Spatial and structural analysis of manufacturing industries in Zimbabwe and the implications for regional planning

Abstract

One of Zimbabwe's key inheritances from the colonial economy is a strong and diversified manufacturing sector. Its development has been the result of a wide range of factors based on import substitution policies pursued since the end of the Second World War. This was backed by an active government policy to create adequate infrastructure and to encourage a strong flow of foreign capital investment.

The manufacturing sector is closely linked to the colonial settlement pattern. Up to 70% of manufacturing industries are located in the two main urban centres of Harare and Bulawayo. This geographical concentration has increased polarisation of regional development especially with the peasant communal sector. However, manufacturing industries have developed close linkages with the other capitalist sectors of the economy---commercial agriculture, mining and forestry.

The thesis examines several aspects of manufacturing industries in Zimbabwe. Firstly, it establishes a conceptual framework for the study of industrial location and regional development. This is also a critical appraisal of the main body of theory derived from the experiences of industrialised economies. Secondly, the historical and institutional patterns of the Zimbabwean industrial development are examined. This highlights the important role of the State, and other external factors. Thirdly, using evidence from a fieldwork sample of seventy-five manufacturing firms, in seven municipal regions---HARARE, MARONDERA, RUSAPE, KADOMA, KWE KWE, MASVINGO and CHIREDZI---an analysis is made of the main industrial location factors. The sample provides a diversity of industries and geographical locations. This geographical study of location factors highlights the structural features of the colonial settlement pattern. Fourthly, a wide range of structural aspects, including employment characteristics, linkages influence and interaction with the rural economy, are examined. The emphasis is on the changes which occurred in the post-1965 period, when the economy was affected by international sanctions.

Finally, the implications for regional development planning are examined. In the light of the findings, what is the role of manufacturing industries in promoting equitable regional development and especially the reduction of underdevelopment of rural areas? What is the role of industries in the growth centre policy which the government is trying to implement? The thesis argues for some of the possible alternatives.