Policy Strategies to Prevent Conflicts Between Foreign Investors and Locals in Magunje, Karoi, Zimbabwe

Abstract

The conflicts between foreign investors and the locals are ubiquitous, they are caused by diverging socio-economic and political factors. The implications of these conflicts are severe because they stifle economic development, deter foreign investment, and in some instances undermine the rights and legitimate interests of the locals. This study examined the policy strategies that can prevent conflicts between foreign investors and the locals in Magunje, Karoi, Zimbabwe. It assessed the drivers of the conflict, examined the efficacy of prevailing policy frameworks in promoting the participation of local communities in foreign investments and strategies that can be implemented to resolve the conflicts between investors and the local communities. The study was premised on qualitative research methodology with the use of focus group discussions, interviews and documentary analysis. Stakeholder and peacebuilding theories were used. The study found out that the conflict is driven by negative perceptions about the Chinese, the influence of individuals who are antagonistic towards the establishment of the cement plant and the rivalry between some locals and traditional leadership. Stakeholder consultations in line with the provisions of the Environmental Management Act and environmental impact assessments were not fully adhered to. The locals fear water, air and noise pollution that may arise from the cement plant. Loopholes associated with the compensation of the affected parties was identified as a major structural weakness that obstructed the effective functioning of the prevailing policy frameworks and failure of effective participation of local communities in environmental impact assessment. The study concludes that the conflict between the foreign investors and the locals in Magunje was lack of adequate stakeholder engagement over the investment, and this led to grievances that stalled the take-off of the investment. The study recommends that the foreign investors should adequately engage local community, enhance transparency to arrest issues of mistrust, and fairly compensate the affected parties.