Calls for dialogue to address Zimbabweโs multi-layered political, social and economic crises have been numerous, repeated and diverse. Yet, the attempts to date have consistently failed to sustain long-term activity and results. At the community level, by contrast, there is a rich culture of dialogue to engage and resolve disputes. Though varying in scope and subject, these dialogues represent a bottom-up approach where local constituents are not just participants but drivers of conversation and change.
This publication contains findings from an investigation of 13 diverse community dialogues in Zimbabwe that took place between 2017 and 2023 at the ward, village, or district level. It seeks to 1) identify successful positive strategies for non-partisan, community-level dialogue and 2) consider their potential replication at the national level to help catalyse meaningful issue-based dialogue among different actors, including political ones.
By delving into the nuances of these local dialogues, the study offers insights into the mechanisms that foster agreement and resolution, the challenges and barriers encountered, and the strategies that drive long-term success.
The DOI registration ID for this publication is: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.14021451