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Venture To Zimbabwe

Economy

Economy

At present, agriculture is the mainstay of the Zimbabwe economy for over 70 percent of the population. Manufacturing accounts for about 25 percent of the gross national product. Unfortunately, economic decline began in the mid-1980s, when foreign demand for mandy minerals dropped. This and several droughts, along with adjustment policies have had a disproportionate impact on the poor in particular. 

Until 1992, the country was self-sufficient in grain, and a massive increase in maize production by smallholders was a great success story. However, of recent years, annual grain production has not always met demand – due in the main to a decline in producer prices and an increase in the population.

Major crops grown by smallholders on the high and middle veld plateau tend to be maize, sunflower, groundnuts, and cotton. In the Zambezi Valley more millet and sorghum are grown than maize, but only for subsistence as cotton is the only major cash crop. The west and the low veld are predominantly cattle-raising areas.  To increase grain production for household consumption, the government and nongovernment organizations are encouraging farmers to grow more millet and sorghum. 

During the period of the Unilateral Declaration of Independence, the country developed a strong manufacturing base, and it continues to manufacture products ranging from household items to steel and engineering products for the construction industry and commercial agricultural products such as textiles and foodstuffs. The diversified economy should provide a more solid base for sustained economic growth, but in recent years it has been underperforming.

The economy of Zimbabwe shrank significantly after 2000, which brought about widespread poverty and a 95% unemployment rate. Hyperinflation was a massive issue from about 2003 to April 2009, when the country suspended its own currency; 231 million percent peak hyperinflation was experienced in 2008, for example. However, a combination of the abandonment of the Zimbabwe dollar and a government of national unity in 2009 resulted in a period of positive economic growth for a while. By 2016 it was clear that the lack of production and greatly reduced investment had caused a massive shrinkage in the economy. 

Tourism, particularly in Victoria Falls and nearby areas, continues to play a part in ensuring employment and a small flow of foreign currency. 
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By Campbell's African Safari Ventures (Pty) Ltd T/A Venture To Africa
  • Home
  • Zimbabwe Specials
    • SADC Zimbabwe Specials
  • Safari Areas
    • Hwange >
      • The Elephant Express
    • Matusadona
    • Mana Pools
    • Matobo
    • Victoria Falls
    • Gonarezhou
  • Safaris
    • Best of Zimbabwe
    • Ultimate Zimbabwe
    • Mana Pools Odyssey
    • Classic Zimbabwe Safari
    • Birding Safaris
  • Accommodation
    • Hwange Lodges >
      • The Hide
      • Somalisa Camp
      • Davison's Camp
      • Camp Hwange
      • Bomani Tented Camp
      • Camelthorn Lodge
      • Little Makololo
      • Iganyana Tented Camp
      • Nehimba Lodge
      • Jozibanini Camp
    • Matusadona Lodges >
      • Changa Safari Camp
      • Bumi Hills Safari Lodge
      • Musango Safari Camp
    • Mana Pools Lodges >
      • Ruckomechi Camp
      • Kanga Camp
      • Zambezi Expeditions Camp
      • John's Camp
    • Matobo Lodges >
      • Camp Amalinda
      • Big Cave Camp
    • Victoria Falls Lodges >
      • The Victoria Falls Hotel
      • Ilala Lodge
      • The Kingdom Hotel
      • Batonka Guest Lodge
      • Bayete Guest Lodge
      • Sprayview Hotel
      • Victoria Falls Safari Lodge
      • Lokuthula Lodges
      • Victoria Falls Safari Suites
      • The Elephant Camp
      • Old Drift Lodge
      • Stanley and Livingstone
      • Victoria Falls River Lodge
      • Imbabala Zambezi Safari Lodge
    • Gonarezhou Lodges >
      • Chilo Gorge Safari Lodge
  • About Zimbabwe
    • Geography
    • Climate
    • People
    • Economy
  • Blog
  • Contact