Unpacking the Crisis in Zimbabwe: Implications for the Welfare State

The history of transformation in Zimbabwe has left a policy landscape characterised by serious problems, including whole scale collapse of social services throughout the country and the reduced ability of the state to provide basic needs. Demonstrating the negative consequences of inappropriate economic policies and wrong political decisions, Zimbabwe has failed to realize its potential for progressive social policy. This paper is an attempt to draw attention to social protection programmes in Zimbabwe and how they are failing to secure the welfare and wellbeing of citizens. The paper recommends a move towards a developmental welfare state to capture the interconnectedness of welfarism, production structures and international economic integration.