The Factors Influencing Effective Policy Implementation in Remote Rural Areas: A Case of Gokwe District

Abstract

Development policies, if effectively implemented can bring a lot of improvement in the livelihoods of the targeted population as well as economic growth at national levels. Many developing countries have formulated and implemented policies with questionable results where people continue to ail in poverty despite the existence of seemingly sound development policies. This paper argues that the different levels of success of development policies are influenced by some existing factors, which the paper intends to explore and
discuss. The information presented here was gathered using a questionnaire and some focus group discussions during the period May 2020 and May 2021.The study found that factors ranging from corruption, inefficiency on the part of Government officials, lack of technology, funding, and negative perceptions from the policy recipients, among other factors, contributed immensely towards the success or failure of development policies in remote rural areas. The paper recommends that the policy cycle be followed with strict
Government monitoring, evaluation and inclusion of other stakeholders like the policy recipients, local businesspeople and NGOs amongst others. This can lead to increased transparency and increased participation of all sectors of the population irrespective of gender, age, race, or beliefs so more people. especially rural women can enjoy the benefits of development policies in their respective areas.