Reflective study of Chimanimani District integrated rural development program pilot site, Zimbabwe

Abstract

This paper is a research report produced according to the terms of reference produced by the Kellogg Foundation and synthesized by C4SS. Its purpose is to describe the process, experiences and lessons learnt by all actors involved in the IIDDP program in Chimanimani, Zimbabwe. The paper gives background information about Chimanimani and the project itself outlining its conceptual framework expected activities and outputs. It goes on to give details of individual institutions' rotes, activities (those in the pipeline and those already underway) and experiences. The last part of the paper attempts a critique of some of the concepts that are pillar stones of the project such as participation by highlighting what one might call conceptual traps and blind spots which may negate good intentions that planners have. The discussion calls for more conceptual realism. The discussion is intended to red flag issues as opposed to criticizing. It hoped that this will enable a thorough self-criticism as a means of reflecting on experiences so far and enable better planning for the future.