The Economic Decline of Zimbabwe: Neither Growth Nor Equity FROM THE PUBLISHER
When Zimbabwe achieved political independence, its new majority government sought economic growth and the redistribution of resources, neither of which were achieved. The seeds of economic decline were sown soon after independence in high government spending that stifled private investment, and inhibited employment creation. The burden of adjustment was borne by the rural poor. Zimbabwe's experience provides valuable lessons for countries struggling with the trade-offs between growth-orientated and redistributive policies.
Author Biography: Carolyn Jenkins works at the Centre of the Study of African Economies at the University of Oxford and at the Centre for Research into Economics and Finance in Southern Africa, London School of Economics and Political Science.
John Knight is Professor and Head of the Department of Economics at the University of Oxford.
FROM THE CRITICS
Booknews
The text begins with an overview of the economic policies in Zimbabwe since Independence in 1980, describing the shift away from pro-poor economic policies and the struggles between the urban elite and impoverished rural people, often on racial lines. Subsequent chapters provide an analysis on the country's growth record and pattern of income distribution, and report on a survey of welfare history of 14,000 households. Though listed as co-authors, Jenkins (economics, U. of Oxford and London School of Economics and Political Science) is the main author, contributing six of the nine chapters and co-authoring the introduction and conclusion. Knight (economics, U. of Oxford) wrote the chapter on labor market policies. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)
Home
