South Asian Journal of Social Studies and Economics

The aim of this study was to investigate the role of women entrepreneurship in accelerating rural economic development in Zimbabwe, specifically focusing on a case study of Mudzi Rural District in Mashonaland East Province. This study employed mixed methodology, integrating both qualitative and quantitative research methods within a single study to gain a more comprehensive understanding of the research question. In this case, qualitative data collection techniques were used and a sample size of 150 women entrepreneurs was targeted for the quantitative survey. Then, 10 key informants, who comprised 3 local government officials, 3 community leaders, and 4 representatives from non-governmental organisations (NGOs) working on women’s empowerment and rural development, were also purposively selected for in-depth interviews. The research found that types of entrepreneurial activities undertaken by women were agriculture-based entrepreneurship (39.1%), craft and artisan activities (30.4), small-scale trading and vending (21.8) and service-based entrepreneurship (8.7%), with significant socio-economic contributions to both households and communities. The study found that Mudzi Rural District’s proximity to the border presents significant opportunities for cross-border trade. This allows women entrepreneurs to access larger markets for their products and source raw materials or goods at potentially lower costs. On the other hand, the district’s closeness to a game reserve offers unique opportunities for women entrepreneurs to engage in tourism-related ventures. This could include providing accommodation, catering services, selling local crafts and souvenirs, or offering cultural experiences to tourists visiting the reserve. This study contributes to the existing literature by providing evidence-based insights that inform policy decision on the economic activities of women entrepreneurs’ challenges that hey face in Mudzi Rural District.