Political and economics
What type of Economy?
The type of economy that Zimbabwe most identifies with is a command market which is when the government decides the type of products that are produced, who produces them, and who receives these products. The way that Zimbabwe can be classified as a command market is based on the country's GDP per capita ($600 (2013 est.)), its unemployment rate(95% (2009 est.)), population below the poverty line (68% (2004)), and Zimbabwe's current account balance (-$576 million (2013 est.)). In each area of Zimbabwe's economy it is obvious to see that they country is suffering from the strong hold that President Mugabe has on the the economy and how it is controlled especially when we look at all of the same areas compared to surrounding countries like Zambia and Botswana.
Zambia
GDP per capita: $1,800 (2013 est.)
Unemployment Rate: 14% (2006 est.)
Population below poverty line: 64% (2006)
Current account balance: -$1.25 billion (2013 est.)
Botswana
GDP per capita: $16,400 (2013 est.)
Unemployment Rate: 17.8% (2009 est.)
Population below poverty line: 30.3% (2003)
Current account balance:$1.375 billion (2013 est.)
Comparing Zimbabwe to neighboring countries, Zimbabwe is in a devastating position especially looking at the fact that the GDP per capita is only at $600 while most people can spend that within a three weeks without hesitation her in the U.S.. The command market is not providing and way for the economy to naturally heal itself because the government has a hold on how much people make, how many people are provided with jobs, and what type of jobs they are able to have. Through these findings it is not a leap to assume that the quality of life is not high by any means.
Zambia
GDP per capita: $1,800 (2013 est.)
Unemployment Rate: 14% (2006 est.)
Population below poverty line: 64% (2006)
Current account balance: -$1.25 billion (2013 est.)
Botswana
GDP per capita: $16,400 (2013 est.)
Unemployment Rate: 17.8% (2009 est.)
Population below poverty line: 30.3% (2003)
Current account balance:$1.375 billion (2013 est.)
Comparing Zimbabwe to neighboring countries, Zimbabwe is in a devastating position especially looking at the fact that the GDP per capita is only at $600 while most people can spend that within a three weeks without hesitation her in the U.S.. The command market is not providing and way for the economy to naturally heal itself because the government has a hold on how much people make, how many people are provided with jobs, and what type of jobs they are able to have. Through these findings it is not a leap to assume that the quality of life is not high by any means.
The System
Education Crisis
Zimbabwe is a perfect example of the connection that occurs between the economy of a country and the education system and its success within the country. Before the peak of the countries hyperinflation in 2007, Zimbabwe had the highest rate of literacy in Africa but since then the attendance rate has dropped from 80% to only 20%. It has become the burden of Zimbabwe to have to close 95% percent of its rural schools. Even though the literacy rate remains one of the highest it has declined as well. Even if Zimbabwean children wanted to be literate and receive an education there is no way for paying teachers, books, or supplies. With the current downfall of the economy Zimbabwe’s education system is reflecting the same trend.
Even though an education system crisis has occurred, Zimbabwe still does not receive the necessary help that it obvious to see that they are in dire need of. At only receiving 4 dollars per person, Zimbabwe receives the least amount of assistance, within the Southern African region, from non-profit organizations. In many of the schools that Zimbabwean children used to attend the only meal that they would receive will be from school, now that the majority of those children can no longer attend school health conditions have also declined. The current stance of the Zimbabwean economy does not put it in the position to support the education system. Outside interference is now necessary and the only option if there is to be any meeting of the three priorities set by the UN Global Education Initiative.
Zimbabwe Education Fund (2014). Zimbabwe Education Fund. http://www.zimbabweeducationfund.org/index.php?page=homePage