The study explores the factors that influence the retention of health workers in rural areas in Zimbabwe. Critical
shortages of health workers in developing countries have been widely researched and a plethora of strategies proffered
however the situation remains unabated in the face of evolving dynamic factors. A sample of thirty-four (34) health
workers based in Makonde Rural District in Mashonaland West Province were interviewed using self-administered
questionnaires. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics. The key study findings showed the main factors influencing
the retention of health workers in rural areas as inter alia: poor salaries and incentives, inadequate, obsolete and often
unavailable work-related infrastructure, medical supplies and drugs, inadequate career prospects, poor living conditions
and lack of basic recreational amenities. The key recommendations are that to attract and retain health workers in rural
areas the government and key stakeholders should continuously review and improve salaries and incentives, career
developmental opportunities and socio-economic needs of health workers.