Contribution of the Bindura Community Share Ownership Trust to Rural Development in Bindura Rural District Council of Zimbabwe

Abstract

This research analysed the contribution of the Bindura Community Share Ownership Trust (BCSOT) to Bindura Rural District Council (BRDC) in Mashonaland Central Province of Zimbabwe. Key informant interviews and the survey questionnaire were used for primary data collection while secondary sources such as the Indigenisation and Economic Empowerment Act of 2007 and Statutory Instrument of 2010 which established the Community Share Ownership Trusts were analysed. The research found that 45 projects had been embarked on by the BCSOT. These projects included water, health, education and roads. It concludes that these projects had greatly contributed to rural development in Bindura Rural District Council. The respondents indicated that if CSOTs are to succeed, there should local community involvement in the identification of projects. The research recommended that the BCSOT should also establish small to medium enterprises and other income-generating projects in order to improve rural livelihoods.