Children after the Long Socio-economic Crisis in Zimbabwe: Situation Analysis and Policy Issues

Abstract

Children in Zimbabwe suffered badly during the long socioeconomic crisis in Zimbabwe from about 1990 to 2008. During its peak, from 2002 to 2008, health, nutrition, education and other social indicators in Zimbabwe reached extremely low levels. Despite recent improvements in the situation of Zimbabwe’s children, many of the effects of the socioeconomic crisis on them are long-term, even permanent. Pre-natal and early childhood malnutrition, orphan-hood, and disrupted education have all created lasting damage. The Government of Zimbabwe faces several challenges in re-establishing social services for children. The country’s fiscal capacity is not what it once was, yet public expectations for improvements are high. In such a situation of high expectations, it is tempting to tiy to do everything at once. Suggestions are made for focusing on re-establishing basic services, with an emphasis on building quality, equity, coverage and participation.