Needs Assessments for Adolescent Girls Transitioning from Institutional Care Facilities in Zimbabwe: A Sustainable Livelihood Approach
Keywords:
Sustainable livelihood approach, Needs assessments, Livelihood needs, Adolescent girls, Institutional care, Youth transitionsAbstract
Transition of adolescents from care facilities to independent living arrangements has been a topical issue in the childcare and protection sector. Mechanisms and systems must be implemented to ensure seamless transitions. This mixed-methods study, part of a broader evaluation of adolescent girls transitioning from institutional care in Harare, Zimbabwe, employed the Sustainable Livelihoods Approach to assess the livelihood needs of 32 girls from two institutions. Data were collected from 16 adolescents still in care facilities and 16 who had exited care facilities. Data collection involved semi-structured face-to-face interviews with all participants and two focus group discussions with girls in both institutions. For care leavers, responses were retrospective. Qualitative and quantitative data were collected and analysed concurrently using Framework Analysis. Quantitative findings categorised assets and assigned values to each, while qualitative results used narratives and direct quotes to compare the needs of girls within and outside institutional care. The study identified both similarities and differences in prioritized livelihood needs: human assets (41.5%) such as education, skills development and advocacy; social assets (29.5%) such as relationship-building and family connections; public assets (18.75%) such as access to services and support systems; financial assets (9%) such as economic resources and opportunities; and physical assets (1.25%) such as accommodation and material resources. The assessment highlights significant gaps in meeting these needs within institutional settings and recommends actively involving adolescent girls in the design of policies and programs that address their development priorities.
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