The Impact of Corporate Social Responsibility Investments Carried Out by Zimbabwe Consolidated Diamond Company in the Chiadzwa Community

Abstract

This study sought to analyze the impact of corporate social responsibility projects initiated and implemented by Zimbabwe Consolidated Diamond Company (ZCDC). The research further examined issues of community participation and the effectiveness of corporate social responsibility projects being carried out in Chiadzwa. The study adopted participatory development theory as its theoretical framework. Qualitative research design was utilized in the study. The design was chosen because the study was concerned with people’s views on corporate social responsibility projects in the community. Two sampling methods were used and these are purposive and convenience sampling methods. Purposive sampling was used for the key informants and convenience was for the general community members. The study was conducted in Chiadzwa and thirty-six respondents participated from three villages namely Chishingwi, Tonhorai and Mukwada. Findings from the research showed that there are several CSR projects that were implemented but serious poverty still exist in Chiadzwa. The CSR projects include cattle rearing through artificial insemination, subsistence farming, sewing, just to mention a few. There has been no remarkable community development in form of corporate social investments in Chiadzwa. ZCDC’s efforts have been riddled by a multiplicity of challenges. The researcher however, recommended that for sustainable CSR projects, there is need for a bottom up approach from project initiation phase up to closure, adequate resources and government will to transform the social and economic status of the people in the community. More so, ZCDC should engage into partnerships with non-governmental organizations which have been in the game of community development for many years. The researcher also noted that it is vital for the community members and officials at ZCDC to have enough project management training so that they become more skilled.