suggestions & Recommendation
1. Expanding Income-Generating Activities

• Boost Local Businesses: Implement programs to aid small-scale enterprises,

community cooperatives, and heritage crafts to broaden income sources.
Municipal authorities could foster traditional artistry, apiculture, or modest
poultry operations, which typically require minimal initial investment.
• Enhance Youth Capabilities: Provide training in sought-after competencies
such as computer literacy, woodworking, and basic mechanical skills to reduce
reliance on informal and seasonal employment. Establish vocational education
centres and collaborate with regional industries to equip young people with
skills for local or nearby job opportunities.
• Facilitate Microcredit Access: Create community-oriented microlending
options with reduced interest rates to enable households to fund small
enterprises or enhance farming methods. This could be achieved through
partnerships with financial institutions or government-initiated financial
inclusion programs.

2. Bolstering Agricultural Assistance and Resources

• Improve Agricultural Advisory Services: While farmers gain from regular
guidance on optimal farming techniques, more frequent visits and practical
training would amplify this impact. Instruction on sustainable agriculture,
water resource management, and organic practices could substantially
increase productivity.
• Efficient Distribution of Subsidies and Resources: Enhance logistics for
supplying essential farming materials (seeds, fertilizers). Establish local
storage facilities or distribution centres in collaboration with village councils
to minimize delays and improve farmers' access to resources at crucial periods.
30
3. Enhancing Migration and Employment Outcomes
• Stimulate Local Job Creation: To curb youth migration, the government could
offer tax incentives for businesses to establish operations in rural areas.
This might include food processing facilities or cooperatives, enabling rural
regions to retain skilled workers and generate employment opportunities.
• Develop Formal Remittance Channels: Implement systems to formalize
money transfers, potentially increasing their impact on local development. For
instance, collaborate with banks to create remittance-based savings plans to
help households accumulate and invest funds, thus mitigating the risk of
dependence on seasonal income.

4. Refining Program Implementation and Training for Government

Initiatives
• Ongoing Training for Pfumvudza/Intwasa Participants: While the
conservation agriculture program has shown positive results, more consistent
training sessions, particularly hands-on field demonstrations, would enhance
its benefits. Increasing the number of trained instructors or local
agricultural officers could make this feasible.
• Implement Community Feedback Systems: Introduce a formal mechanism for
participants in government programs to provide feedback, helping identify
operational challenges and allowing for real-time adjustments. This feedback
could address logistical issues, ensuring timely delivery of resources and
improved outreach.
5. Reinforcing Local Governance and Community Engagement
• Empower Local Councils in Decision-Making: Expand the authority and
training of local councils (similar to Panchayati Raj in India) in planning and
budget allocation to align decisions more closely with community needs. These
bodies could also play a larger role in planning and prioritizing development
projects.
• Educate Communities on Governance and Rights: Inform rural residents
about their rights and the functions of local governance structures to
empower them to actively participate in village decisions and hold local
authorities accountable.

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Implications of the Results
The recommendations provided align with the need for more sustainable and
diversified income sources, improved program delivery, and stronger local
governance. Implementing these suggestions could:
 Reduce Income Inequality: Diversified livelihoods and improved agricultural
support can help reduce dependency on a few income sources, gradually
reducing income disparities within the community.
 Lower Migration Rates: By creating local employment opportunities and
enhancing skill sets, fewer individuals may feel compelled to migrate,
preserving community cohesion and allowing more households to reinvest in
the local economy.
 Improve Program Outcomes: With better training and a feedback mechanism
for programs like Pfumvudza/Intwasa, farmers will likely experience more
consistent .

Limitations of the Study

1. Short Study Duration: A 4-week period limits the ability to observe seasonal
agricultural changes and fluctuating employment needs, both of which are
critical in rural areas. A longer-term study would provide a fuller
understanding of cyclical income patterns and challenges.
2. Limited Sample Size: Depending on the size of the sample group surveyed,
there may be limitations in capturing the diversity of experiences within the
villages. This could particularly affect findings on income disparity and
remittance dependency.
3. Potential Bias in Self-Reporting: As data relies partly on self-reported
information, there may be discrepancies in reported versus actual practices,
particularly in areas like program participation and income levels.
4. Focus on Select Programs and Indicators: The study mainly focused on
specific government schemes (like Pfumvudza/Intwasa) and did not
extensively examine other potential contributing factors like health services,
infrastructure challenges, or educational support. Future studies could
include broader indicators to capture a more comprehensive picture.

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 Conclusion
The four-week social internship I undertook in Gadzingo, Machingambi and Gharuan
(Masvingo, Zimbabwe), proved to be an exceptionally enlightening and life-changing
journey. By fully engaging in the villagers' everyday routines and collaborating
closely with organizations such as Regai dzive shiri, I gained a deep comprehension
of rural progress and community empowerment.
From the outset, I was impressed by the Gadzingo residents' resilience and
hospitality. Their eagerness to share personal narratives and participate in
substantial conversations about their experiences and obstacles was truly uplifting.
This candor allowed me to acquire valuable knowledge about the complexities of rural
living and the significance of community-led initiatives.
My involvement with Regai dzive shiri offered a distinctive viewpoint on empowering
women and youth. The organization's efforts to support their entrepreneurial
endeavors, offer microcredit, and enhance access to education and healthcare were
praiseworthy. Observing the positive impact on the lives of women and young people
who benefited from these initiatives was incredibly inspiring, emphasizing the
crucial role of empowering these groups as a driving force for broader socio-
economic advancement.
Throughout my internship, I was consistently amazed by the innovative solutions
and sustainable practices implemented in Regai dzive shiri. From promoting eco-
friendly agriculture to backing rural entrepreneurs and tackling water management
challenges, there was a clear emphasis on long-term sustainability. These endeavors
not only enhance the residents' quality of life but also contribute to the community's
overall resilience.
The internship also highlighted the importance of community involvement and
participatory planning. The villagers' active participation in decision-making
processes and development projects fostered a sense of ownership and responsibility.
This collaborative approach is vital for the success and longevity of any development
initiative.
In summary, my social internship in Gadzingo, Machingambi and Gharuan has been an
immensely fulfilling experience that has expanded my understanding of rural

33
development and community empowerment. The knowledge acquired and relationships
formed during this period will undoubtedly shape my future pursuits. I am thankful
for the chance to have been part of this dynamic community and to have contributed,
albeit modestly, to its ongoing journey towards sustainable development and
empowerment.

References

1. Background on Zimbabwe - Zimbabwe - Wikipedia

2. Information regarding Zimbabwe - Zimbabwe | History, Map, Flag, Population,

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 Capital, & Facts | Britannica
3. Rural development plans and poverty - World Bank Group - International
Development, Poverty and Sustainability
4. Zimbabwe’s livelihood and food security - The Zimbabwe Livelihood and Food
Security Programme | FAO
5. Real time surveys

Photo Evidences

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