Factors leading to the establishment of child-headed households: the case of Zimbabwe

This paper analyses factors associated with the establishment of 43 child- and adolescent-headed households in Manicaland, Zimbabwe. Such households result from the rapid increase in numbers of parental deaths leading to overburdening of the capacity of relatives to fulfil their traditional role of caring for orphans. Most children living in child and adolescent headed households have had both parents die in the preceding five years; many of them receive regular visits and support from relatives. Child-headed households represent a new coping mechanism in response to the impact of AIDS on communities. Community groups can help extended families to cope with the burden of orphans by encouraging the establishment of volunteer-based visiting programs to atrisk households and by channelling essential material support to destitute families.