Socio-cultural Implications and Livelihoods Displacement of the moved Communities as a result of the Construction of the Tokwe Mukosi Dam, Masvingo

The aim of the research was to examine the socio-cultural implications of forced migration and the changes in livelihoods as a result of the relocation paving way for the construction of the Tokwe Mukosi Dam in Masvingo. Qualitative methodology was used and unstructured interviews, focused group discussions and transect walks were used as data gathering instruments. The paper unveiled that in most cases when development is to take place, displacement also occurs especially for the nearby communities and this have profound consequences on the sociocultural aspects of the communities concerned. It was discovered that as result of the construction of Tokwe Mukosi Dam, there has been disintegration of family tie, destruction of shrines, graves, and cultural values of the locals were not considered. Relocation has also resulted in changes in the livelihoods of the moved communities because some of the practices which used to sustain them were affected. Women were not spared by the effects of displacement because most of the projects like gardening which they used to practice were disturbed as well and they were left with many duties and responsibilities and had to think outside the box for them to earn out a living and to feed the family.