Zimbabwe's multi-currency economy and people's livelihoods: An examination of the impact of the strategy of remittances with reference to Zaka district 2009–2012

In Zimbabwe's post-colonial period, political instability, unemployment rate and other economic hardships in general amplified the migration of Zimbabweans into other countries in search of greener pastures. The dawn of the Government of National Unity composed of the Zimbabwe African National Union Patriotic Front and the Movement for Democratic Change formations in 2009 culminated into the introduction of a multi-currency economy evident in the use of the United States dollar, the South African rand and Botswana pula. Using data collected through qualitative methodology, the study asserts that the migration of Zimbabweans to other countries resulted in remittances becoming a vital livelihood strategy. The study analyses the role remittances played on people's livelihoods and the people's perceptions towards remittances during the multi-currency era. It reveals that remittances contributed immensely in improving people's livelihoods before the introduction of the multi-currency system as they ensured access to the provision of basic needs. Indeed the significance and impact of remittances declined during the era of the multi-currency economy. It concludes there were mixed perceptions (both negative and positive) from inhabitants of Zaka District on the impact of the strategy of remittances on people's livelihoods during the multi currency economy.