Women in peri-urban areas such as Chitungwiza face a distinct but often overlooked form of poverty. High unemployment, reliance on informal markets, rising food prices, and limited access to productive space constrain women’s ability to secure stable incomes. In rural areas of Mashonaland Central, women continue to depend heavily on land-based livelihoods that are increasingly threatened by climate variability and environmental degradation.

In response, SWET expanded its livelihood programming across both contexts, recognising the need for diversified, context-specific economic strategies. Women were supported to engage in value addition, small-scale agro-processing, climate-smart agriculture, and income-generating activities
suited to their environments. Training in post-harvest handling, food preservation, and financial literacy was complemented by the provision of basic tools and inputs, enabling women to move from knowledge acquisition to practical implementation.

This integrated livelihood approach contributed to increased household food security, diversified income streams, and enhanced economic confidence among women participants. Importantly, women reported greater decision-making power within households as their economic contributions became more visible and valued.