The politics of economic reform in Zimbabwe
Subtitle: continuity and change in development
By: Tor Skålnes.
Series: International political economy series
Publisher: St. Martin's Press
Published: 1995
Place of publication: New York, N.Y
Language: eng
Number of pages: 217
Subjects: Zimbabwe -- Economic policy.; Zimbabwe -- Politics and government.
Description: In 1990 Zimbabwe embarked on economic liberalisation. The country's economic associations, notably that erstwhile proponent of protectionism, the Confederation of Zimbabwe Industries, had successfully lobbied for gradual reform. While state autonomy has often been regarded as a vital condition for reform, in Zimbabwe societal groups have induced an initially recalcitrant government to reconsider its basic policies. After 1980 the government tried to limit political competition.

However, because of the perceived need for racial reconciliation following the guerilla war, it maintained dialogue with settler-dominated interest groups along the pattern of societal corporatism established in the 1930s. By contrast, African associations, particularly labour unions, have regularly been subjected to regimentation. The government, however, has listened more closely to the demands of African farmers, who want to preserve parastatal marketing and governmental determination of prices. In Zimbabwe key urban groups support liberalisation while key rural groups do not.

Theories of urban bias must therefore be qualified.
Notes: Includes bibliographical references and index.