Social intrepreneurship and millennium development goals in developing countries: case study of Zimbabwe
- Authors: Ngorora, Grace P K https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4756-313
- Date: 2014-11
- Subjects: Social entrepreneurship -- Zimbabwe , Economic development -- Zimbabwe , Poverty -- Zimbabwe
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/26661 , vital:65847
- Description: The study set out to examine the contribution of social entrepreneurship to the achievement of Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), particularly MDG 1, the eradication of extreme poverty and hunger. Poverty reduction occurred when social entrepreneurial activities resulted in the improvement of the socio-economic well-being of social entrepreneurs and their beneficiaries. The problem this study sought to research on was that, despite the impact of social entrepreneurship, there has been inadequate attention to and discussion of its contribution to attaining the MDGs in Zimbabwe. The population were social entrepreneurs in Harare, Zimbabwe. The random sampling method was used to determine the sample size. Semi-structured questionnaires were used to collect primary data in Harare, Zimbabwe from 132 social entrepreneurs and 200 beneficiaries of social entrepreneurial activities. Secondary information was obtained from textbooks and various internet sources. The data collected was analyzed through SPSS Version 22 because of its appropriateness and wide use. The null hypothesis that social entrepreneurship does not contribute to the achievement of MDGs was rejected in favor of the alternative hypothesis that social entrepreneurship provides an alternative to the achievement of MDGs. Findings from the study suggest that social entrepreneurs contribute immensely to poverty reduction. They also contribute towards research and development, promoting gender equality and empowerment, education for all as well as access to health facilities. The segments of the population benefiting from social entrepreneurship include the poor, socially excluded, discriminated, the unemployed and disabled. The impact on poverty and hunger was achieved through microfinance initiatives, income generation activities, empowerment and capacity building. Results showed that social entrepreneurship activities solve social problems through providing food, shelter, water, education and collateral to access finance. The study concluded that social entrepreneurship is a plausible approach to promote implementation of policies to reduce extreme poverty and hunger by using readily available resources to bring sustainable solutions to problems. The strategies to make social entrepreneurship more effective included creating a conducive legal and policy environment, financial provision, political support, and government support, publicity of the contribution of social entrepreneurship, mentorship and collaboration among stakeholders. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, 2014
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- Date Issued: 2014-11
Social entrepreneurship and employment creation in Zimbabwe: a case of Guruve rural district
- Authors: Munetsi, Rumbidzai
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Social entrepreneurship -- Zimbabwe , Labor market -- Zimbabwe
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/26426 , vital:65307
- Description: In the last decade or so, social entrepreneurship has received a growing interest amongst researchers. Social entrepreneurship is the process of pursuing innovative solutions to social problems. The MDGs have formed the basis of commitment of the world leaders to reduce extreme poverty. As a result, the goals recognize specific development priorities across a very broad range such as poverty and education. They address targets such as increasing incomes; reduce hunger and achieving universal education. With the adoption of the ESAP in Zimbabwe, the government withdrew its support in the key areas of poverty reduction such as social services, education and agricultural inputs. This led to the destruction of livelihoods, marginalization of the poor and unemployment. Additionally, the government adopted the land reform programme in 2000. The programme affected the commercial farming and traditional source of exports which was a provider of 400 000 jobs for rural communities. The land reform precipitated the economic and subsequent social crisis in the country. Agricultural production was disrupted. The decline in the agricultural sector is correlated to the poverty levels in rural areas. The incidences of poverty are more pronounced in rural areas than urban areas. Poverty incidences are multi-faceted through various dimensions such as income levels, education and employment. Hence, the question is what can be done to address rural poverty? It is against this background that this study is determined to evaluate the impact of social entrepreneurship and poverty reduction in rural communities. Therefore the theoretical framework guiding this study is neo-liberalism theory, basic needs and sustainable livelihoods approach. , Thesis (MSoc Dev) -- Faculty of Management and Commerce, 2014
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- Date Issued: 2014