Understanding the drivers of poverty in Zimbabwe : emerging lessons from the protracted relief program and literature

This paper analyses the drivers of poverty in rural and urban Zimbabwe. It draws evidence from the Protracted Relief Programme (PRP)-LIME Surveys as well as other major poverty surveys and reports. There is evidence from PRP LIME data that cash transfers have contributed significantly to household incomes, helping to stabilise consumption especially in rural areas. Positive welfare outcomes of social transfers are clear in all PRP areas. School attendance in households receiving cash transfers and assistance under Basic Education Assistance Module (BEAM) are a third higher than households without. Other outcomes from PRP interventions are outlined, and recommendations are made