When we last explored what was happening to young people across our field sites in 2016, the experience of ‘waithood’ was very evident (see our ROAPE paper for a discussion). This is a period between childhood and adulthood that can extend for years when it is impossible to establish oneself independently. You can’t get land, you have no job, you have no assets, you can’t get married, build a home and start a family and, as a result, you are reliant on parents for support. You are waiting…. for something to change but meanwhile getting older and still dependant.
In many ways in Zimbabwe, waithood is the consequence of a collapsed economy and a lack of land being offered for a new generation. As expressed to us in interviews in 2016, waiting causes stress and anxiety, sometimes depression and maybe escape and solace is sought through drugs. It is not positive or healthy, and young people blamed the government, parents and others for their fate.
This article is from Zimbabweland, a blog written by IDS Research Fellow Ian Scoones. Zimbabweland focuses on issues related to rural livelihoods and land reform in Zimbabwe.
