Corporate social responsibility as a drive to community development and poverty reduction: a stakeholder approach to development in Zimbabwe

Abstract

Background: The emergence of a ‘Southern’ discourse of corporate social responsibility (CSR) highlight the crucial issues of poverty reduction, infrastructure development and the broader questions of social provisioning and community development. Aim: This study builds on existing knowledge to reveal how CSR has become a drive or aid in the community development discourse and poverty reduction mechanisms. This was done through the analysis of major CSR projects by Zimplats mining company. Setting: The study was carried out in Mhondoro-Ngezi, Zimbabwe, which is in a rural setting. Method: The study employed a triangulated design, with data collected using a mini-survey, focus groups and in-depth interviews. Results: The key findings are that the fundamental roles of CSR have been to link it to addressing under-development and poverty reduction issues in developing countries. Conclusion: Through distributional CSR activities, the mining company was able to address the health, educational, employment and water needs of the local people.