Life in the rural areas of Zimbabwe, particularly in my village of Madondo, Musana, in Mashonaland Central, is a tapestry woven with threads of tradition, religion, and resilience. My journey from Chindotwe Primary School to Presbyterian Secondary School in Mondoro, Mashonaland West, has shaped my understanding of the challenges and the profound beauty that define rural living. As an undergraduate in Journalism, Media, and Broadcasting, I am drawn to the complexities of village life—its spiritual, cultural, and socio-economic dimensions—and how these have been moulded by the forces of time, nature, and changing societal norms.
By Tina Musonza
A Spiritual Anchor in the Apostolic Church
Religion is not just a part of life in Madondo; it is a guiding force that shapes our worldview and offers solace amid hardships. My religious commitment to the apostolic church is shared by many in the village, where the church’s gatherings under the open sky become a space for spiritual renewal and community connection. The apostolic faith emphasizes humility, simplicity, and a deep connection to the divine. Every weekend, we gather for worship services that include singing, clapping, and prayers, where the rhythmic hum of our hymns fills the air, intertwining with the sounds of nature.
For many families, faith offers a framework through which they understand their struggles, including the harsh realities of life in rural Zimbabwe. Prayers for rain during drought seasons or for a bountiful harvest reflect a belief in divine intervention amidst the uncertainties of farming. But the church also serves as a social space—a place where community bonds are strengthened and where shared challenges find a collective voice. It is where elders pass down wisdom to the younger generation, emphasizing patience, endurance, and the virtue of hope.
Cultural Traditions: A Link to the Past
For believers, life in Madondo village is steeped in cultural traditions that have endured for generations. The Shona culture, with its emphasis on respect for elders and reverence for ancestors, remains a guiding light in their daily lives. The believers pay homage to the vadzimu (ancestral spirits) through ceremonies such as the bira, where drumming and dance create a bridge between the living and the spiritual realm. These rituals are not only spiritual practices but also expressions of their identity, reminding them of where they come from and the values that define them.
However, as rural communities like Madondo become increasingly exposed to modern influences, questions arise about the future of these cultural practices. The youth, drawn to the conveniences and promises of urban life, often find themselves caught between preserving tradition and embracing modernity. This tension plays out in subtle ways—in the dress styles of the younger generation, the music they listen to, and the ways they navigate societal expectations. Yet, even as change comes, the essence of our culture remains, shaping how we interact with each other and the land that sustains us.
The Rural Economy: Challenges and Adaptations
The economic realities of rural life in Madondo are shaped by the rhythms of the land. Agriculture is the primary source of livelihood, with maize, groundnuts, and small-scale livestock farming forming the bedrock of our economy. Families rely on the seasonal rains to bring life to their fields, but the unpredictability of these rains makes farming a high-stakes endeavor. Droughts have become more frequent in recent years, a clear sign of the changing climate, leaving fields barren and families struggling to put food on the table.
This uncertainty has driven many in the village to explore alternative income streams. Some villagers engage in small-scale trading, selling vegetables, second-hand clothes, or household items at local markets. Others have taken to crafting and selling traditional items like reed mats and baskets, though limited access to larger markets restricts their economic potential. The lack of infrastructure, including proper roads and transportation, makes it difficult for these small businesses to thrive, reinforcing the cycle of poverty that grips many rural communities.
For families like mine, the informal economy is both a necessity and a testament to our adaptability. It is a way to cope with the gaps left by an unreliable agricultural sector, but it also reveals the systemic challenges that rural Zimbabwe faces—limited opportunities, underdeveloped infrastructure, and a growing gap between rural and urban livelihoods.
Entertainment: Joy in Simplicity
Entertainment in Madondo takes a different form compared to the bright lights of the city. Here, joy is found in the simplest of activities—weekend soccer matches between local teams, traditional dances around the fire, and storytelling sessions that draw us back to our roots. Radio remains a cherished medium, offering a window to the wider world while also broadcasting local music and stories that speak directly to our experiences.
For the youth, the advent of solar panels has brought a new wave of entertainment, allowing access to radio, music players, and even mobile phones. Yet, many still cherish the traditional forms of entertainment, finding comfort in the communal aspects of gathering together. It is in these shared moments that the spirit of the village comes alive, reminding us that life’s greatest joys often come not from material wealth but from connection and togetherness.
Environmental Challenges and Climate Change
One cannot speak about life in the rural areas without acknowledging the profound impact of climate change. The once predictable weather patterns have become erratic, bringing extended dry seasons that parch the earth and turn rivers into trickles of water. The sight of dry riverbeds and wilting crops is a constant reminder of our vulnerability to the whims of nature. Wells that once provided water year-round now run dry, forcing women and children to walk long distances in search of water, often from boreholes shared by several villages.
These water shortages have made farming even more difficult, as crops suffer without adequate irrigation. Families are left with poor harvests, sometimes relying on wild fruits and roots to supplement their meals during the hardest times. The threat of food insecurity looms large, and each planting season becomes a prayer for rain. Climate change has made survival in Madondo a more precarious endeavour, forcing us to adapt in ways that our ancestors never had to consider.
The Role of Government and NGOs: A Lifeline with Limits
Government and NGO interventions have become crucial in addressing some of the challenges facing rural communities like Madondo. During periods of severe drought, food aid programs provide essential relief, offering bags of maize, cooking oil, and other staples. For many families, these distributions mean the difference between going to bed hungry and having something to eat.
However, such aid is often inconsistent and cannot address the deeper structural issues that underlie rural poverty. While relief is necessary in times of crisis, it does not offer a sustainable solution to the challenges of food security and economic development. More sustainable initiatives, such as training in climate-resilient farming techniques, water harvesting projects, and small-scale irrigation systems, could provide long-term solutions. Yet, such programs require sustained investment and a collaborative approach between the community, the government, and development agencies.
The Broader Reality of Zimbabwean Rural Life
Madondo is just one of many villages in Zimbabwe where the struggles and triumphs of rural life unfold daily. Across the country, millions of people face similar challenges—drought, economic hardship, and the slow pace of development. Yet, they also share a profound connection to the land and to each other, finding ways to thrive in the face of adversity.
The rural life is one of resilience, where survival depends on the collective strength of the community and the ability to adapt to changing conditions. It is a life that requires patience and a willingness to endure, to find joy in small victories, and to maintain hope even when the future is uncertain.
A Life of Contrasts and Continuity
Living in Madondo village has taught me that rural life is not a relic of the past but a living, evolving reality. It is a world where tradition and change coexist, where ancient ways of living meet the challenges of a modern, globalized world. It is a life that values connection to the land, to history, and to each other, even as we grapple with the demands of the present.
In the end, rural life in Madondo is a story of contrasts—of scarcity and abundance, struggle and joy, loss and hope. It is a life that invites deep reflection on what it means to be part of a community, to live close to nature, and to find meaning in the everyday struggles that define our existence. As we look to the future, the question remains: How can we preserve the essence of this way of life while adapting to the new realities that confront us? The answer lies not only in the policies and programs that seek to uplift rural communities but also in the enduring spirit of the people who call these places home.
