Resilience of children in Child Headed Households (CHHs) in rural Zimbabwe in the face of the COVID 19 pandemic: A case study of ward 14, Rowa of Mutare District

Resilience of children in Child Headed Households (CHHs) in rural Zimbabwe in the face of the COVID 19 pandemic: A case study of ward 14, Rowa of Mutare District | Research Square window.SnipcartSettings = { analytics: { enabled: false } }; (function() { var accessVector = localStorage.getItem('access_vector') || ''; window.dataLayer = window.dataLayer || []; if (accessVector) { window.dataLayer.push({ user: { profile: { profileInfo: { snid: accessVector } } } }); } })(); (function(w,d,s,l,i){w[l]=w[l]||[];w[l].push({'gtm.start':new Date().getTime(),event:'gtm.js'});var f=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0],j=d.createElement(s),dl=l!='dataLayer'?'&l='+l:'';j.async=true;j.src='https://www.googletagmanager.com/gtm.js?id='+i+dl;f.parentNode.insertBefore(j,f);})(window,document,'script','dataLayer','GTM-K279D39R'); Browse Preprints In Review Journals COVID-19 Preprints AJE Video Bytes Research Tools Research Promotion AJE Professional Editing AJE Rubriq About Preprint Platform In Review Editorial Policies Our Team Advisory Board Help Center Sign In Submit a Preprint Cite Share Download PDF Research Article Resilience of children in Child Headed Households (CHHs) in rural Zimbabwe in the face of the COVID 19 pandemic: A case study of ward 14, Rowa of Mutare District Witness Chikoko, Kudzai Nyabeze, Kudzai Mwapaura, Mutsa Chinotimba This is a preprint; it has not been peer reviewed by a journal. https://doi.org/ 10.21203/rs.3.rs-5745085/v1 This work is licensed under a CC BY 4.0 License Status: Posted Version 1 posted You are reading this latest preprint version Abstract This is a qualitative study that examines the resilience of children in CHHs in rural Zimbabwe during the COVID-19 pandemic, utilizing the case study of ward 14, Rowa, in the Mutare district. Evidence suggests that children in CHHs became resilient in the face of the COVID 19 pandemic through various factors. Some of the factors included individual traits such as positive attitudes and self-determination. In addition, some of the social resilience-related factors included engaging in menial jobs, vending, begging, and support from neighbours and church members, among others. The article concludes by advocating and lobbying key stakeholders, such as the Government of Zimbabwe, for more support in social protection for children in CHH households in rural Zimbabwe in the face of emergencies such as the COVID-19 pandemic. Children COVID 19 Resilience Rural Zimbabwe Introduction and Background The impact of the COVID 19 pandemic has been unprecedented in many parts of the world, particularly on vulnerable populations such as orphans, elderly persons, and people with disabilities, among others [ 10 , 9 , 26 ]. Documentation on the resilience of children in child headed households in rural Zimbabwe during the COVID-19 pandemic is lacking. There are academic gaps on how the children in child headed households in rural Zimbabwe became resilient in the face of the COVID 19 pandemic. A child is a person below the age of 18 years (Children’s Act Amendment 2023, 5:06). Child-headed families are when the carer of that household is younger and below the age of 18 years [ 21 , 20 , 22 ]. In child-headed families, the children or adolescents are responsible for the day-to-day running of the households in terms of decision-making, among others [ 20 , 21 , 28 ]. [ 2 ] observed that “children in CHHs encounter financial, educational, psychosocial and medical problems including poor access to health care services.” In a study of CHHs in Johannesburg, the children were exposed to several acts of violence [ 2 ]. In addition to living in informal settlements with poor service delivery and limited access to water and sanitation, the children in CHHs also experienced other forms of violence [ 2 ]. In Eswatini, children in CHHs were food insecure and had strained family relations, among others [ 35 ]. In rural Zimbabwe, children in child-headed households are very vulnerable (Government of Zimbabwe, 2016). They are vulnerable because of abandonment, sexual abuse, traumatic experiences of the deaths of their parents, stigma and discrimination, and limited access to basic services such as food, birth certificates, housing, and education, among others [ 4 , 7 , 22 , 13 ]. In another study, [ 5 ], observed that children in CHHs in Zimbabwe faced a myriad of challenges, characterised by inadequate social protection, lack of food, little support from extended families, and financial insecurity, among others. Child-sensitive and indigenous social protection programmes are vital for this group as well [ 10 , 11 ]. The early 1980s and 1990s saw the first identification of CHHs in nations like Uganda, Zimbabwe, Zambia, and Tanzania, among others [ 35 ]. There are many factors that account for the emergence of CHHs. Some of the factors include parental migration [ 20 ]. CHHs are also a result of poverty, armed conflicts, the death of parents due to diseases such as HIV and AIDS, COVID-19, car accidents, and violence, among others [ 2 , 20 , 29 ]. CHHs that were created by the migration of parents were considered better off, as they had an improved economic base because of remittances [ 28 ]. In South Africa during the Apartheid era, people migrated looking for employment in various cities and towns, leaving behind their families at the same time [ 28 ]. CHHs are also a result of the collapse of the extended family systems [ 17 ]. In traditional African society, the extended family system played pivotal roles in taking care of its vulnerable members, including orphans, among others [ 4 , 6 , 23 ]. However, with the erosion of the capacity of extended families due to modernity and globalisation, among other factors, orphaned children are left on their own, and it provides opportunities for the formation of CHHs [ 28 ]. In 2009, 68% of people living with HIV were in sub-Saharan Africa [ 29 ]. HIV and AIDS orphaned an estimated 15,000,000 children globally between 2006 and 2009 [ 29 , 30 ]. 98% of the orphaned children were in sub-Saharan Africa [ 30 ]. [ 2 ] estimates that South Africa is home to 3.7 million orphans, with an additional 150,000 children living in CHHs. As of 2010, Zimbabwe had an estimate of 1.6 million orphans [ 34 ]. In 2018, South Africa had 33 million CHHs [ 24 ]. Some children in CHHs struggled with their parents' illnesses to such an extent that they assumed responsibility for running the household before they were even considered orphans [ 28 ]. The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly impacted human lives, both globally and locally. Studies have indicated that the COVID-19 pandemic affected people in many ways, including a dramatic or significant drop in family incomes, which led to severe poverty [ 25 , 25 ]. The unprecedented impact of the COVID-19 pandemic was more pronounced on vulnerable members of society. For example, in Indonesia, the COVID-19 pandemic severely affected children who live in poverty or institutions, as there were restricted movements, leaving them voiceless by living in cramped, unhygienic conditions and increasing their vulnerability to other diseases [ 25 ]. In a study of three Canadian provinces, namely [ 1 ], observed increases in domestic violence during the COVID-19 pandemic. The increased domestic violence was because of decreased family income streams and confinements, among others [ 1 ]. [ 18 ], observed that children in Jakarta, Indonesia, were vulnerable to the COVID-19 pandemic in many ways. The children of Jakarta, Indonesia, were exposed to mental health-related challenges; some developed behavioural problems, including depression [ 18 ]. In addition, some of the children also became victims or survivors of emotional distress and psychological trauma due to several factors, such as family separation, deaths, abrupt changes in their daily lives, separation from social networks, limited access to schools and thus education, and enforced isolation, among others [ 18 ]. Similarly, in a study in Italy, [ 32 ] observed high levels of stress and psychological challenges, such as low moods and emotional distress, among others. Some of the psychological challenges were triggered by reduced social contacts with family members and peers, abrupt disruption of their daily or routine activities, and confinement in homes, among others [ 32 ]. The COVID-19 pandemic in Indonesia exacerbated children's vulnerabilities [ 18 ]. Non-governmental organizations and government programs cut off the children living in informal settlements [ 18 ]. They did not have access to clean water, food, or health services, and there was a high mortality rate among newborns and under-fives, among others [ 18 ]. In Indonesia, the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted the supply chain for immunisation programmes, and that led to spikes of cholera, measles, and diphtheria, among others [ 18 ]. In a study in the United States of America, [ 31 ] observed that the COVID-19 pandemic enhanced the factors associated with childhood maltreatment. Some of the factors included misuse of substances, familial stress, decreased service support, and economic hardships, among others [ 31 ]. In a study in Ghana, [ 33 ], observed that the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown measures triggered an increase in sexual, physical, and emotional abuse among children. The COVID-19 pandemic heightened the chances of girls’ exposure to sexual violence by relatives and neighbours, among others [ 33 ]. Some of the factors that accounted for the increase in sexual violence among girls during the COVID-19 pandemic included peer pressure, closure of schools, watching pornography, and financial difficulties, among others [ 33 ]. Despite facing the debilitating impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, children in child-headed households in rural Zimbabwe have become or demonstrated resilience. The current study interrogates the resilience of children in child-headed households in rural Zimbabwe during the COVID-19 pandemic. Theoretical Framework Resilience Theory is defined as positive psychology [ 17 , 38 ]. It is also defined as the ability to adapt in the face of adversities [ 3 ]. Resilience includes the capacity to cope in the face of hardships [ 8 ]. It is defined as a multilayered process that focuses on the strengths of people in the face of hardships or adversities [ 15 ]. The multilayered process includes people's agency in engaging with protective factors to reduce their vulnerability [ 15 ]. Numerous factors determine resilience [ 17 ]. There are several factors that enhance resilience during difficult times [ 8 ]. Some of them include personal or individual factors, and others are societal or environmental-related factors [ 37 , 8 ]. Therefore, resilience is a result of a combination of factors [ 7 , 16 ]. [17,] observed that, “resilience is meaningless outside the context of hardship and adversity.” Children should cope well in the context of adversities for the process to have resilience connotations [ 17 ]. There is no single pathway to resilience [ 17 ]. The pathways to resilience are context specific [ 17 ]. Children's resilience studies always consider their voices and agency [ 17 ]. Research Methodology We adopted a qualitative case study research design to generate data for the study. A qualitative case study research design provides deeper insights into a phenomenon understudy [ 12 , 36 ]. A qualitative case study provided a detailed account of the resilience of children in CHHs of Ward 14 in Rowa, Mutare District, in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic. In the same way, [ 7 ] used a qualitative case study research design to look at how social cash transfers affected children living in CHHs in the Epworth informal settlement in Harare, Zimbabwe, during the austerity era. Ward 14 of Rowa, Mutare District, was chosen as a research site for the study, as it is one of the places that has the highest number of CHHs. The place is also known for high cases of child abuse, violence, and exploitation. The place is also known for high cases of child abuse, violence, and exploitation. The research site is also very close to Mutare Urban. It is also known for gold and diamond artisanal mining, among others. The study selected a total of twelve CHHs through purposive sampling. The research participants were aged between 12 and 17 years. There were eight female child heads and four male-headed ones. The majority of the CHHs were as a result of orphanhood, while a few had parents who migrated to neighbouring countries such as Mozambique, Botswana, and South Africa, among others. In a study of CHHs in Rwanda, [ 19 ], used purposive sampling in identifying the heads of the households. We collected data through a variety of methods, including in-depth interviews, focus group discussions, and key informant interviews. The in-depth interviews were conducted with child heads in the absence of their siblings. We conducted the in-depth interviews at locations that were convenient for the children in CHHs. Some of them included their vending stalls and places where they were doing menial jobs, among others. The in-depth interviews took a duration of almost 60 minutes. [ 14 ] also conducted in-depth interviews with children in the CHHs located in the Mhondoro district of Zimbabwe. Children in CHHs also participated in the focus group discussions. Some of the variables that determined the formation of focus group discussions included the age, sex, and degree of responsibilities of the research participants. For instance, we conducted a separate focus group discussion with other children for those heading households. The focus group discussions lasted for a duration of 30 minutes. The focus group discussion focused on how the children in CHHs in Ward 14 of Rowa, Mutare, were able to adapt in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic. The study selected a total of four key informants through convenience sampling. The key informants had detailed information about the lifestyles of children in CHHs of Ward 14 of Rowa in Mutare district. The key informants included a ward councillor, a church pastor, a social worker employed by a local child rights non-governmental organisation, and a social development officer employed by the Department of Social Development under the Ministry of Public Service, Labour, and Social Welfare. We conducted content analysis on the data. The analysis was done at two intervals. For instance, the analysis was conducted both during and after the data collection process. Through content analysis, themes and subthemes emerged. Some of them included societal ones, such as menial jobs, begging, support from neighbors, community members, non-governmental agencies, and Government of Zimbabwe line ministries, among others. Individual traits such as self-determination and positive attitudes, among others, also emerged during data analysis. The researcher explained the aim and objectives of the study to the participants, and participation was on a voluntary basis. The study did not compel anyone to participate. The research participants were free to withdraw at any stage of the research process. To ensure anonymity and privacy of the participants, the study adopted the use of alphabetic letters such as A, B, C, D, and E, among others. Ethical statement The study met or complied with all the ethical considerations and was approved by the Department of Social Work Ethics Committee at the University of Zimbabwe. The Department of Social Development under the Ministry of Public Service, Labour, and Social Welfare also approved the study. Research Findings This section presents the research findings. Below, we present the research findings as major themes and sub-themes. Individual Traits Factors Positive Attitude Research findings suggest that positive attitudes were some of the individual traits that enhanced the resilience of children in CHHs in Ward 14 of Rowa in the Mutare district. During in-depth interviews, one of the research participants, called D, said this: I always had a positive attitude that, COVID 19 pandemic will come and go. Yes, it affected us in many ways, but I knew that we will pull through. Another participant, called A, said the following: Despite COVID 19 pandemic bringing untold suffering among ourselves as CHHs, I had a positive attitude. I have through a lot in my life to an extent that I take challenges as opportunities. During focus group discussions, the participants had a consensus view that positive attitudes triggered resilience among children in CHHs of Ward 14, Rowa of Mutare district. The participants added that challenges were opportunities and were prepared to take them head-on. One of the key informants, a social worker, also confirmed that positive attitudes enhanced the resilience of children in CHHs of Ward 14, Rowa of Mutare district. Some CHH children were so hardened by their hardships that they were unafraid of the COVID-19 pandemic. Self-determination Evidence suggests that self-determination is one of the individual traits that enhanced the resilience of the children in CHHs of Ward 14, Rowa, Mutare District, Zimbabwe. During in-depth interviews of the participant, called B had this to say: Some of us we were prepared to remain alive despite the challenges that were brought by COVID 19 pandemic. Another participant, called F, said the following: During COVID 19 pandemic were adapted to the situation because of our fighting spirit in any challenging circumstances. We remain afloat despite the trying times brought by COVID 19 pandemic. During focus group discussions, the participants all agreed that self-determination was a key individual trait that enhanced the resilience of children in CHHs of ward 14, Rowa of Mutare district, Zimbabwe. The participants added that some of the children demonstrated self-determination by remaining positive and becoming agentic in their search for survival resources. Socio- Environmental Factors Menial jobs Research findings suggest that children in CHHs in Ward 14 and Rowa in Mutare District became resilient because of getting menial jobs. As a result of the menial jobs, the children were able to raise money to buy food and other basic needs for survival. During in-depth interviews, a participant called C (a 17-year-old girl) said the following: During COVID-19 I engaged in menial jobs in order to earn money for a living. Some of the menial jobs included weeding in people fields. Another participant called F said, Menial jobs were very helpful for me during that time because I could get money to buy food. For example, I bought a sack of maize mealie meal after doing some menial jobs. During the focus group discussions, the participants agreed that menial jobs such as weeding in people’s fields and looking for firewood enhanced the resilience of the children in CHHs of Ward 14, Rowa of Mutare District. The participants added that they raise money for basic needs such as food through menial jobs, among others A social worker employed by one of the local child rights organisations operating in ward 14, Rowa of Mutare district confirmed that the children in CHHs raised money for buying basic needs through engaging in menial jobs. She added that, although the practises were in violation of children’s rights, the menial jobs enhanced the resilience of these children. Vending COVID-19 restricted people from vending, but in rural areas, the enforcement of the restrictions was not as strict as compared with urban areas. Therefore, selling or vending of various commodities was another coping strategy adopted by children in CHHs, ward 14 of Rowa district, Mutare district. During in-depth interviews, one of the participants, called D (a 16-year-old boy) said this: During COVID- 19 pandemic we would go in the mountain and bushes to collect firewood for sale. At times selling at home would not give us much money therefore we would go and sell around the whole village. People would buy at a slow rate so sometimes we would go to the main road and sell from there but because many people were not travelling, we would not get much money but other days were better we would sell a lot of firewood and also get money not enough though but it would help us to earn a living. Another participant, called E, said this: During COVID 19 pandemic I raised money for survival through selling cigarettes and vegetables to the people in our village and the neighbouring villages. During the focus group discussion, the participants agreed that vending enhanced the resilience of children of CHHs in Ward 14 of Rowa, Mutare district, Zimbabwe. The participants added that the children were selling a wide range of goods, such as firewood, vegetables, and cigarettes, among others. A social development officer from the Ministry of Public Service, Labour, and Social Welfare's Department of Social Development confirmed that selling different kinds of goods helped kids in CHHs in Ward 14, Rowa, in the Mutare district get used to the tough life they were living because of the COVID-19 pandemic. He added that the children in CHHs were selling products such as vegetables, cigarettes, and firewood, among others. Money from income generating projects Research findings suggest that children in CHHs in Ward 14, Rowa, and Mutare districts in Zimbabwe enhanced their resilience during the COVID-19 pandemic through money generated from various projects. During in-depth interviews, a participant had this to say: When the COVID-19 pandemic started I did not suffer much in terms of the finances. I had a chicken project that assisted me in terms of raising money for survival. I bought food and clothes for my siblings and myself. So, during the COVID 19 pandemic raised money for survival through selling broilers and chicken eggs to members of our village and other neighbouring villages. Another participant called D said this: During COVID 19 pandemic, I managed the situation through money I generated from my vegetable garden. I have one of the biggest vegetable gardens in the village. I grow spinach, tomatoes, carrots among others. These vegetables are always on demand in our village. During focus group discussions, the participants all agreed that the children in CHHs, ward 14 of Rowa, Mutare district, enhanced their resilience through money raised from various income-generating projects. The participants added that some of the income-generating projects included vegetable gardens, chicken rearing, and selling chicken eggs, among others. A councillor of ward 14, Rowa of Mutare district, also confirmed that money from income-generating projects enhanced the resilience of children in CHHs during the COVID 19 pandemic. He added that vulnerable members, such as children in CHHs and elderly persons, had spaces in the community gardens. The councillor also added that such community projects for vulnerable members of society were initiated through financial and technical support from non-governmental organisations such as Plan International, among others. Support from neighbours and church members Support from neighbours and church members enhanced the resilience of children in CHHs, ward 14 of Rowa, Mutare district, Zimbabwe. During in-depth interviews, one of the participants called G and said, As children in CHHs we got crucial support from the churches. The church members provided spiritual counselling to children in CHHs and other vulnerable members of the community. Another participant called F said the following statements: Some of the churches such as Roman Catholic mobilised food stuffs for distribution towards vulnerable members of society such as elderly, children in CHHs, those with disabilities. The distributed food went a long way in enhancing food security for children in CHHs. We got cooking oil, maize flour, flour for making bread among others. During focus group discussions, the participants all agreed that the churches played important roles in the resilience of children in CHHs and other vulnerable members of Ward 14, Rowa, Mutare District, Zimbabwe. The participants added that some of the services provided by the various churches included spiritual counselling and the provision of food items to vulnerable members of society. The ward councillor also confirmed that children in CHHs managed to adapt despite the unprecedented impact of the COVID-19 pandemic because of support from the churches. He added that the churches provided prayers, spiritual counselling, and material goods to vulnerable members of the community. Support from non-governmental agencies and Government of Zimbabwe Children in CHHs, ward 14 of Rowa, Mutare district, Zimbabwe, got support from various non-governmental agencies and the Government of Zimbabwe line ministries. Through support from such organisations, the children in CHHs were able to adapt despite the debilitating impact of the COVID 19 pandemic. During in-depth interviews, one of the participants called A said, During COVID 19 pandemic as children in CHHs we received a monthly pay out of 25 USD from Plan International. Another participant called E said the following: I got a once off payout from Department of Social Development. The once off payment of 3000 Zimbabwe bond through NetOne lines. The Net One lines were redeemable at OK supermarket, where I bought some groceries for my siblings. I bought meat (beef), cooking oil, bread among others. During focus group discussions, the participants agreed that support from non-governmental agencies such as Plan International and the Government of Zimbabwe enabled the children in CHHs of Ward 14, Rowa, and Mutare districts to adapt to the debilitating impact of the COVID 19 pandemic. A councillor for ward 14, Rowa, Mutare district, confirmed that non-governmental agencies and the Department of Social Development under the Ministry of Public Service, Labour, and Social Welfare initiated social cash transfers during the COVID 19 pandemic. He added that some of the beneficiaries were children in CHHs, the elderly, and people with disabilities, among others. The ward councillor also confirmed that the Department of Social Welfare was dispatching the social cash transfers through Net One lines in the form of Zimbabwean currency. Begging Evidence indicates that begging has become a common practice for some children residing in child-headed households in Ward 14, Rowa, Mutare District. The study's findings revealed that usually the youngest siblings in households were the ones who would engage in begging. During in-depth interviews, one of the participants said this: Begging helped us a lot during COVID 19 because we got help. At times we would move from village to village begging from anyone we would reach to. In other days we would get food and other days we would get money but most of the times we would sent our young siblings while we remain and do casual labour. We realized that the young siblings would get more help from the communities so we would have sent them to beg from people. Another participant called J said the following: Through begging in the villages, we raised money for survival during COVID 19 pandemic. Some of the well-wishers even gave us food stuffs such as cooking oil, maize flour among others. During focus group discussions, the participants agreed that some of the children in CHHs were involved in begging. The participants added that there were dynamics associated with begging. For example, the younger children were involved in begging. A social worker working for a local non-governmental Child Rights Organisation confirmed that some children in CHHs were engaged in begging, particularly during the COVID 19 pandemic. She added that most of the children who were begging were very young ones. Discussion Our analysis suggests that the children in CHHs in Ward 14, Rowa, Mutare District, managed to adapt despite the unprecedented impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. There are several factors that have enhanced the resilience of children in CHHs of Ward 14, Rowa of Mutare district in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic. Some of the key factors included socially related ones, such as support from neighbours and community members, vending, doing menial jobs, and begging, among others. Some of the individual-related traits, such as self-determination and positive attitudes, also enhanced the resilience of the children in CHHs of Ward 14, Rowa of Mutare district, Zimbabwe. Utilising the Resilience Theory, the children in CHHs of Ward 14, Rowa of Mutare, were able to adapt despite the debilitating impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. As highlighted above, the individual-related traits such as positive attitudes and self-determination promoted the positive adaptation of the children in CHHs of Ward 14, Rowa of Mutare district, Zimbabwe. The children in CHHs exhibited positive attitudes in many ways. For example, children in CHHs became resourceful by taking challenges as opportunities, among others. Self-determination is another individual trait that promoted the adaptation of children in CHHs of Ward 14, Rowa of Mutare district, Zimbabwe. Their fighting spirit and drive to overcome the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic demonstrated their self-determination. Similarly, in a study of unaccompanied refugee children under foster care at the Tongogara Refugee Camp in Chipinge District, Zimbabwe, [ 8 ] observed that the refugee children were able to adapt to their challenging circumstances due to individual-related traits such as positive attitudes and self-determination. Such personal or individual traits are very key in triggering the resilience process [ 37 , 38 ]. Researchers found that the social and environmental factors had a substantial impact on how well the children in CHHs in Ward 14, Rowa, Mutare district, Zimbabwe, were able to adapt to the COVID-19 pandemic. Some of the factors included support from neighbours, churches, non-governmental agencies, and the Department of Social Development, begging, engaging in menial jobs, money raised from income-generating projects, vending, among others. Scholars such as [ 37 , 38 ] observed that socio-environmental factors are key in enhancing the resilience of people in the face of adversities. The social cash transfers promoted the adaptation of the children in CHHs of Ward 14, Rowa, Mutare district, Zimbabwe, in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic. Through the cash transfers from the Government of Zimbabwe and Plan International, the children were able to buy basic needs such as food and clothes, among others. The research findings collaborate with what [ 7 ] observed: children in CHHs in the Jacha area of the Epworth Informal Settlement of Harare, Zimbabwe, became resilient in the face of adversities partly induced by the austerity era. In addition, the children in CHHs of Jacha were able to pay school fees and uniforms because of money they got from the social cash transfers [ 7 ]. It is evident that some of the CHHs of Ward 14, Rowa of Mutare district, Zimbabwe, were able to adapt to the harsh realities associated with the COVID-19 pandemic through engaging in income-generating projects. They raised money through income-generation projects such as community gardens, chicken rearing, and selling eggs, among others. In a study of CHHs in Rwanda, some of the children and youths were able to be resilient through working in farms for their families to survive [ 19 ]. Evidence suggests that social support from neighbours and churches enhanced the resilience of children in CHHs of Ward 14, Rowa, of Mutare district, Zimbabwe, in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic. The children were able to get food and spiritual counselling from the neighbours and churches. The research findings corroborate what children and youths in Rwanda did to adapt to their harsh realities as CHHs. The children in CHHs of Rwanda got social support from neighbours and churches and were able to demonstrate their resilience [ 19 ]. Conclusion As discussed above, the children in CHHs of Ward 14, Rowa of Mutare district became resilient during the COVID 19 pandemic. Their positive adaptation was enhanced by socio-environmental-related factors such as getting menial jobs, begging, vending, and support from neighbours, community members, non-governmental agencies, and the Department of Social Development, among others. The individual-related traits such as positive attitudes and self-determination also enhanced the resilience of children in CHHs of ward 14 Rowa of Mutare district, Zimbabwe. Both the individual or personal traits and socioenvironmental factors are in line with key characteristics or elements of the resilience theory. Recommendations The study provides several recommendations. Some of them include; Policies and programs for child protection in emergencies are necessary to include children in CHHs in rural Zimbabwe. There is a need to revive child protection committees in rural areas of Zimbabwe. Such structures should be functional and have the capacity to handle cases of child abuse and neglect in the context of disasters. There is an urgent need for the provision of social protection targeted at children in CHHs in rural Zimbabwe in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic. There is a need to revive the utility of indigenous social protection mechanisms such as extended family systems in many parts of the world. This will go a long way in addressing the vulnerabilities of orphans among others and We should review the Zimbabwe National Social Protection Policy to include indigenous social protection elements like Zunde Ramambo and extended families, among others. Declarations Data availability The datasets generated during and/or analysed during the current study are available from the corresponding author on reasonable request. Acknowledgements This research was part of Mutsa Chinotimba Master’s dissertation at the Department of Social Work, University of Zimbabwe. Funding The author(s) received no financial support for the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article. Conflict of interest. The author declares no competing interests. Author information Dr. Witness Chikoko is a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Social Work at the University of Zimbabwe. He is also a Research Fellow with the Department of Social Work at the University of Johannesburg, South Africa. Email: [email protected] Mobile: +263 772 529 127 Kudzai Nyabeze is a Lecturer in the Department of Social Work at the Women’s University in Africa. Mobile: +44 7471274179 Email: [email protected] Kudzai Mwapaura is a Lecturer and Work-Related Learning Coordinator in the Department of Social Work at the Women’s University in Africa, Harare Manresa Campus, Zimbabwe. Email: [email protected] Mutsa Chinotimba is a Master of Social Work Graduate in the Department of Social Work at the University of Zimbabwe. Mobile: +263 771 883 603 Email: [email protected] Contributions Lead Author Dr. Witness Chikoko Major contributions to the conception and design of the study. Significant role in data collection, analysis, and interpretation. Lead in manuscript writing and revisions. Overall coordination of the project. Second Author Kudzai Nyabeze (Corresponding Author) Contributions to the study design and methodology. Involvement in data analysis and interpretation. Provided substantial feedback and revisions on the manuscript. Research collaboration and oversight. Corresponding author for manuscript submission and communication. Third Author Kudzai Mwapaura Coordination of data collection and fieldwork. Involvement in data analysis. Contributions to manuscript drafting and critical revisions. Administrative and logistical support for the study. Fourth Author Mutsa Chinotimba Assisted with data collection and preliminary analysis. Contributions to the literature review and background research. Involvement in manuscript drafting and editing. Supporting roles throughout the study. Corresponding author Correspondence to Kudzai Nyabeze Ethical Declarations Informed consent was obtained from all individual participants included in the study. For participants under the age of 18, informed consent was obtained from parents or legal guardians, along with assent from the participants themselves. References Archer-Kuhn.B., Hughes.J., Saini.M., Still.M., Beltrano.N., and Tam.D. (2023). Who’s going to keep us safe? Surviving domestic violence and shared parenting during the COVID 19. Journal of Child and Family Studies. Volume 32: 57-66 Bhenyu.J.P. (2021). Challenges experienced by children in CHHs in South Africa. Unpublished Master’s in Child Care and Protection Degree, School of Law, University of Kwazulu Natal, South Africa. Catch.T. and Chikoko.W. (2023). Begging as a livelihood strategy: A case of street children of the Harare Central Business District in Zimbabwe. NGENGANI . Volume 2 (1& 2). Chademana/Munodawafa.K.E. (2017). Quality of life in fragile state: A study of orphans and vulnerable children living in child-headed households in Zimbabwe. unpublished Doctor of Philosophy in Public Health, School of Public Health, Faculty of Community Health Sciences, University of the Western Cape, South Africa. Chademana, K.E., and van Wyk, B. (2021). Life in a childheaded household: Exploring the quality of life of orphans in childheaded households in Zimbabwe. African Journal of AIDS Research Volume 20 (02): 172-180 Chikoko.W. (2024). Violence against children in street situations in Sub-Saharan Africa: An Overview in O. B. Mlambo and E. Chitando (eds). The Palgrave Handbook on Violence in Africa. Springer Nature, Switzerland. Chikoko.W. and Mavuka.A. (2024). Role of social cash transfers among children in child-headed households: A case of the Jacha area of Epworth in Harare, Zimbabwe, in the face of the austerity era. Journal of Human Rights & Social Work. https://doi.org/10.1007/s541134-024-00354-8 Chikoko.W., Mhlanga.J. and Mwapaura.K. (2024). Resilience of unaccompanied refugee children in foster care at Tongogara Refugee Camp. Discover Global Society. Volume 02 (102) Chikoko, W. and Mwapaura, K. (2022). Resilience of Persons with Road Accident Disabilities in the Face of the COVID-19 Pandemic in Budiriro High Density Residential Suburb, Harare, Zimbabwe. Journal of Urban Systems and Innovations for Resilience in Zimbabwe (JUSIRZ), Vol. 4, No. 1, pp. 283-300.https://www.researchgate.net/publication/362843354 Chikoko, W., and Mwapaura, K. (2023). Challenges and Opportunities for Child-Sensitive Social Protection Programmes in Zimbabwe. Journal of Social Development in Africa , 38(2), 1-30. Chikoko, W., Mwapaura, K., Zvokuomba, K., Nyabeze, K and Soko, S. (2022). Challenges and opportunities for indigenous social protection systems in Zimbabwe: A conceptual review. African Journal of Social Work , 12(5), 249-256.https://www.ajol.info/index.php/ajsw/article/view/255348 Creswell, J. W. (2014). Research Design: Qualitative, Quantitative, and Mixed Methods Approaches (4th ed.) . Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage. Francis-Chizororo.M. (2008). The formation, constitution, and social dynamics of orphaned child-headed households in rural Zimbabwe in the era of the HIV/AIDS pandemic, unpublished PhD thesis, School of Geography and Geosciences, University of St Andrews, Scotland, United Kingdom. Francis-Chizororo.M. (2010). Growing up without parents: socialisation and gender relations in orphaned child-headed households in rural Zimbabwe. Journal of Southern African Studies. Volume 36, Number 3. Goronga.P.(2018). Resilience processes in childheaded households in Chinhoyi . unpublished PhD thesis, Educational Psychology Department, Faculty of Education, University of Pretoria, South Africa. Hickle.K.E .(2017). Resiliency and women exiting sex trade industry. Journal of Social Work . Volume17, Number 03 (302-323) Kapesa.M.J. (2015). Understanding resilience and coping in CHHs in Mutasa district, Zimbabwe. unpublished PhD thesis in psychology, University of South Africa, Pretoria. Kusumaningrum.S., Siagisn.C., Beazley.H. (2021). Children during the COVID-19 pandemic: Children and young people’s vulnerability and wellbeing in Indonesia. Children’s Geographies. DO1:10.1080/14733285.2021.1900544 Lee.LM. (2012). Youths navigating social networks and social support systems in the setting of a chronic crisis: The case of youth-headed households in Rwanda. African Journal of AIDS Research, Volume 11, Number 3 (165-175) Makuya.R.V. (2022). Challenges of learners from childheaded families that affect their educational goals: A case study of three schools in Johannesburg East district, Gauteng Province, South Africa. Unpublished Master of Education in Psychology of Education, Department of Educational Studies, School of Education, University of Venda, Limpopo. Mavise, A. (2011). Child-headed households as contested spaces: Challenges and opportunities in children's decision making. Vulnerable Children & Youth Studies . Vol. 6 Issue 4, p321-329. Maushe, F. & Mugumbate, J. (2015). “We Are On Our Own”: Challenges Facing Child Headed Households, A Case of Seke Rural Area in Zimbabwe. African Journal of Social Work. Volume 5 , Number 1 Mushunje, M.T. (2014). Interrogating the relevance of the extended family as a social safety net for vulnerable children in Zimbabwe . African Journal of Social Work, 4(2), 78- 110. Mkhavele, M., De Jager, E. S., and Mokale, R. (2024). Social workers’ views on the implementation of legislation that guides service delivery to CHHs. Social Work/Maatskaplike Werk. Volume 60, Number 03 Mwapaura, K., and Chikoko, W. (2021). The impact of COVID-19 on persons with disabilities induced by road accidents in Zimbabwe: The case of Budiriro high density suburb, Harare, Zimbabwe. Journal of Public Policy in Africa (JOPPA), Vol. 8, No. 1, pp. 25-36. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/362841504 Mwapaura K, Magavude T, Munyanyi S, Rufurwokuda A, and Chisosa T (2022). The adversities in the lives of street children with disabilities during the corona virus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic: The case of Masvingo, Zimbabwe. Journal of Social Issues in Non-Communicable Conditions & Disability (SINCCD), 1(1), 1-10.https://www.researchgate.net/publication/363694560 Mwapaura, K., Chikoko, W., Nyabeze, K., Kabonga, I., and Zvokuomba, K. (2022). Provision of Child Protection Services in Zimbabwe: Review of the Human Rights Perspective. Cogent Social Sciences (OASS). 8 (1), 2136606, DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/23311886.2022.2136606. Mturi, A. J. (2012). Childheaded households in South Africa: What we know and what we don’t. Development Southern Africa . Volume 29, Number 03 (506-516) Phillips. C. (2011). Child headed households: A feasible way forward or an infringement of children’s right to alternative care? Ivonne Hermeni, Eindhoven. Powell.G. (2006). Children in institutional care: Lessons from Zimbabwe’s experience. Journal of Social Development in Africa. Volume 21, Number 01 Rebbe.R. Reddy.T., Huang.J. S., Kuelbs.C., and Hornstein.E.P. (2023). Counts and child protection reports of diagnosed child maltreatment before and after the COVID-19 pandemic onset. Child Abuse and Neglect. 146 (106450) Spina.G, Giordano.F, Cristofolini.F, Lndoni.M, Grazioli.S, Viggiani.C, Griagnavella.C, and Simione.L. (2023). Mental health of mothers and children during the COVID-19 lockdown: A cross-sectional study on a large sample of Italian families. Journal of Child and Family Studies. https://doi.org/10.1007/s/0826-023-026385 Owusu-Addo.E., Owusu-Addo.S.B., Bennon.D.M., Mensah-Odum.N., Deliege.A., and Bansal.A. (2023). Prevalence and determinants of sexual abuse among adolescent girls during the COVID-19 lockdown and school closures in Ghana. Child Abuse and Neglect. 135 (105992) Takaza, S., Nyikahadzoi, K., Chikwaiwa, B.K., Matsika, A.B., Muchinako, G., and Ndlovu, E. (2013). A comparative analysis of the impact of alternative care approaches on the psychosocial wellbeing of orphans and other vulnerable children (OVCs) in the Zimbabwe Journal of Social Development in Africa, 28(2), 9. Twala.S.K. (2018). Experiences and coping strategies of children from CHHs in Swaziland. Journal of Education and Training Studies, Volume 6. Number 7 Neuman.W.L. (2011). Social research methods: qualitative and quantitative approaches. 7 th edition, Boston, Pearson. Ungar.M.(2008). Resilience across cultures. British Journal of Social Work. 38 (218-235) Van Breda, A. (2018). A critical review of resilience theory and its relevance for social work . Social Work/Maatskaplike Werk. Volume 54, Number 01 Additional Declarations No competing interests reported. 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Also discoverable on Platform About Our Team In Review Editorial Policies Advisory Board Help Center Resources Author Services Accessibility API Access RSS feed Manage Cookie Preferences © Research Square 2026 | ISSN 2693-5015 (online) Privacy Policy Terms of Service Do Not Sell My Personal Information {"props":{"pageProps":{"initialData":{"identity":"rs-5745085","acceptedTermsAndConditions":true,"allowDirectSubmit":true,"archivedVersions":[],"articleType":"Research Article","associatedPublications":[],"authors":[{"id":400481006,"identity":"ff09d5b5-943c-4ccc-8dbc-a507449a5035","order_by":0,"name":"Witness Chikoko","email":"","orcid":"","institution":"University of Zimbabwe","correspondingAuthor":false,"prefix":"","firstName":"Witness","middleName":"","lastName":"Chikoko","suffix":""},{"id":400481007,"identity":"1b3ca1b4-d6ef-4ecf-aabd-faf48ffffc60","order_by":1,"name":"Kudzai Nyabeze","email":"data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAAZAAAAAyAQMAAABI0h/eAAAABlBMVEX///8AAABVwtN+AAAACXBIWXMAAA7EAAAOxAGVKw4bAAAA90lEQVRIiWNgGAWjYBACCQYGA4YEBhAJBB+AmI2dFC2MM0BamInRwgDVwswDYhHSIjkjefOHhzsOy5uztz98bPNrmzwfMwPjh485uLVIS6QVGCSeOWy4s+dAsnFu323DNmYGZsmZ23BrkZPIMUhIbDvMuOFGwjHp3J7bjEAtbMy8BLQcAGqx33D/Yftvy57b9gS1SEvkGDYAtSRuuMEMDKsftxMJapHseVbMkNiWnryzJ41ZsrfhdnIbM2MzXr9IHE/e/PFnm7XtdvbjDz/8+HPbdn5788EPH/FogYJmCMXYBiYbCKoHgjoo/YcYxaNgFIyCUTDSAAApsFNTWX4PLAAAAABJRU5ErkJggg==","orcid":"","institution":"Women’s University in Africa","correspondingAuthor":true,"prefix":"","firstName":"Kudzai","middleName":"","lastName":"Nyabeze","suffix":""},{"id":400481008,"identity":"ebac7713-fd42-40b8-9865-98d646e5dddd","order_by":2,"name":"Kudzai Mwapaura","email":"","orcid":"","institution":"Women’s University in Africa","correspondingAuthor":false,"prefix":"","firstName":"Kudzai","middleName":"","lastName":"Mwapaura","suffix":""},{"id":400481009,"identity":"75bce7a1-93e7-4a77-9358-f90c69b652a3","order_by":3,"name":"Mutsa Chinotimba","email":"","orcid":"","institution":"University of Zimbabwe","correspondingAuthor":false,"prefix":"","firstName":"Mutsa","middleName":"","lastName":"Chinotimba","suffix":""}],"badges":[],"createdAt":"2025-01-01 07:38:14","currentVersionCode":1,"declarations":"","doi":"10.21203/rs.3.rs-5745085/v1","doiUrl":"https://doi.org/10.21203/rs.3.rs-5745085/v1","draftVersion":[],"editorialEvents":[],"editorialNote":"","failedWorkflow":false,"files":[{"id":87737427,"identity":"8a7bfc2b-9b83-4bac-b67b-6e9d9f14a3c8","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2025-07-28 12:47:23","extension":"pdf","order_by":0,"title":"","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"manuscript-pdf","size":716521,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"","description":"","filename":"manuscript.pdf","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-5745085/v1/1b0a4a4c-9209-4ac6-bd96-f993d44012af.pdf"}],"financialInterests":"No competing interests reported.","formattedTitle":"Resilience of children in Child Headed Households (CHHs) in rural Zimbabwe in the face of the COVID 19 pandemic: A case study of ward 14, Rowa of Mutare District","fulltext":[{"header":"Introduction and Background","content":"\u003cp\u003eThe impact of the COVID 19 pandemic has been unprecedented in many parts of the world, particularly on vulnerable populations such as orphans, elderly persons, and people with disabilities, among others [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR10\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e10\u003c/span\u003e, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR9\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e9\u003c/span\u003e, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR26\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e26\u003c/span\u003e]. Documentation on the resilience of children in child headed households in rural Zimbabwe during the COVID-19 pandemic is lacking. There are academic gaps on how the children in child headed households in rural Zimbabwe became resilient in the face of the COVID 19 pandemic. A child is a person below the age of 18 years (Children’s Act Amendment 2023, 5:06). Child-headed families are when the carer of that household is younger and below the age of 18 years [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR21\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e21\u003c/span\u003e, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR20\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e20\u003c/span\u003e, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR22\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e22\u003c/span\u003e]. In child-headed families, the children or adolescents are responsible for the day-to-day running of the households in terms of decision-making, among others [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR20\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e20\u003c/span\u003e, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR21\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e21\u003c/span\u003e, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR28\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e28\u003c/span\u003e].\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e[\u003cspan citationid=\"CR2\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2\u003c/span\u003e] observed that “children in CHHs encounter financial, educational, psychosocial and medical problems including poor access to health care services.” In a study of CHHs in Johannesburg, the children were exposed to several acts of violence [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR2\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2\u003c/span\u003e]. In addition to living in informal settlements with poor service delivery and limited access to water and sanitation, the children in CHHs also experienced other forms of violence [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR2\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2\u003c/span\u003e]. In Eswatini, children in CHHs were food insecure and had strained family relations, among others [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR35\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e35\u003c/span\u003e].\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eIn rural Zimbabwe, children in child-headed households are very vulnerable (Government of Zimbabwe, 2016). They are vulnerable because of abandonment, sexual abuse, traumatic experiences of the deaths of their parents, stigma and discrimination, and limited access to basic services such as food, birth certificates, housing, and education, among others [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR4\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e4\u003c/span\u003e, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR7\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e7\u003c/span\u003e, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR22\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e22\u003c/span\u003e, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR13\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e13\u003c/span\u003e]. In another study, [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR5\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e5\u003c/span\u003e], observed that children in CHHs in Zimbabwe faced a myriad of challenges, characterised by inadequate social protection, lack of food, little support from extended families, and financial insecurity, among others. Child-sensitive and indigenous social protection programmes are vital for this group as well [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR10\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e10\u003c/span\u003e, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR11\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e11\u003c/span\u003e].\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe early 1980s and 1990s saw the first identification of CHHs in nations like Uganda, Zimbabwe, Zambia, and Tanzania, among others [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR35\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e35\u003c/span\u003e]. There are many factors that account for the emergence of CHHs. Some of the factors include parental migration [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR20\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e20\u003c/span\u003e]. CHHs are also a result of poverty, armed conflicts, the death of parents due to diseases such as HIV and AIDS, COVID-19, car accidents, and violence, among others [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR2\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2\u003c/span\u003e, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR20\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e20\u003c/span\u003e, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR29\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e29\u003c/span\u003e]. CHHs that were created by the migration of parents were considered better off, as they had an improved economic base because of remittances [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR28\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e28\u003c/span\u003e]. In South Africa during the Apartheid era, people migrated looking for employment in various cities and towns, leaving behind their families at the same time [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR28\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e28\u003c/span\u003e]. CHHs are also a result of the collapse of the extended family systems [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR17\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e17\u003c/span\u003e]. In traditional African society, the extended family system played pivotal roles in taking care of its vulnerable members, including orphans, among others [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR4\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e4\u003c/span\u003e, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR6\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e6\u003c/span\u003e, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR23\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e23\u003c/span\u003e]. However, with the erosion of the capacity of extended families due to modernity and globalisation, among other factors, orphaned children are left on their own, and it provides opportunities for the formation of CHHs [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR28\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e28\u003c/span\u003e].\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eIn 2009, 68% of people living with HIV were in sub-Saharan Africa [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR29\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e29\u003c/span\u003e]. HIV and AIDS orphaned an estimated 15,000,000 children globally between 2006 and 2009 [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR29\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e29\u003c/span\u003e, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR30\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e30\u003c/span\u003e]. 98% of the orphaned children were in sub-Saharan Africa [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR30\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e30\u003c/span\u003e]. [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR2\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2\u003c/span\u003e] estimates that South Africa is home to 3.7\u0026nbsp;million orphans, with an additional 150,000 children living in CHHs. As of 2010, Zimbabwe had an estimate of 1.6\u0026nbsp;million orphans [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR34\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e34\u003c/span\u003e]. In 2018, South Africa had 33\u0026nbsp;million CHHs [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR24\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e24\u003c/span\u003e]. Some children in CHHs struggled with their parents' illnesses to such an extent that they assumed responsibility for running the household before they were even considered orphans [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR28\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e28\u003c/span\u003e].\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe COVID-19 pandemic has significantly impacted human lives, both globally and locally. Studies have indicated that the COVID-19 pandemic affected people in many ways, including a dramatic or significant drop in family incomes, which led to severe poverty [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR25\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e25\u003c/span\u003e, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR25\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e25\u003c/span\u003e]. The unprecedented impact of the COVID-19 pandemic was more pronounced on vulnerable members of society. For example, in Indonesia, the COVID-19 pandemic severely affected children who live in poverty or institutions, as there were restricted movements, leaving them voiceless by living in cramped, unhygienic conditions and increasing their vulnerability to other diseases [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR25\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e25\u003c/span\u003e]. In a study of three Canadian provinces, namely [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR1\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e1\u003c/span\u003e], observed increases in domestic violence during the COVID-19 pandemic. The increased domestic violence was because of decreased family income streams and confinements, among others [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR1\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e1\u003c/span\u003e].\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e[\u003cspan citationid=\"CR18\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e18\u003c/span\u003e], observed that children in Jakarta, Indonesia, were vulnerable to the COVID-19 pandemic in many ways. The children of Jakarta, Indonesia, were exposed to mental health-related challenges; some developed behavioural problems, including depression [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR18\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e18\u003c/span\u003e]. In addition, some of the children also became victims or survivors of emotional distress and psychological trauma due to several factors, such as family separation, deaths, abrupt changes in their daily lives, separation from social networks, limited access to schools and thus education, and enforced isolation, among others [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR18\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e18\u003c/span\u003e].\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eSimilarly, in a study in Italy, [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR32\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e32\u003c/span\u003e] observed high levels of stress and psychological challenges, such as low moods and emotional distress, among others. Some of the psychological challenges were triggered by reduced social contacts with family members and peers, abrupt disruption of their daily or routine activities, and confinement in homes, among others [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR32\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e32\u003c/span\u003e]. The COVID-19 pandemic in Indonesia exacerbated children's vulnerabilities [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR18\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e18\u003c/span\u003e]. Non-governmental organizations and government programs cut off the children living in informal settlements [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR18\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e18\u003c/span\u003e]. They did not have access to clean water, food, or health services, and there was a high mortality rate among newborns and under-fives, among others [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR18\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e18\u003c/span\u003e]. In Indonesia, the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted the supply chain for immunisation programmes, and that led to spikes of cholera, measles, and diphtheria, among others [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR18\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e18\u003c/span\u003e]. In a study in the United States of America, [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR31\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e31\u003c/span\u003e] observed that the COVID-19 pandemic enhanced the factors associated with childhood maltreatment. Some of the factors included misuse of substances, familial stress, decreased service support, and economic hardships, among others [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR31\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e31\u003c/span\u003e].\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eIn a study in Ghana, [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR33\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e33\u003c/span\u003e], observed that the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown measures triggered an increase in sexual, physical, and emotional abuse among children. The COVID-19 pandemic heightened the chances of girls’ exposure to sexual violence by relatives and neighbours, among others [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR33\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e33\u003c/span\u003e]. Some of the factors that accounted for the increase in sexual violence among girls during the COVID-19 pandemic included peer pressure, closure of schools, watching pornography, and financial difficulties, among others [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR33\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e33\u003c/span\u003e].\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eDespite facing the debilitating impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, children in child-headed households in rural Zimbabwe have become or demonstrated resilience. The current study interrogates the resilience of children in child-headed households in rural Zimbabwe during the COVID-19 pandemic.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eTheoretical Framework\u003c/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eResilience Theory is defined as positive psychology [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR17\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e17\u003c/span\u003e, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR38\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e38\u003c/span\u003e]. It is also defined as the ability to adapt in the face of adversities [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR3\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e3\u003c/span\u003e]. Resilience includes the capacity to cope in the face of hardships [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR8\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e8\u003c/span\u003e]. It is defined as a multilayered process that focuses on the strengths of people in the face of hardships or adversities [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR15\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e15\u003c/span\u003e]. The multilayered process includes people's agency in engaging with protective factors to reduce their vulnerability [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR15\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e15\u003c/span\u003e]. Numerous factors determine resilience [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR17\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e17\u003c/span\u003e]. There are several factors that enhance resilience during difficult times [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR8\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e8\u003c/span\u003e]. Some of them include personal or individual factors, and others are societal or environmental-related factors [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR37\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e37\u003c/span\u003e, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR8\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e8\u003c/span\u003e]. Therefore, resilience is a result of a combination of factors [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR7\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e7\u003c/span\u003e, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR16\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e16\u003c/span\u003e]. [17,] observed that, “resilience is meaningless outside the context of hardship and adversity.” Children should cope well in the context of adversities for the process to have resilience connotations [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR17\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e17\u003c/span\u003e]. There is no single pathway to resilience [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR17\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e17\u003c/span\u003e]. The pathways to resilience are context specific [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR17\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e17\u003c/span\u003e]. Children's resilience studies always consider their voices and agency [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR17\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e17\u003c/span\u003e].\u003c/p\u003e "},{"header":"Research Methodology","content":"\u003cp\u003eWe adopted a qualitative case study research design to generate data for the study. A qualitative case study research design provides deeper insights into a phenomenon understudy [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR12\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e12\u003c/span\u003e, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR36\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e36\u003c/span\u003e]. A qualitative case study provided a detailed account of the resilience of children in CHHs of Ward 14 in Rowa, Mutare District, in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic. In the same way, [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR7\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e7\u003c/span\u003e] used a qualitative case study research design to look at how social cash transfers affected children living in CHHs in the Epworth informal settlement in Harare, Zimbabwe, during the austerity era. Ward 14 of Rowa, Mutare District, was chosen as a research site for the study, as it is one of the places that has the highest number of CHHs. The place is also known for high cases of child abuse, violence, and exploitation. The place is also known for high cases of child abuse, violence, and exploitation. The research site is also very close to Mutare Urban. It is also known for gold and diamond artisanal mining, among others. The study selected a total of twelve CHHs through purposive sampling. The research participants were aged between 12 and 17 years. There were eight female child heads and four male-headed ones. The majority of the CHHs were as a result of orphanhood, while a few had parents who migrated to neighbouring countries such as Mozambique, Botswana, and South Africa, among others. In a study of CHHs in Rwanda, [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR19\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e19\u003c/span\u003e], used purposive sampling in identifying the heads of the households. We collected data through a variety of methods, including in-depth interviews, focus group discussions, and key informant interviews. The in-depth interviews were conducted with child heads in the absence of their siblings. We conducted the in-depth interviews at locations that were convenient for the children in CHHs. Some of them included their vending stalls and places where they were doing menial jobs, among others. The in-depth interviews took a duration of almost 60 minutes. [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR14\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e14\u003c/span\u003e] also conducted in-depth interviews with children in the CHHs located in the Mhondoro district of Zimbabwe.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eChildren in CHHs also participated in the focus group discussions. Some of the variables that determined the formation of focus group discussions included the age, sex, and degree of responsibilities of the research participants. For instance, we conducted a separate focus group discussion with other children for those heading households. The focus group discussions lasted for a duration of 30 minutes. The focus group discussion focused on how the children in CHHs in Ward 14 of Rowa, Mutare, were able to adapt in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe study selected a total of four key informants through convenience sampling. The key informants had detailed information about the lifestyles of children in CHHs of Ward 14 of Rowa in Mutare district. The key informants included a ward councillor, a church pastor, a social worker employed by a local child rights non-governmental organisation, and a social development officer employed by the Department of Social Development under the Ministry of Public Service, Labour, and Social Welfare.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eWe conducted content analysis on the data. The analysis was done at two intervals. For instance, the analysis was conducted both during and after the data collection process. Through content analysis, themes and subthemes emerged. Some of them included societal ones, such as menial jobs, begging, support from neighbors, community members, non-governmental agencies, and Government of Zimbabwe line ministries, among others. Individual traits such as self-determination and positive attitudes, among others, also emerged during data analysis.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe researcher explained the aim and objectives of the study to the participants, and participation was on a voluntary basis. The study did not compel anyone to participate. The research participants were free to withdraw at any stage of the research process. To ensure anonymity and privacy of the participants, the study adopted the use of alphabetic letters such as A, B, C, D, and E, among others.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e \u003cb\u003eEthical statement\u003c/b\u003e \u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e The study met or complied with all the ethical considerations and was approved by the Department of Social Work Ethics Committee at the University of Zimbabwe. The Department of Social Development under the Ministry of Public Service, Labour, and Social Welfare also approved the study.\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"Research Findings","content":"\u003cp\u003eThis section presents the research findings. Below, we present the research findings as major themes and sub-themes.\u003c/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eIndividual Traits Factors\u003c/h3\u003e\u003ch2\u003ePositive Attitude\u003c/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eResearch findings suggest that positive attitudes were some of the individual traits that enhanced the resilience of children in CHHs in Ward 14 of Rowa in the Mutare district. During in-depth interviews, one of the research participants, called D, said this:\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eI always had a positive attitude that, COVID 19 pandemic will come and go. Yes, it affected us in many ways, but I knew that we will pull through.\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eAnother participant, called A, said the following:\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eDespite COVID 19 pandemic bringing untold suffering among ourselves as CHHs, I had a positive attitude. I have through a lot in my life to an extent that I take challenges as opportunities.\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eDuring focus group discussions, the participants had a consensus view that positive attitudes triggered resilience among children in CHHs of Ward 14, Rowa of Mutare district. The participants added that challenges were opportunities and were prepared to take them head-on.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eOne of the key informants, a social worker, also confirmed that positive attitudes enhanced the resilience of children in CHHs of Ward 14, Rowa of Mutare district. Some CHH children were so hardened by their hardships that they were unafraid of the COVID-19 pandemic.\u003c/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eSelf-determination\u003c/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003eEvidence suggests that self-determination is one of the individual traits that enhanced the resilience of the children in CHHs of Ward 14, Rowa, Mutare District, Zimbabwe. During in-depth interviews of the participant, called B had this to say:\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e \u003cem\u003eSome of us we were prepared to remain alive despite the challenges that were brought by COVID 19 pandemic.\u003c/em\u003e \u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eAnother participant, called F, said the following:\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eDuring COVID 19 pandemic were adapted to the situation because of our fighting spirit in any challenging circumstances. We remain afloat despite the trying times brought by COVID 19 pandemic.\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e During focus group discussions, the participants all agreed that self-determination was a key individual trait that enhanced the resilience of children in CHHs of ward 14, Rowa of Mutare district, Zimbabwe. The participants added that some of the children demonstrated self-determination by remaining positive and becoming agentic in their search for survival resources.\u003c/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eSocio- Environmental Factors\u003c/h2\u003e\u003ch2\u003eMenial jobs\u003c/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eResearch findings suggest that children in CHHs in Ward 14 and Rowa in Mutare District became resilient because of getting menial jobs. As a result of the menial jobs, the children were able to raise money to buy food and other basic needs for survival.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eDuring in-depth interviews, a participant called C (a 17-year-old girl) said the following:\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eDuring COVID-19 I engaged in menial jobs in order to earn money for a living. Some of the menial jobs included weeding in people fields.\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eAnother participant called F said,\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eMenial jobs were very helpful for me during that time because I could get money to buy food. For example, I bought a sack of maize mealie meal after doing some menial jobs.\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eDuring the focus group discussions, the participants agreed that menial jobs such as weeding in people’s fields and looking for firewood enhanced the resilience of the children in CHHs of Ward 14, Rowa of Mutare District. The participants added that they raise money for basic needs such as food through menial jobs, among others\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eA social worker employed by one of the local child rights organisations operating in ward 14, Rowa of Mutare district confirmed that the children in CHHs raised money for buying basic needs through engaging in menial jobs. She added that, although the practises were in violation of children’s rights, the menial jobs enhanced the resilience of these children.\u003c/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eVending\u003c/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003eCOVID-19 restricted people from vending, but in rural areas, the enforcement of the restrictions was not as strict as compared with urban areas. Therefore, selling or vending of various commodities was another coping strategy adopted by children in CHHs, ward 14 of Rowa district, Mutare district. During in-depth interviews, one of the participants, called D (a 16-year-old boy) said this:\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e \u003cem\u003eDuring COVID- 19 pandemic we would go in the mountain and bushes to collect firewood for sale. At times selling at home would not give us much money therefore we would go and sell around the whole village. People would buy at a slow rate so sometimes we would go to the main road and sell from there but because many people were not travelling, we would not get much money but other days were better we would sell a lot of firewood and also get money not enough though but it would help us to earn a living.\u003c/em\u003e \u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eAnother participant, called E, said this:\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eDuring COVID 19 pandemic I raised money for survival through selling cigarettes and vegetables to the people in our village and the neighbouring villages.\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e During the focus group discussion, the participants agreed that vending enhanced the resilience of children of CHHs in Ward 14 of Rowa, Mutare district, Zimbabwe. The participants added that the children were selling a wide range of goods, such as firewood, vegetables, and cigarettes, among others.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eA social development officer from the Ministry of Public Service, Labour, and Social Welfare's Department of Social Development confirmed that selling different kinds of goods helped kids in CHHs in Ward 14, Rowa, in the Mutare district get used to the tough life they were living because of the COVID-19 pandemic. He added that the children in CHHs were selling products such as vegetables, cigarettes, and firewood, among others.\u003c/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eMoney from income generating projects\u003c/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eResearch findings suggest that children in CHHs in Ward 14, Rowa, and Mutare districts in Zimbabwe enhanced their resilience during the COVID-19 pandemic through money generated from various projects.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eDuring in-depth interviews, a participant had this to say:\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e \u003cem\u003eWhen the COVID-19 pandemic started I did not suffer much in terms of the finances. I had a chicken project that assisted me in terms of raising money for survival. I bought food and clothes for my siblings and myself. So, during the COVID 19 pandemic raised money for survival through selling broilers and chicken eggs to members of our village and other neighbouring villages.\u003c/em\u003e \u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eAnother participant called D said this:\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e \u003cem\u003eDuring COVID 19 pandemic, I managed the situation through money I generated from my vegetable garden. I have one of the biggest vegetable gardens in the village. I grow spinach, tomatoes, carrots among others. These vegetables are always on demand in our village.\u003c/em\u003e \u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eDuring focus group discussions, the participants all agreed that the children in CHHs, ward 14 of Rowa, Mutare district, enhanced their resilience through money raised from various income-generating projects. The participants added that some of the income-generating projects included vegetable gardens, chicken rearing, and selling chicken eggs, among others.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eA councillor of ward 14, Rowa of Mutare district, also confirmed that money from income-generating projects enhanced the resilience of children in CHHs during the COVID 19 pandemic. He added that vulnerable members, such as children in CHHs and elderly persons, had spaces in the community gardens. The councillor also added that such community projects for vulnerable members of society were initiated through financial and technical support from non-governmental organisations such as Plan International, among others.\u003c/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eSupport from neighbours and church members\u003c/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eSupport from neighbours and church members enhanced the resilience of children in CHHs, ward 14 of Rowa, Mutare district, Zimbabwe. During in-depth interviews, one of the participants called G and said,\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eAs children in CHHs we got crucial support from the churches. The church members provided spiritual counselling to children in CHHs and other vulnerable members of the community.\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eAnother participant called F said the following statements:\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eSome of the churches such as Roman Catholic mobilised food stuffs for distribution towards vulnerable members of society such as elderly, children in CHHs, those with disabilities. The distributed food went a long way in enhancing food security for children in CHHs. We got cooking oil, maize flour, flour for making bread among others.\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e During focus group discussions, the participants all agreed that the churches played important roles in the resilience of children in CHHs and other vulnerable members of Ward 14, Rowa, Mutare District, Zimbabwe. The participants added that some of the services provided by the various churches included spiritual counselling and the provision of food items to vulnerable members of society.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe ward councillor also confirmed that children in CHHs managed to adapt despite the unprecedented impact of the COVID-19 pandemic because of support from the churches. He added that the churches provided prayers, spiritual counselling, and material goods to vulnerable members of the community.\u003c/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eSupport from non-governmental agencies and Government of Zimbabwe\u003c/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eChildren in CHHs, ward 14 of Rowa, Mutare district, Zimbabwe, got support from various non-governmental agencies and the Government of Zimbabwe line ministries. Through support from such organisations, the children in CHHs were able to adapt despite the debilitating impact of the COVID 19 pandemic. During in-depth interviews, one of the participants called A said,\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eDuring COVID 19 pandemic as children in CHHs we received a monthly pay out of 25 USD from Plan International.\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eAnother participant called E said the following:\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e \u003cem\u003eI got a once off payout from Department of Social Development. The once off payment of 3000 Zimbabwe bond through NetOne lines. The Net One lines were redeemable at OK supermarket, where I bought some groceries for my siblings. I bought meat (beef), cooking oil, bread among others.\u003c/em\u003e \u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e During focus group discussions, the participants agreed that support from non-governmental agencies such as Plan International and the Government of Zimbabwe enabled the children in CHHs of Ward 14, Rowa, and Mutare districts to adapt to the debilitating impact of the COVID 19 pandemic.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eA councillor for ward 14, Rowa, Mutare district, confirmed that non-governmental agencies and the Department of Social Development under the Ministry of Public Service, Labour, and Social Welfare initiated social cash transfers during the COVID 19 pandemic. He added that some of the beneficiaries were children in CHHs, the elderly, and people with disabilities, among others. The ward councillor also confirmed that the Department of Social Welfare was dispatching the social cash transfers through Net One lines in the form of Zimbabwean currency.\u003c/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eBegging\u003c/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eEvidence indicates that begging has become a common practice for some children residing in child-headed households in Ward 14, Rowa, Mutare District. The study's findings revealed that usually the youngest siblings in households were the ones who would engage in begging.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eDuring in-depth interviews, one of the participants said this:\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e \u003cem\u003eBegging helped us a lot during COVID 19 because we got help. At times we would move from village to village begging from anyone we would reach to. In other days we would get food and other days we would get money but most of the times we would sent our young siblings while we remain and do casual labour. We realized that the young siblings would get more help from the communities so we would have sent them to beg from people.\u003c/em\u003e \u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eAnother participant called J said the following:\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e \u003cem\u003eThrough begging in the villages, we raised money for survival during COVID 19 pandemic. Some of the well-wishers even gave us food stuffs such as cooking oil, maize flour among others.\u003c/em\u003e \u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eDuring focus group discussions, the participants agreed that some of the children in CHHs were involved in begging. The participants added that there were dynamics associated with begging. For example, the younger children were involved in begging.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eA social worker working for a local non-governmental Child Rights Organisation confirmed that some children in CHHs were engaged in begging, particularly during the COVID 19 pandemic. She added that most of the children who were begging were very young ones.\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"Discussion","content":"\u003cp\u003eOur analysis suggests that the children in CHHs in Ward 14, Rowa, Mutare District, managed to adapt despite the unprecedented impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. There are several factors that have enhanced the resilience of children in CHHs of Ward 14, Rowa of Mutare district in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic. Some of the key factors included socially related ones, such as support from neighbours and community members, vending, doing menial jobs, and begging, among others. Some of the individual-related traits, such as self-determination and positive attitudes, also enhanced the resilience of the children in CHHs of Ward 14, Rowa of Mutare district, Zimbabwe. Utilising the Resilience Theory, the children in CHHs of Ward 14, Rowa of Mutare, were able to adapt despite the debilitating impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eAs highlighted above, the individual-related traits such as positive attitudes and self-determination promoted the positive adaptation of the children in CHHs of Ward 14, Rowa of Mutare district, Zimbabwe. The children in CHHs exhibited positive attitudes in many ways. For example, children in CHHs became resourceful by taking challenges as opportunities, among others. Self-determination is another individual trait that promoted the adaptation of children in CHHs of Ward 14, Rowa of Mutare district, Zimbabwe. Their fighting spirit and drive to overcome the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic demonstrated their self-determination. Similarly, in a study of unaccompanied refugee children under foster care at the Tongogara Refugee Camp in Chipinge District, Zimbabwe, [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR8\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e8\u003c/span\u003e] observed that the refugee children were able to adapt to their challenging circumstances due to individual-related traits such as positive attitudes and self-determination. Such personal or individual traits are very key in triggering the resilience process [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR37\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e37\u003c/span\u003e, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR38\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e38\u003c/span\u003e].\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eResearchers found that the social and environmental factors had a substantial impact on how well the children in CHHs in Ward 14, Rowa, Mutare district, Zimbabwe, were able to adapt to the COVID-19 pandemic. Some of the factors included support from neighbours, churches, non-governmental agencies, and the Department of Social Development, begging, engaging in menial jobs, money raised from income-generating projects, vending, among others. Scholars such as [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR37\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e37\u003c/span\u003e, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR38\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e38\u003c/span\u003e] observed that socio-environmental factors are key in enhancing the resilience of people in the face of adversities.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe social cash transfers promoted the adaptation of the children in CHHs of Ward 14, Rowa, Mutare district, Zimbabwe, in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic. Through the cash transfers from the Government of Zimbabwe and Plan International, the children were able to buy basic needs such as food and clothes, among others. The research findings collaborate with what [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR7\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e7\u003c/span\u003e] observed: children in CHHs in the Jacha area of the Epworth Informal Settlement of Harare, Zimbabwe, became resilient in the face of adversities partly induced by the austerity era. In addition, the children in CHHs of Jacha were able to pay school fees and uniforms because of money they got from the social cash transfers [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR7\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e7\u003c/span\u003e].\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eIt is evident that some of the CHHs of Ward 14, Rowa of Mutare district, Zimbabwe, were able to adapt to the harsh realities associated with the COVID-19 pandemic through engaging in income-generating projects. They raised money through income-generation projects such as community gardens, chicken rearing, and selling eggs, among others. In a study of CHHs in Rwanda, some of the children and youths were able to be resilient through working in farms for their families to survive [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR19\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e19\u003c/span\u003e].\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eEvidence suggests that social support from neighbours and churches enhanced the resilience of children in CHHs of Ward 14, Rowa, of Mutare district, Zimbabwe, in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic. The children were able to get food and spiritual counselling from the neighbours and churches. The research findings corroborate what children and youths in Rwanda did to adapt to their harsh realities as CHHs. The children in CHHs of Rwanda got social support from neighbours and churches and were able to demonstrate their resilience [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR19\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e19\u003c/span\u003e].\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"Conclusion","content":"\u003cp\u003eAs discussed above, the children in CHHs of Ward 14, Rowa of Mutare district became resilient during the COVID 19 pandemic. Their positive adaptation was enhanced by socio-environmental-related factors such as getting menial jobs, begging, vending, and support from neighbours, community members, non-governmental agencies, and the Department of Social Development, among others. The individual-related traits such as positive attitudes and self-determination also enhanced the resilience of children in CHHs of ward 14 Rowa of Mutare district, Zimbabwe. Both the individual or personal traits and socioenvironmental factors are in line with key characteristics or elements of the resilience theory.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRecommendations\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe study provides several recommendations. Some of them include;\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n \u003cli\u003ePolicies and programs for child protection in emergencies are necessary to include children in CHHs in rural Zimbabwe.\u003c/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eThere is a need to revive child protection committees in rural areas of Zimbabwe.\u0026nbsp;Such structures should be functional and have the capacity to handle cases of child abuse and neglect in the context of disasters.\u003c/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eThere is an urgent need for the provision of social protection targeted at children in CHHs in rural Zimbabwe in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic.\u003c/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eThere is a need to revive the utility of indigenous social protection mechanisms such as extended family systems in many parts of the world. This will go a long way in addressing the vulnerabilities of orphans among others and\u003c/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eWe should review the Zimbabwe National Social Protection Policy to include indigenous social protection elements like Zunde Ramambo and extended families, among others.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e"},{"header":"Declarations","content":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eData availability\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eThe datasets generated during and/or analysed during the current study are available from the corresponding author on reasonable request.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAcknowledgements \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul type=\"disc\"\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eThis research was part of Mutsa Chinotimba Master\u0026rsquo;s dissertation at the Department of Social Work, University of Zimbabwe.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFunding\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eThe author(s) received no financial support for the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003cul type=\"disc\"\u003e\n \u003cli\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eConflict of interest.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003eThe author declares no competing interests.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAuthor information\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDr. Witness Chikoko\u003c/strong\u003e is a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Social Work at the University of Zimbabwe. He is also a Research Fellow with the Department of Social Work at the University of Johannesburg, South Africa. Email: [email protected] Mobile: +263 772 529 127\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eKudzai Nyabeze\u003c/strong\u003e is a Lecturer in the Department of Social Work at the Women\u0026rsquo;s University in Africa. Mobile: +44 7471274179 Email: [email protected]\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eKudzai Mwapaura\u003c/strong\u003e is a Lecturer and Work-Related Learning Coordinator in the Department of Social Work at the Women\u0026rsquo;s University in Africa, Harare Manresa Campus, Zimbabwe. Email: [email protected]\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMutsa Chinotimba\u003c/strong\u003e is a Master of Social Work Graduate in the Department of Social Work at the University of Zimbabwe. Mobile: +263 771 883 603 Email: [email protected]\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eContributions\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLead Author\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDr. Witness Chikoko\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul type=\"disc\"\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eMajor contributions to the conception and design of the study.\u003c/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eSignificant role in data collection, analysis, and interpretation.\u003c/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eLead in manuscript writing and revisions.\u003c/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eOverall coordination of the project.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSecond Author\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eKudzai Nyabeze (Corresponding Author)\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul type=\"disc\"\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eContributions to the study design and methodology.\u003c/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eInvolvement in data analysis and interpretation.\u003c/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eProvided substantial feedback and revisions on the manuscript.\u003c/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eResearch collaboration and oversight.\u003c/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eCorresponding author for manuscript submission and communication.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThird Author\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eKudzai Mwapaura\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul type=\"disc\"\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eCoordination of data collection and fieldwork.\u003c/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eInvolvement in data analysis.\u003c/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eContributions to manuscript drafting and critical revisions.\u003c/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eAdministrative and logistical support for the study.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFourth Author\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMutsa Chinotimba\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul type=\"disc\"\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eAssisted with data collection and preliminary analysis.\u003c/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eContributions to the literature review and background research.\u003c/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eInvolvement in manuscript drafting and editing.\u003c/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eSupporting roles throughout the study.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCorresponding author\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCorrespondence to Kudzai Nyabeze\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eEthical Declarations\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eInformed consent was obtained from all individual participants included in the study. For participants under the age of 18, informed consent was obtained from parents or legal guardians, along with assent from the participants themselves.\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"References","content":"\u003col\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eArcher-Kuhn.B., Hughes.J., Saini.M., Still.M., Beltrano.N., and Tam.D. (2023). Who\u0026rsquo;s going to keep us safe? Surviving domestic violence and shared parenting during the COVID 19. \u003cem\u003eJournal of Child and Family Studies. \u003c/em\u003eVolume 32: 57-66\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBhenyu.J.P. (2021). \u003cem\u003eChallenges experienced by children in CHHs in South Africa. \u003c/em\u003eUnpublished Master\u0026rsquo;s in Child Care and Protection Degree, School of Law, University of Kwazulu Natal, South Africa.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCatch.T. and Chikoko.W. (2023). Begging as a livelihood strategy: A case of street children of the Harare Central Business District in Zimbabwe. \u003cem\u003eNGENGANI\u003c/em\u003e. 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Experiences and coping strategies of children from CHHs in Swaziland. \u003cem\u003eJournal of Education and Training Studies, \u003c/em\u003eVolume 6. Number 7\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eNeuman.W.L. (2011).\u003cem\u003e Social research methods: qualitative and quantitative approaches. \u003c/em\u003e7\u003csup\u003eth\u003c/sup\u003e edition, Boston, Pearson.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eUngar.M.(2008). Resilience across cultures. \u003cem\u003eBritish Journal of Social Work. \u003c/em\u003e38 (218-235)\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eVan Breda, A. (2018). A critical review of resilience theory and its relevance for social work\u003cem\u003e. Social Work/Maatskaplike Werk. \u003c/em\u003eVolume 54, Number 01\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ol\u003e"}],"fulltextSource":"","fullText":"","funders":[],"hasAdminPriorityOnWorkflow":false,"hasManuscriptDocX":true,"hasOptedInToPreprint":true,"hasPassedJournalQc":"","hasAnyPriority":false,"hideJournal":true,"highlight":"","institution":"","isAcceptedByJournal":false,"isAuthorSuppliedPdf":false,"isDeskRejected":"","isHiddenFromSearch":false,"isInQc":false,"isInWorkflow":false,"isPdf":false,"isPdfUpToDate":true,"isWithdrawnOrRetracted":false,"journal":{"display":true,"email":"[email protected]","identity":"researchsquare","isNatureJournal":false,"hasQc":true,"allowDirectSubmit":true,"externalIdentity":"","sideBox":"","snPcode":"","submissionUrl":"/submission","title":"Research Square","twitterHandle":"researchsquare","acdcEnabled":true,"dfaEnabled":false,"editorialSystem":"","reportingPortfolio":"","inReviewEnabled":false,"inReviewRevisionsEnabled":true},"keywords":"Children, COVID 19, Resilience, Rural Zimbabwe","lastPublishedDoi":"10.21203/rs.3.rs-5745085/v1","lastPublishedDoiUrl":"https://doi.org/10.21203/rs.3.rs-5745085/v1","license":{"name":"CC BY 4.0","url":"https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/"},"manuscriptAbstract":"\u003cp\u003eThis is a qualitative study that examines the resilience of children in CHHs in rural Zimbabwe during the COVID-19 pandemic, utilizing the case study of ward 14, Rowa, in the Mutare district. Evidence suggests that children in CHHs became resilient in the face of the COVID 19 pandemic through various factors. Some of the factors included individual traits such as positive attitudes and self-determination. In addition, some of the social resilience-related factors included engaging in menial jobs, vending, begging, and support from neighbours and church members, among others. The article concludes by advocating and lobbying key stakeholders, such as the Government of Zimbabwe, for more support in social protection for children in CHH households in rural Zimbabwe in the face of emergencies such as the COVID-19 pandemic.\u003c/p\u003e","manuscriptTitle":"Resilience of children in Child Headed Households (CHHs) in rural Zimbabwe in the face of the COVID 19 pandemic: A case study of ward 14, Rowa of Mutare District","msid":"","msnumber":"","nonDraftVersions":[{"code":1,"date":"2025-01-13 16:25:53","doi":"10.21203/rs.3.rs-5745085/v1","editorialEvents":[{"type":"communityComments","content":0}],"status":"published","journal":{"display":true,"email":"[email protected]","identity":"researchsquare","isNatureJournal":false,"hasQc":true,"allowDirectSubmit":true,"externalIdentity":"","sideBox":"","snPcode":"","submissionUrl":"/submission","title":"Research Square","twitterHandle":"researchsquare","acdcEnabled":true,"dfaEnabled":false,"editorialSystem":"","reportingPortfolio":"","inReviewEnabled":false,"inReviewRevisionsEnabled":true}}],"origin":"","ownerIdentity":"192a88ae-1248-4f82-b3c9-46ada234fcf9","owner":[],"postedDate":"January 13th, 2025","published":true,"recentEditorialEvents":[],"rejectedJournal":[],"revision":"","amendment":"","status":"posted","subjectAreas":[],"tags":[],"updatedAt":"2025-07-28T12:39:13+00:00","versionOfRecord":[],"versionCreatedAt":"2025-01-13 16:25:53","video":"","vorDoi":"","vorDoiUrl":"","workflowStages":[]},"version":"v1","identity":"rs-5745085","journalConfig":"researchsquare"},"__N_SSP":true},"page":"/article/[identity]/[[...version]]","query":{"redirect":"/article/rs-5745085","identity":"rs-5745085","version":["v1"]},"buildId":"XKTyCvWXoU3ODBz1xrDgd","isFallback":false,"isExperimentalCompile":false,"dynamicIds":[84888],"gssp":true,"scriptLoader":[]}