An analysis of New Religious Movements? income generating projects and their contribution to Sustainable Livelihoods in Zimbabwe.

The article analyzes the income-generating projects initiated by New Religious Movements (NRMs) in Zimbabwe, focusing on their teachings of the gospel of prosperity and their contribution to sustainable livelihoods. It traces the gospel of prosperity’s roots in Pentecostalism and highlights how Zimbabwean NRMs, such as Prophetic Healing and Deliverance Ministries and Grace Oasis Ministries, encourage entrepreneurial activities like buying and selling goods, chicken rearing, tuckshops, forex trading, and consultancy services among congregants. While these projects have helped some believers meet basic needs and foster a mindset of self-empowerment, the study finds that they generally fall short of ensuring long-term sustainable livelihoods due to economic volatility and limited resilience to shocks. The article also discusses ethical concerns regarding the intersection of faith and commerce, noting that pastors often benefit disproportionately compared to congregants, raising questions about exploitation and the genuine empowerment of followers.