Risks related to agricultural production, market access, and public health measures have persisted in rural areas despite decades of development. This chapter examines differing perceptions of Zimbabwe’s rural and urban populations regarding their COVID-19 experiences, focusing on how these views shaped responses to government containment measures. A questionnaire (N = 175) and Online Focus Group Discussions (N = 69) collected data from Harare (urban), Goromonzi (peri-urban), and Kwekwe (rural). Results show how lockdowns disrupted agricultural activities by limiting access to inputs/output markets, thereby increasing the vulnerability of rural populations to economic shocks. Containment measures also bred corruption as people bribed their way out of the restrictions. There was increased domestic violence, disrupted education, rising crime rates, and economic downturns. Pandemic resilience manifested as community solidarity and informal support networks (some online). Comparatively, urban populations were more adept at adopting digital solutions for work and education, while rural communities faced significant challenges due to limited access to technology and information, resulting in a clear digital divide. The chapter, therefore, advocates for community-centered strategies that recognize differences in the needs of rural and urban areas.