Zimbabwe's Independence
Geographical Problems and Prospects
Bibliographic Data
| ID | 5290041 |
|---|---|
| Authors | George Kay (corresponding author) |
| Year | 1981 |
| Volume | 147 |
| Issue | 2 |
| Pages | 179 |
| Publication date | 1981-07-01 |
| Peer Reviewed | Yes |
| Open Access | No |
| Type | ARTICLE |
| Venue | Geographical Journal (JOURNAL) |
| Journal identifiers | ISSN: 0016-7398 • E-ISSN: 1475-4959 |
| Publisher | JSTOR (PUBLISHER) |
| DOI | 10.2307/634533 |
| OpenAlex | W1991382991 |
| Language | EN |
| Citations received | 3 |
| References cited | 5 |
Zimbabwe's heritage is the product of 90 years of Rhodesian history; so an historical perspective is a prerequisite for interpretation of current circumstances, notably the deeply divided socio-economic structure with its interdependence of markedly different sectors each with its spatially distinct bases. Recent trends and current tendencies for change within and to this structure offer a problematic situation that calls for restraint and statesmanship from all involved and especially the government. Within the general complex of problems facing Zimbabwe, those associated with excessive and growing pressure of population upon a deteriorating rural resource base are seen both as a particular ecological concern and an important part of the national scene. The efficacy of widespread rural development as a solution to these particular problems is questioned; and the urban basis of the present economy is seen as the foundation for an urban-orientated development strategy. MOST FUNDAMENTAL problems in human geography are complex and each has a political dimension. In most cases political factors contribute to the origins and nature of the problem; and political forces usually are prime determinants of problem-solving policies. It is, however, no less important to appreciate the role of political ideology and philosophy in the identification and definition of problems; and the labelling of a condition frequently implies a treatment. There is, therefore, a three-fold justification for reviewing even fundamental problems in the light of any significant change in political circumstances; and the transition from Rhodesia to Zimbabwe is sufficient occasion for such a review. Zimbabwe faces a complex of interrelated problems which, in various forms, occurs throughout much of the Less Developed World. These problems can be usefully expressed in terms of goals and intervening obstacles; and most may be subsumed under a few major needs: the need to raise rapidly the standard of living and the quality of life of society as a whole; the need for peace (that is, a state of friendliness?not merely an absence of strife) and understanding throughout society as a whole; the need to use and conserve the nation's natural heritage in such a way as to enhance the resource base available to future generations; and in order to facilitate progress towards these goals, the need (i) to reduce the rate of population growth by reduction of the birth-rate, and (ii) to improve the spatial distribution of the population in relation to natural and social resources and in relation to opportunities for economic and social development. The particular form of such problems in Zimbabwe is conditioned by 90 years of Rhodesian history. Rhodesia was conceived and developed as a White Man's Country, as a colony rather than a protectorate, in which commercial economic activity was to be undertaken primarily by white settlers and locally based companies which provided the requisite capital, technology, management and skills for rapid progress. The colonial
Economic geography · Geography · Independence (probability theory · Political science · Regional science · Statistics · African history and culture studies · African studies and sociopolitical issues · Mathematics · Urban and Rural Development Challenges
| Unique citing works | 3 |
|---|---|
| Citations per year | 0,07 |
| Citation span | 1985 - 2008 (24) |
| Citation velocity | historical |
| Highly cited | No |
| Citation types | Neutral: 3 |