Backyard Poultry Farming as a Survival Strategy for Women in Urban Areas: A Case Study of Norton Town in Mashonaland West Province, Zimbabwe

Abstract

Early in this millennium, Zimbabwe faced economic collapses which led to a decline of formal sector employment and an increase in urban agriculture. Urban agriculture provides income and a food supply to poor, middle and higher income households. Studies throughout the world have shown that women predominate, providing the most labour and management inputs for urban agriculture. As a result, they can earn income, improve household diets, perform household duties and have increased control over decision-making within the household. One of the urban agricultural activities which has played an important role in the livelihoods of women and their households in urban areas, is backyard poultry farming. With backyard poultry farming the women can obtain income and food produce from this activity which helps them take care of themselves as well as their families in the harsh economy of Zimbabwe.