Policy Evolution and Livelihood Dynamics in Rural Zimbabwe: A Longitudinal Analysis

Rural livelihoods in Zimbabwe have been significantly influenced by agricultural policy reforms over the past decade. A longitudinal study employing mixed-methods approach including surveys, interviews, and secondary data analysis to track changes over time. There has been a notable increase (50%) in maize yields among smallholder farmers post-policy reforms, yet income disparity remains high with rural-urban divide widening. While policy-induced agricultural productivity improvements are evident, their equitable distribution is hindered by socio-economic inequalities. Enhanced social safety nets and targeted subsidies for low-income groups to mitigate adverse effects of declining rural incomes. Agricultural Policy, Rural Livelihoods, Smallholder Farmers, Zimbabwe, Longitudinal Study The empirical specification follows $Y=\beta_0+\beta^\top X+\varepsilon$, and inference is reported with uncertainty-aware statistical criteria.