Economic migration and the socio-economic impacts on the emigrant's family: A case of Ward 8, Gweru Rural district, Zimbabwe

Gweru Rural district in the Midlands province of Zimbabwe has witnessed an increasing
number of outward migrations of breadwinners, leaving behind a desperate environment for
families. This study was motivated by the realisation that most of the sick left behind, the
elderly and children would visit the health centres unaccompanied, risking taking prescribed
drugs incorrectly, thus further compromising their health. The study sought to establish the
socio-economic effects of international migration on family members left behind in ward 8 of
Gweru Rural. The study adopted a qualitative case study approach. Focus group discussions,
questionnaires and structured individual interviews were used to elicit for data. Non  probability
sampling design was used because of small samples available. Convenience and
purposive sampling techniques were particularly used. Data were manually analysed and
presented both qualitatively and quantitatively. The study revealed that international
migration particularly to South Africa, especially by non- professionals, was not yielding the
much expected economic gains; instead it was characterised by more negative social effects on
the emigrant’s family. The study recommends that emigrants should consider migrating with
their loved ones and, where it is not feasible, to put in place sound alternative care giving
arrangements. The study has provided an insight into international migration and its effects
on left-behind families. However, a more comprehensive and quantitative survey remains
critical to delving deeper into this migration phenomenon, particularly on how both the
emigrant and left-behind spouses handle the issue of conjugal rights.