Zimbabwe

Geography and Culture in the Development of Zimbabwe

The economy of Zimbabwe is in shambles. With an average inflation rate of at least 252% and an economic growth rate of -5% in recent years, the nation of Zimbabwe appears to be financially hopeless when looked at on paper. Despite this, there is reason to view the further development of this economy with optimism. Much, if not all, of the financial hardships faced by Zimbabwe prove to be direct results of poor political management and indicate no distress to the supply of beneficial materials. Zimbabwe is home to one of Africa's richest supply of natural resources, and most of this abundance has yet to have been properly utilized in a manner that would maximize economic growth and stability. While the culture of the indigenous peoples, who are stricken by disease and warfare, does not appear to be a source for progress, the geography of the nation does promise much opportunity for the development of such a struggling nation.

Zimbabwe, located in the heart of southern Africa, is a land-locked nation. Although no coastline is present, water remains an important element in the economy of the nation. Water is a key facet of the success, and as will be discussed later, the distress of the economy of Zimbabwe. With energy literally pouring into the nation by way of the dammed Zambezi River, flowing water proves its availability and use in Zimbabwe (Zimbabwe). From damming rivers to redirecting them, the people of Zimbabwe have found the use of irrigation helpful in transforming some of the infertile soils of the south into farmable land. This technique allows the southern region of the nation, which receives little rainfall and is faced with limited underground water reserves, to be economically useful (Kay). Rainfall, although infrequent in much of the country, is abundant in some regions of the north and has in recent years been an important factor in the rapidly growing horticulture industry (Van Buren). Aside from the more obvious uses of water, the people of Zimbabwe have taken advantage of the substance in another developing industry: tourism. Victoria Falls, one of the most spectacular waterfalls on the planet, is located on the Northwest border of Zimbabwe and is one of the most attractive tourist destinations on the continent (Zimbabwe). In this way water has become the staple of Zimbabwe's tourism industry. Indeed water is central in the developing industries of Zimbabwe.

Water may be the most diversely used resource in Zimbabwe, but it is the vast supply of minerals that has the most potential for profit. With deposits of over forty types of minerals, "Zimbabwe is endowed with rich mineral resources," (Zimbabwe). Mining of gold, platinum, nickel, coal, copper, iron ore, a variety of gem stones, and much more is readily available in Zimbabwe (Van Buren). Despite this abundance of rare and desired minerals, the nation has not come close to reaching the potential of the industries of mining and manufacturing. In fact, recent years have shown a decline in both industries (Van Buren). The lack of trust in the government of Zimbabwe from foreign investors is the obvious reason for this. Since the turn of the century, the shady political actions of Zimbabwe have scared off many foreign traders. Without the income from foreign exchange, the mining and manufacturing industries are unable to purchase the fuel and equipment necessary for production (Van Buren). Development in these industries will surely be beneficial to the economy. Not only have these industries not been maximized for profit, but they have not even been fully discovered. It has just recently been discovered that Zimbabwe contains the largest coal-bed methane deposits in southern Africa, and this finding provides reason to believe that petroleum may also exist (Zimbabwe). Such extraordinary natural resources are reason to maintain optimism for the development of several industries in addition to foreign trade.

Another potentially profitable industry, like mining and manufacturing, has been deterred in recent years by the actions of the government. Zimbabwe is home to many natural wonders that attract visitors and bring much needed money into the country by way of tourism. These attractions include the aforementioned Victoria Falls, the Great Zimbabwe Stone Ruins, Lake Kariba, and extensive wildlife (Zimbabwe). Unfortunately for the tourism industry, however, many foreigners have been advised not to visit Zimbabwe due to political unrest and internal warfare. With a stable and inviting government, these geographical sites would surely lead to a booming industry.

The landscape of Zimbabwe, characterized almost entirely by a gently undulating plateau, may be divided into several distinct zones based on bio-climatic conditions. Because climate and weather vary significantly across the nation, only 8.3% of the land is considered arable for extensive commercial crop production (Kay). The rest of the nation's land does not receive sufficient rainfall, an important commodity in the agricultural industry. Although the majority of land is not considered ready for commercial cultivation, independent farming has aided in the production of a suitable food supply for the population of about 13 million. In fact, Zimbabwe was a self-sustainable producer of its primary crops in all but three years during the period of 1980-2000 with agriculture as its third highest source of GDP, proving that its limited arable land could support the nation (Van Buren). Land Reform Sanctions passed in 2000 in conjunction with a severe drought led to a massive decline in agricultural productivity in Zimbabwe, however, and the economy