Abstract
Statistics and trends are hardly able to convey the magnitude of the current crisis in Zimbabwe. Its economy is shrinking fast, with gross
domestic product contracting by 40 per cent between 2000 and 2007.
Agricultural production (by volume) has reduced by 50 per cent in the
same time period, and as of May 2007 inflation was around 300 per cent
per month. An estimated 80 per cent of adults in the economically active
age group are unemployed and over 85 per cent of Zimbabweans are
now categorized as poor. Moreover, the HIV incidence rate is one of
the highest in the world, and life expectancy for women, at 34 years, has
declined from 65 years a decade ago.1 In some parts of the country, 50
per cent of pregnant women are having their children at home, unattended by a trained medical practitioner. Recent bouts of speculation
assert that Zimbabwe is now heading for total collapse and perhaps even
conflict (Evans 2007).
domestic product contracting by 40 per cent between 2000 and 2007.
Agricultural production (by volume) has reduced by 50 per cent in the
same time period, and as of May 2007 inflation was around 300 per cent
per month. An estimated 80 per cent of adults in the economically active
age group are unemployed and over 85 per cent of Zimbabweans are
now categorized as poor. Moreover, the HIV incidence rate is one of
the highest in the world, and life expectancy for women, at 34 years, has
declined from 65 years a decade ago.1 In some parts of the country, 50
per cent of pregnant women are having their children at home, unattended by a trained medical practitioner. Recent bouts of speculation
assert that Zimbabwe is now heading for total collapse and perhaps even
conflict (Evans 2007).
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Title of host publication | Vulnerability in Developing Countries |
| Editors | Wim Naude, Amelia U. Santos-Paulino, Mark McGillivray |
| Publisher | United Nations University |
| Chapter | 5 |
| Pages | 118-155 |
| Number of pages | 38 |
| ISBN (Print) | 9789280811711 |
| Publication status | Published - 2009 |
Publication series
| Name | Vulnerability in Developing Countries |
|---|