The Performance of the Zimbabwean Economy, 1980–2000

Abstract

This chapter traces the performance of the Zimbabwean economy during the period 1980–2000. In analysing the performance of the economy, it is important to bear in mind that the goal is to achieve development. As UNDP rightly pointed out, the concept of development goes beyond growth. In its 1996 Human Development Report, UNDP identified conditions under which economic growth will not lead to development. These are:

• jobless growth (growth which does not expand employment opportunities);

• ruthless growth (growth associated with increasing inequality and poverty);

• voiceless growth (growth in the absence of democracy or empowerment);

• rootless growth (growth that withers cultural identity); and

• futureless growth (growth that squanders resources needed by future generations (UNDP 1996).