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Periodical article Periodical article Leiden University catalogue Leiden University catalogue WorldCat catalogue WorldCat
Title:Rural-Urban Linkages in Contemporary Harare: Why Migrants Need Their Land
Authors:Potts, DeborahISNI
Mutambirwa, Chris
Year:1990
Periodical:Journal of Southern African Studies
Volume:16
Issue:4
Period:December
Pages:677-698
Language:English
Geographic term:Zimbabwe
Subjects:rural-urban relations
urbanization
land law
Urbanization and Migration
Peoples of Africa (Ethnic Groups)
External link:https://www.jstor.org/stable/2637042
Abstract:Until independence in 1980, rural-urban migration in Rhodesia (Zimbabwe) was influenced by a variety of legal restrictions, favouring the employment of 'single' migrants. Once restrictions were lifted it was to be expected that migration patterns would alter. Surveys carried out in 1985 and 1988 among migrants in Harare's high-density areas, and addressing the issues of household characteristics, mobility patterns, land and production patterns, and future residence plans of migrants, found that many changes had occurred. In particular, there had been a shift towards longer-term migration. Nevertheless, a strong perception still existed among migrants that maintenance of rural links was essential as economic security. Therefore, pressure by the government of Zimbabwe to divorce urban migrants from their rural land rights, in order to alleviate land shortages in the African communal lands, should be resisted since welfare and pension provision is still minimal. Notes, ref., sum.
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