This paper discusses the results of the Poverty Assessment Study Survey (PASS) adopted by the Government of Zimbabwe as a first step in its Poverty Alleviation Action Plan (PAAP). The analysis shows that those aged 60 years and above are generally poor, with the majority of the very poor residing in rural areas, and are mostly female. The paper also discusses the elderly perceptions of the main causes of poverty which include among other things, unemployment and retrenchment, recurrent droughts, low-paid jobs and high prices on basic necessities. The final section of the paper dwells on possible strategies towards poverty alleviation in Zimbabwe and some recommendations for planners. These include employment creation, increased access to affordable agricultural loans and financing of self-help projects, cooperatives and income-generating projects.
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