(MaCoCo) Livelihoods dataset

Five experienced research assistants with a Master of Science in Social Science, fluent in English, Ndebele, and Shona conducted a household survey through interviews, key informant interviews (KIIs), and focus group discussions (FGDs). All research assistants attended a two-day orientation training session on the study objectives and expected outcomes. Prior to their use, all the study tools were piloted in similar urban settings. After piloting, the tools were appropriately revised to ensure their alignment with the pilot feedback and the research objectives. To assess the impact of COVID-19 on households, we conducted 20 household interviews in Harare and Bulawayo with equal representation of the three aforementioned economic strata. Household heads were interviewed to determine their socioeconomic characteristics. A topic guide was developed to explore the experiences of households during the COVID-19 pandemic, focusing on their perceptions of control measures, livelihoods, and access to social services such as health and education. Additionally, the guides asked about their coping strategies during the pandemic. To gain a broader community perspective, we conducted four FGDs with community members: two in Harare with 9 and 10 participants, and two in Bulawayo with 11 and 13 participants, respectively. Each FGD lasted between 2 two three hours, including a plenary discussion. The discussions were conducted in an open space while observing COVID-19 rules and regulations. Initially, using an FGD guide, all groups of participants were asked to discuss the following topics: the COVID-19 pandemic evolution in the country, policy implementation, livelihood experiences, and how they felt about pandemic management, in breakout groups of to 3-4 people for 60 minutes, guided by a research assistant. The summary of the breakout discussions were presented to a larger group to allow for corroboration. To understand the broader vulnerability context and transformative structures and processes, a total of 18 purposive in-depth KIIs in person or on Zoom lasting on average 1h were conducted with stakeholders, including community-based organizations (CBOs) (n=5), city health managers (n=5 from Harare City Health and n=3 from Bulawayo City Health), as well as national program managers and policymakers (n=5). The KIIs questions aimed to gather informants’ experiences and perspectives on COVID-19 and its control measures. They also explored issues related to access to health services and treatment during the pandemic, including policy formulation and implementation.

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