Zimbabwe's economy and the causes of the crisis

A book chapter on causes of Zimbabwe's economic crisis.In a modest way this report seeks to generate debate and add to contemporary discussions on how to stabilize and develop Zimbabwe with a particular focus on a pro-poor agenda. The idea is not to argue for a narrow poverty agenda but to ensure that in discussions about the need for stabilization and economic growth there is due attention paid to how this growth will translate into better lives for a majority of Zimbabweans. In doing this we make the plausible assumption that increasing impoverishment of the majority of Zimbabweans is among the most potent threats to long term national stability. We therefore seek to explore ideas and generate discussion about a general development strategy and the mechanisms for transmission of the benefits of growth to those currently living in poverty. In short, our aim is intellectual engagement with policy issues to ensure that future development efforts are crafted in a way that ensures that the benefits of economic growth will improve the welfare of those living in poverty.The research presented in this publication is a the result of a project funded by Canada’s International Development Research Centre (www. idrc.ca