Friday, May 21, 2010
Alison's Post
This report summarizes the collaborative approach in Zimbabwe.
Location: Zimbabwe
Organizations involved:
| UN AGENCY |
| UNDP |
| UNDP Country Office & UNDP SURF |
| UNICEF,UNFPA,UNIFEM,ILO,FAO,UNIDO,WORLD,BANK,IMF |
| UNESCO, UNICEF |
| UNIFEM, WHO |
| WHO, UNFPA, UNFPA CST, UNICEF |
| UNAIDS, WHO |
| UNDP |
| UNDP, UNDP/SURF, WORLD BANK, IMF |
| UNIC & UNDP |
Development progress and challenges (during the post independence period):
A. Growth with equity (between1980 and 1990)
During the 1980s, Zimbabwe had a “dual economy” with a rather developed and modernized sector coupled with a relatively “poor rural sector” that accommodate approximately 80% of the total population. As such, elimination of poverty was the top priority at that period of time. In order to “revamp the economy”, the government “adopted the Economic Structural Adjustment Programme (ESAP) in 1991”.
B. Economic reforms (between 1990 and 1999)
B. Especially in the 1990s, due to the persisting and rising structural problems and poverty, Zimbabwe’s economy slumped to the lowest thereby worsening its vulnerability. There are various causes that resulted in its “negative downturn”. They include “droughts and floods as well as the non-realization of the growth objectives” of the ESAP.
In addition, many companies collapsed and reduced their operations because of “stiff competition in the opened up economy” which in turn, caused the economy to shrink. Due to these factors, there were great increase in unemployment, inflation, destitution, shortage and scarcity of resources for its population.
C. Complex Socio-Economic Crisis (between 2000 and 2007)
During this period, there had been severe macroeconomic instability which led to hyperinflation. Its inflation rate was estimated at 7982 in 2007 while the “structural unemployment” was anticipated to be 63% in 2003. Besides, poverty was raging high with the “proportion of people below the Food Poverty Line (FPL)” increased by 102% from 29% to 58%. Furthermore, the Human Poverty Index (HPI) measured an increase of 9% up from 24% in 1995 to 33% in 2003.
D. Society issues (mortality rates and HIV/AIDs)
Progress in the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs):
MDG 1: Eradicate extreme poverty and hunger
Albeit poverty is still prevalent in Zimbabwe, the economic system is estimated to develop and grow in 2010.
MDG 2: Achieve universal primary education
Since 2006, approximately 88% of children have been enrolled into a primary education.
MDG 3: Promote gender equality and empower women
In this area, there are almost an equal number of male and female students attending school. Hence, for those between the ages of 15 and 24, the literacy rate is relatively high and generally almost 98% “the same for both sexes”.
MDG 4: Reduce child mortality
From the nutritional statistic status, it is projected that 17% of those who are below the age of 5 are underweight and that for every 12 children of that age, one of them will die. Also, out of these children, about 40% will die in the first few months of life.
MDG 5: Improve maternal health
It is noted that for this section on health, the indicators and progress of this MDG has gone off track.
MDG 6: Combat HIV/AIDS, malaria and other diseases
Looking at its statistics, Zimbabwe is well on its way to achieve the target to combat HIV/AIDS and the like. This could be attributed to the change in patterns pertaining to sexual behaviors. However, the number of AIDS-related deaths still remain as high as 1200 per week. It is also noted that Zimbabwe has one of the “highest rate of orphans in world” where one in every four children would have lost either of their parents to AIDS.
International organizations and stakeholders (roles):
| UN AGENCY | THEMATIC GROUP AND GOALS |
| UNDP | Overall backstopping of the MDG process |
| UNDP Country Office & UNDP SURF | All thematic groups (Goal 1-8) |
| UNICEF,UNFPA,UNIFEM,ILO,FAO,UNIDO,WORLD,BANK,IMF | Social development and Agriculture (Goal 1) |
| UNESCO, UNICEF | Education(Goal 2) |
| UNIFEM, WHO | Gender(Goal 3) |
| WHO, UNFPA, UNFPA CST, UNICEF | Health(Goal 4 &5) |
| UNAIDS, WHO | HIV/AIDS(Goal 6) |
| UNDP | Environment(Goal 7) |
| UNDP, UNDP/SURF, WORLD BANK, IMF | Global Partnerships (Goal 8) |
| UNIC & UNDP | MDG Advocacy campaign preparation |
Discuss what has worked well and what has not:
As seen from the above MDGs targets and the respective roles held by the international organizations, we could do a comparison between them and conclude whether their approach for the MDGs is effective, efficient or sustainable.
Looking at Goals 2 and 3, it would be relatively safe to infer that UNESCO, UNICEF, UNIFEM and WHO have done a good job as they have brought about more enrollments of children into primary education as well as campaigned for gender equality in terms of literacy in schools.
On the contrary, Goals 4 and 5 have somehow gone off track with child mortality and maternal health issues not addressed adequately.
Suggestions/recommendations:
According to the Paris Declaration Statement, the partners are committed to making progress for building institutions and establishing governance structures that deliver effective governance, public safety, security, and equitable access to basic social services for their citizens. The suggestions listed below are in response to the “Equitable access to basic social services”.
A. Reformation in terms of water and agricultural
In Zimbabwe, one of the main factors is this area concerns the access to the supply of water. The most effective and sustainable ways is to determine the distribution of agricultural water and remove any unequal access to the water supply among land users. If proper distribution is enforced, there would be opportunities for effective cultivation and productivity. This will enhance earnings, thereby improving economic growth and relieving poverty.
B. Reformatting the Health sector
I propose that the respective agencies first, reestablish the various fundamental essentials such as immunization, obstetrics and A&E departments. In addition, a good rehabilitation system should be in check to better cater to the respective patients in need.
C. Reformation in the Education segment
Restructuring the education system is the most important factor in rebuilding Zimbabwe. It is the key to move out of poverty. It also brings about changes to the social, political and economic developments. However, in order to provide opportunities for a better future, government agencies would have to ensure the quality of education given. Here are some suggestions to improve the system:
· Provide technical and vocational training at all levels
· Instill values, principles and moral education
· Community involvement
These will lead to a better, effective, efficient and sustainable approach.
We Loved1:36 PM
April 2008 past