Gold panning during Zimbabwe's Economic crisis 2004-2005

The study sought to assess the contribution of gold panning as a livelihood strategy to the Kitsiyatota community in Bindura Town of Zimbabwe. A representative sample of 100 respondents was selected from the 238 community members of Kitsiyatota. Furthermore 10 interviews and 2 focus group discussions were conducted. Field observations and measurement were also used to examine the health and safety issues. The findings of research suggest that women and children play an important role in gold panning, with their incomes being equal to that of men. The research established that gold panning has been successful as a livelihood strategy in the hyperinflation conditions experienced in Zimbabwe. Since gold panning is illegal at Kitsiyatota, little has been done by the Freda Rebecca, Ashanti Gold Field (Pvt), local authorities and government departments, to provide sustainable alternative livelihood strategies to the gold planners.The study recommends that the government should intervene actively to promote sustainable gold panning practices and local economic regeneration for the Kitsiyatota community.