Why are migrant remittances so important for the people living in Tsholotsho?

Migrant remittances are crucial because Tsholotsho faces recurrent droughts that devastate the agricultural sector, leaving many families unable to sustain themselves through farming. Limited local employment opportunities force many to migrate, primarily to South Africa, in search of work. The money they send home provides a critical safety net, enabling families to purchase food, cover essential household expenses like healthcare and education, invest in farming inputs, and start small businesses.

What are migrant remittances mainly used for in Tsholotsho?

Remittances in Tsholotsho are primarily used for immediate consumption needs such as food, healthcare, education, and clothing. While some families use remittances for agricultural investment, like purchasing seeds and fertilizers, and small business development, the majority prioritize consumption due to the immediate pressures of meeting basic needs. There are low levels of investment and minimal savings due to families using the funds for consumption.

What makes people leave Tsholotsho to find work?

The vulnerability of the agricultural sector due to recurrent droughts and limited local employment opportunities force people to seek work elsewhere. Migration, particularly to South Africa, has become a widespread strategy for households to diversify their income sources and mitigate risk. Both men and women are migrating for work and sending money back home, as it is a crucial means of survival for the people living in Tsholotsho.

How are migrant remittances used to improve lives and opportunities in Tsholotsho?

There are several ways remittances can be used to improve lives and opportunities in Tsholotsho. Remittances are used for food security, especially during droughts, and covering essential needs like healthcare and education. Some use the funds to invest in agriculture, purchasing inputs to improve crop yields, while others use them to start or expand small businesses, creating alternative income-generating opportunities.

Hands catching coins over a drought-stricken landscape, symbolizing remittances in Zimbabwe.

Remittances: A Lifeline for Zimbabwe's Tsholotsho District

Q: Are there any challenges with relying on migrant remittances in Tsholotsho?

While migrant remittances provide a vital economic lifeline, many households still struggle to meet their basic needs. The amounts received are often insufficient to cover all expenses, especially for larger families. It is important to increase the flow of remittances and maximize their impact on long-term livelihoods, since the impact of drought and unemployment can be so devastating.

Lena Voss in Global Affairs December 2025 • 4 min read.

"Discover how migrant remittances are transforming livelihoods in a region challenged by drought and economic hardship."

In the heart of Zimbabwe's Matabeleland North province lies Tsholotsho District, a region grappling with the harsh realities of recurrent drought and limited economic opportunities. For many families here, survival hinges on the flow of remittances – money sent home by relatives working abroad, primarily in South Africa. These remittances aren't just supplemental income; they're often the very foundation upon which livelihoods are built.

This article delves into the significant impact of migrant remittances on Tsholotsho, drawing on research that examines how these funds are used, the challenges recipients face, and the potential for remittances to drive sustainable development. We'll explore how families navigate economic hardship, leveraging remittances for both immediate needs and long-term investments, and consider the broader implications for a community deeply reliant on this vital source of income.

Understanding the flow and impact of remittances is crucial, especially as global migration patterns continue to evolve and economies face increasing uncertainty. By examining the case of Tsholotsho, we gain insights into the complex relationship between migration, remittances, and development in a region striving for resilience.

Why Are Remittances So Critical for Tsholotsho?

Hands catching coins over a drought-stricken landscape, symbolizing remittances in Zimbabwe.

Tsholotsho's reliance on remittances is rooted in a confluence of factors, primarily the vulnerability of its agricultural sector. Recurrent droughts have decimated crop yields, leaving many families unable to sustain themselves through farming alone. As one community leader explained, consistent rains have been absent for years, leading to crop failure and livestock losses.

With limited local employment opportunities, migration has become a widespread strategy for households to diversify their income sources and mitigate risk. Both men and women are now migrating to South Africa in search of employment, sending money home to support their families. These remittances act as a crucial safety net, buffering households against the economic shocks caused by drought and unemployment.

Food Security: Remittances enable families to purchase food, especially during drought periods when local harvests are insufficient.
Essential Needs: Funds are used to cover essential household expenses such as healthcare, education, and clothing.
Agricultural Investment: Some families use remittances to purchase farming inputs, such as seeds and fertilizers, in an effort to improve crop yields.
Small Business Development: Remittances can provide the capital needed to start or expand small businesses, creating alternative income-generating opportunities.

However, even with the inflow of remittances, many households still struggle to meet their basic needs. The amounts received are often insufficient to cover all expenses, especially for larger families. This highlights the need for strategies that not only increase the flow of remittances but also maximize their impact on sustainable livelihoods.

Unlocking the Potential of Remittances in Tsholotsho

Migrant remittances are undeniably a vital component of economic stability and daily life in Tsholotsho. They are a core part of livelihoods, since over 80% of survey respondents depended on remittances. However, the persistent issues of low investment levels and minimal savings continue to pose significant challenges. The fact that 65% of remittance-receiving households prioritize consumption over investment and savings underscores the immediate pressures families face.