The paper reports on the use of wealth ranking in an agro-pastoral community in Mazvihwa communal area in southern Zimbabwe. A comparison of the rankings carried out by different groups reveals differing perceptions of what constitutes 'wealth', and highlights the need to carry out several different rankings in order to explore the diversity of local perceptions. The rankings were also examined in relation to household survey data of asset ownership and income levels. The results show a high degree of correlation for many of the indicators, although others do not show a smooth relationship with wealth rank. It is concluded that ranking can provide an important complement to the more conventional survey approach. Analysis of ranking data alongside survey data reveals gaps in survey material and assists in the identification of appropriate wealth indicators.
Publication year:
1992
Interest groups:
Will be of special interest to researchers
Pages:
24p.
Publisher reference:
International Institute for Environment and Development