Perception on the impact of devolution on Zimbabwe's economic development: A case of matebeleland region

This paper explores how participants view and describe the relationships between devolution and development in Zimbabwe‘s Matabeleland province. The research question that will guide this study is how does devolution impact economic development in Zimbabwe? The study examined diverse aspects of devolution that impact economic development prospects in Zimbabwe. 100 participants were conveniently selected from key associations representing people based in Bulawayo. In-depth interviews were used to gather data from the respondents. Descriptive statistic model was used to analyse the data. Findings from the study provided the basis upon which conclusions and recommendations were drawn. The results showed that people of Matabeleland perceive the region as highly endowed with adequate natural resource mix and can be able to sustain it economically. The presented statistics indicated that the people overwhelmingly support the adoption of devolution as an effective way to economically develop their region. They however viewed the region as lacking leaders with the capacity to lead the devolution drive and to deal effectively with economic challenges of the regions. Beneficiaries of this study include policy makers, citizens and the economic situation of Zimbabwe in general.