The Farmer in the Yoke- Effects of Humanitarian Aid on Rural Farmers of Mberengwa Ward 17 (2005-2007) in Zimbabwe

Abstract

The study sought to investigate the effects of donor aid on rural farmers of Mberengwa Ward 17 who received agricultural inputs between 2005 and 2007and continue to depend on humanitarian aid. The research used a descriptive survey design on a purposive sample of 20 farmers and 5 donor agents. Data were collected using two different openended interview schedules for the rural farmers and for the donor agents. .The data that were collected were presented using tables and were treated to qualitative analyses. The findings showed that the rural farmers had mixed perceptions of donors and aid. On one hand is a radical view that humanitarian aid is a form of compensation for the vices and plunder of resources by colonialists which is to be donated on a non-selective basis to all farmers. On the other hand, the perception is that only the deserving farmers must be assisted. Psychologically, the farmers have developed a dependency syndrome hence the ‘farmer in the yoke’ metaphor. Economically, the farmers are impoverished and vulnerable to food shortages. The research recommends that the donor community should conduct adult education programmes that accentuate the humanitarian face of donors and donor aid. It recommends that donor agents should bedrock such programmes in a 360 degrees- learner- involved cycle which should be conspicuous right from the concessionary discussion and planning stage, through to programme evaluation. By so doing, the programmes will heighten the farmers’ ability to depend on themselves for problem solving and promote sustainability in food production. Consequently, the farmer will be ‘unyoked’ from donor dependency and hunger.