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Zimbabwe Overview

Zimbabwe is a landlocked country in sub-Saharan Africa, with a population of approximately 12.5 million people (World Bank, 2005). 390,580 sq kilometers (150,873 sq miles) in size, Zimbabwe is rich in natural resources and is home to spectacular natural wonders, including Victoria Falls. Zimbabwe is neighbored by South Africa, Zambia, Mozambique and Botswana. Harare, its capital city, is located in the north-west of the country.

Once ranked as one of the most prosperous countries in sub-Saharan Africa, Zimbabwe has experienced ongoing economic decline. The 2006 Human Development Report ranks it as one of the poorest countries in Africa (UNDP, 2006). Basic items such as food, fuel and electricity are often in short supply and inflation in 2007 reached the staggering new high of 11,000%.

Unemployment rates have risen above 70%. Agriculture, the most important sector of the Zimbabwean economy, has faced virtual collapse (World Bank, 2006). Poverty levels have risen drastically with 56% of the population reported to be living on less than US$1 a day (UNDP, 2006). Life expectancy stands at only 37 years, a drop of 24 years since 1990 (UNDP, 2006), making it the country with the lowest life expectancy in the world (WHO, 2007). This negative trend is likely to persist, particularly due to high HIV/AIDS prevalence rates, which currently stand at 20% for adults aged 15 to 49 years (UNAIDS, 2006). The number of child-headed households stood at 48,223 in 2002 (Zimbabwe Government, 2005).

The deterioration of conditions within the country coincides with a decline in donor support. Major lending agencies and many bilateral donor have suspended funding. Many NGOs are scaling down or even suspending operations. Skilled personnel are also leaving the country in increasingly large numbers, further eroding the structures so essential for the country’s recovery.

Over the last 20 years, the Zimbabwean government channelled significant resources into the education sector, resulting in an education system that was celebrated as one of Africa’s finest. Many of these gains continue to translate into impressive achievements, for example Zimbabwe has attained gender parity with regards to primary enrollment. Despite current problems, Zimbabwe’s education system continues to function, although many of the initial gains have begun to diminish in the current economic environment.

There are a number of reasons for these negative trends, most of which are related to increased poverty. School-going costs - including fees, text books and school uniforms – pose a too heavy burden for many families. Poverty has led parents to withdrawing children from school. With the increase in HIV/AIDS rates, there has also been an increase in the number of children dropping out of school in order to care for ill parents or siblings. Those in rural areas also have to travel considerable distances to school – primary school children walk distances up to 10km, and secondary school children up to 25km.

Read about Camfed's response to the situation in Zimbabwe.

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