The Politics of Economic Reform in Zimbabwe : Continuity and Change in Development

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 guerrilla 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. Front Matter....Pages i-ix Introduction....Pages 1-11 Political Institutions, Organised Groups and Economic Policy....Pages 12-34 The Open Economy and Societal Corporatism, 1923–65....Pages 35-55 Economic Nationalism During UDI, 1965–79....Pages 56-72 Majority Rule: Parties, Interest Groups and the Drive for ‘Unity’....Pages 73-96 The Politics of Stabilisation, 1980–6....Pages 97-117 The Politics of Liberalisation, 1987–94....Pages 118-149 Agricultural Land, Pricing and Marketing Reforms....Pages 150-182 The Marginalisation of Labour Unions....Pages 183-196 Conclusion....Pages 197-209 Back Matter....Pages 211-217