Examining The Survival Strategies of Single-Headed Homes: A Case Study of Livingstone District

The phenomenon of single-headed households, where one adult assumes the responsibility of raising children without a partner, is a global trend observed in Zambia and beyond. These households face numerous challenges, from economic hardships to limited access to resources and social support. This research investigates the survival strategies of single-headed households in the unique socio-economic context of Livingstone District, Zambia. Livingstone District, with its diverse social and economic challenges, serves as a representative case study for regions facing similar issues. The rise of single-parent households is driven by factors such as increased divorces, separations, non-marital childbearing, and the loss of a spouse or partner. Economic factors, including poverty, also contribute to the formation of single-headed households. In Zambia, they constituted 28.4% of households, with 18.4% being female-headed and 10% male-headed, facing an increased likelihood of living in poverty. Single parents, primarily mothers, often bear the financial responsibilities alone, posing challenges in regions with limited job opportunities and lower incomes. This research fills a crucial gap by offering localized insights into the survival strategies of single-headed households, informing policy development, enhancing community support, improving service provision, empowering these households, and contributing to academic knowledge. Employing a mixed-methods approach in both urban and rural areas of Livingstone District, the study aims to examine economic survival strategies, assess empowerment program effectiveness, and understand poverty indicators and causes. Resilience theory and social capital theory guide the research, focusing on protective factors, adaptive processes, and the role of social networks in facilitating well-being. Ultimately, this study contributes to understanding the specific survival strategies of single-headed households in Livingstone District, offering insights for policy, community support, services, and academic understanding.