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Zimbabwe
>> Regional Overview >> Zimbabwe Overview
Previous Years' Activities
2002, 2001, 2000, 1999, 1998, 1997
Last updated: 20
THE DEVELOPMENT CHALLENGE: Zimbabwe is a country of immense human and natural potential. Ten years ago it was one of the most developed countries in southern Africa. Today 60% of the population lives on less than $1 per day, unemployment is 70%, and inflation has reached 107%. The land redistribution program is disrupting agricultural production and leaving farm workers without homes or jobs. Mass hunger is a real possibility as the Government of Zimbabwe has neither funds nor credit to replenish its food reserves. There are increasing cases of violence and intimidation as the March 2002 presidential election approaches.
Life expectancy has fallen to 52 years, infant mortality is 65 per 1,000, under five child mortality is 102 per 1000, and 25% of the adult population is infected by HIV/AIDS. Zimbabwe's per capita gross domestic product in 2000 was $421 before declining to $385 in 2001. External debt in December 2001 was $2.7 billion. The Government of Zimbabwe is not currently servicing its debt and most multilateral and bilateral donor resources are being withdrawn or reduced. Overall donor assistance to Zimbabwe was $219 million in 1999 as compared to the estimated $37.5 million for 2001.
The United States national interests in Zimbabwe are in building democracy and implementing an effective response to the catastrophic HIV/AIDS epidemic. With the current food shortages, humanitarian relief has also become a priority.
THE USAID PROGRAM:
FY 2002 Estimate: $11.173 million FY 2003 Request: $18.108 million USAID is requesting funds for three objectives which concentrate on mitigating the HIV/AIDS crisis, enhancing citizens' participation in economic and political decision-making, and expanding economic opportunities for disadvantaged groups. FY 2002 funds will be used to implement the ongoing activities to fight the HIV/AIDS epidemic through increasing awareness and use of condoms; encouraging and supporting microenterprises; and working with civil society organizations, parliament, and local authorities to listen to and represent the interests of the populace. A humanitarian assistance program will also be initiated.
All FY 2003 funds requested by USAID/Zimbabwe will be used to continue funding current programs. The funding increase under the FY 2003 request will broaden support to HIV/AIDS and family planning and reproductive health activities. Depending on the outcome of the critical March election, USAID will consider expanding certain objectives or review the implementation of its program with the Government of Zimbabwe.
ONGOING PROGRAMS FOR WHICH NO FY 2002 OR FY 2003 FUNDING IS REQUESTED: The USAID program in Zimbabwe includes the following objectives for which USAID is not requesting new funds, but is continuing to expend funds already appropriated.
Number: Title: Last Notified: Planned Completion: 613-001 Natural Resources Management Strengthened for Sustainable Development FY 2002 CBJ p.719 FY 2003 613-002 Broadened Ownership in a Growing Economy FY 2002 CBJ p.723 FY 2002 OTHER PROGRAM ELEMENTS: In addition to the bilateral program, USAID has an ongoing centrally-managed program to enhance democracy through support for freedom of the press, rule of law, free and fair elections and human rights. USAID's Regional Center for Southern Africa, based in Botswana, manages 15 regional programs that include Zimbabwe. Four of the programs deal with natural resource management. Three programs support agricultural research and policy development and five programs support the development of southern Africa regional trade and economic integration. The remaining three programs encourage anti-corruption, enhanced legislative processes, and greater media freedom. USAID is currently negotiating a P.L. 480 emergency food assistance program for Zimbabwe in coordination with the World Food Program. The Famine Early Warning System Network is a long-running Africa Bureau regional project providing support for regional food security monitoring, analysis and reporting throughout several selected countries, including Zimbabwe, and multiple regions of Africa. USAID centrally funds the regional Corridors of Hope activity which make condoms more available and accessible to target groups by expanding social marketing of the devices through branded advertising and promotional activities.
OTHER DONORS: In addition to the United States, the major donors include the European Union (governance, social services, and environment), the United Kingdom (poverty, environment, AIDS/health, private sector), Germany (health, education, environment, self-help) and Japan (environment, AIDS, other health, education, infrastructure, private sector). Norway, Sweden, and the Netherlands sponsor smaller programs. Currently the Government of Zimbabwe is in arrears to all of its multilateral lending institution partners, so programs of the World Bank and International Monetary Fund (IMF) are on hold with the IMF stand-by agreement having been suspended in 1999. Donor coordination is excellent. Most bilateral donors have reduced or stopped government-to-government assistance, opting to channel help through non-governmental organizations. The United Nations family of agencies remains active in Zimbabwe in several sectors including HIV/AIDS, health, education, environment, and governance. USAID leads the coordination of HIV/AIDS programs in-country and, even though a minor donor in natural resources and environment, it has a leading coordination role in this program as well. The United Nations just issued a Humanitarian Assistance and Recovery Program appeal to all donors for $81 million for 2002, to which the United States expects to make a significant food contribution.
Program Data Sheets
- 613-008 Participation
- 613-009 HIV/AIDS
- 613-010 Linkages for the Economic Advancement of the Disadvantaged
Country Background Information Resources
CIA Factbook
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State Dept. Country Information
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Last Updated on: May 29, 2002 |
