Coping Strategies of Child-Headed Households in Bindura Urban of Zimbabwe

An in-depth study of coping strategies of child-headed households was carried out in Bindura Urban of Zimbabwe. In-depth interviews and the survey method were used to examine the daily lives and coping methods of child-headed households. Data were gathered from child-headed households, community care givers, social workers and members of the community. The research identified a number of causes and challenges that were being faced by household heads. A number of coping mechanisms both positive and negative were employed by household heads in response to the challenges they were facing. The challenges included role adjustment, emotional and social distress, and sexual exploitation, lack of education and schooling and lack of adult care and support. The coping mechanisms identified included selling of family property, assistance from children’s organizations, community members and dropping from school early. The research concludes that the challenges identified by household heads were essentially basic material needs. The formation of child-headed households is unavoidable and should be supported with appropriate support where possible. The study demonstrated that households were receiving regular visits and small amounts of material support from the extended family. It recommends that HIV and AIDS patients should receive adequate treatment, need for investment in financial and human resources and legal recognition of child-headed households.