Masvingo Center for Research Advocacy and Community Development (MACRAD) is an independent Zimbabwean Civil Society institution committed to the development of socio-economic rights and agrarian systems that enhance equitable land rights and sustainable development throughout Zimbabwe. MACRAD interacts with various organizations and communities to assist them in developing capacity for policy formulation and research. It also facilitates policy dialogue among communities, governments, academics, civil society and others on land and agrarian development, especially the land rights of marginalized social groups. Masvingo Center for Research Advocacy and Community Development (MACRAD) is driven by a desire to contribute towards improved rural livelihoods which should lead to greater capacities for the rural poor to determine their own destinies and contribute towards national development. MACRAD’s approach entails encouraging continuous policy debates and refinement of policy. This is achieved through generation and provision of research based information, platforms for dialogue, creating and nurturing a policy community in Zimbabwe. The ambition of Masvingo Center for Research Advocacy and Community Development (MACRAD) is to provide leadership in socio-economic justice and land-agrarian policy processes, to become a Centre of Excellence and remain an independent and credible center for knowledge on social and economic justice.
OUR IMPACT
Macrad Trust has worked with elected local officials municipal departments to increase transparency and build decision-making capacity in Masvingo Province. Since inception we have worked with over 3000 people in 7 districts throughout Masvingo province with the hope of expanding our work to achieve more impact particularly in the field of natural resource governance at local government level.”
Our Team
The MACRAD team is made of various people of diverse backgrounds
Some Areas Where We Work
We advocate for socio-economic justice in our communities through:
Extractives, Water and Land Rights
We believe that benefits that are derived from the extractives industries in Masvingo e.g. in mining must trickledown and benefit local communities within their vicinities and the same time resources like land and water must be sustainably and equitably distributed in communities.
Climate Change
We support work that helps individuals, communities, organizations and natural systems to deal with those consequences of climate change that cannot be avoided. It involves taking practical actions to manage risks from climate impacts, protect communities and strengthen the resilience of the local economy in Masvingo.
Local Governance
We support anti-corruption and transparency initiatives in Masvingo. Transparency at local government level can be realized when local citizens meaningfully participate in public policy processes and municipal level this ensures that resources are effectively utilized towards effective service delivery in light of this Macrad Trust works in Advocacy for transparency in local service delivery.
Community Research and Local Development
Our research and publications are significant contributors to the development process in MasvingoProvince and Zimbababwe resulting in public policy and practice that is accountable to local people and utilises indigenous knowledge systems.