There has been lack of consensus on the determinants of poverty at household level and previous
studies in Chivi utilised descriptive statistics in analysing poverty which is not very useful in
determining the probability of being poor of households. This study sought to establish the major
demographic determinants of poverty, human capital determinants of poverty and agricultural
assets that determine poverty utilising appropriate econometric modelling techniques.
This was a quasi-experimental research that utilises both qualitative and quantitative techniques
to understand the major determinants of poverty at household level utilising the logit model. A
questionnaire was the major research instrument that was used in the collection of data. The
study followed the Basic Needs approach to poverty analysis and utilised the poverty lines to
classify households into poverty categories.
The major demographic determinants of poverty were: household size that was positively
associated with the probability of being poor; and age of household head that was negatively
correlated with the probability of being poor. Education as measured by average years of
schooling was the major human capital factor that was negatively associated with the probability
of being poor. Cattle ownership was negatively associated with the probability of being poor as
the major agricultural asset that determines poverty. Religion and geography were found to be
significant determinants of poverty in Chivi.
The study recommends renewed focus on rural development with urgency and efficacy to
increase labour productivity. It recommended that provision of draught power to the poor
households in Chivi might help in increasing agricultural productivity. Maintenance of high
levels of education is essential for effective transmission of agricultural technology to increase
productivity in Chivi. This study suggested a multi-pronged approach to the fight against poverty
that includes religious leaders. The study also suggested a livestock financing scheme for the
poor to be championed by Banks and supported by Government. Government should seriously
consider embarking community area re-orientation programme which has been on the cards for
long.