Cultural practices associated with death in the North Nyanga District of Zimbabwe and their impact on widows and orphans

This survey examines the cultural practices associated with death in the Nyanga North area of Zimbabwe and their impact on widows and orphans in 211 families. In addition to the concepts of pre-planning for death, property and wife inheritance, relevant aspects of life such as marriage, patriarchal succession and sickness are also considered. It is unclear what pattern of care and support for widows is emerging to replace the declining practice of wife inheritance. The implication of these factors on the planning of effective intervention strategies is considered.