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A rights-based analysis of disaster risk reduction framework in Zimbabwe and its implications for policy and practice
(2013) Bongo, P. P.; Chipangura, P.; Sithole, M.; Moyo, F.
This paper examines closely the institutional arrangements for disaster risk reduction from a rights-based perspective. In Zimbabwe, the disaster risk reduction framework and the ensuing practice have not yet accommodated some of the most vulnerable and excluded groups, especially the terminally ill, people with disabilities and the very poor. Top-down approaches to disaster management have largely been blamed for lack of resilience and poor preparedness on the part of sections of society that are hard hit by disasters. Often, disaster risk reduction has also been modeled along the needs and priorities of able-bodied people, whilst largely excluding those with various forms of impairments. Against this background, this paper is based on field research on people’s disaster risk experiences in four districts of Zimbabwe, with a special emphasis on the disaster risk reduction framework. It provides a critical analysis of the disaster risk reduction framework in Zimbabwe, focusing on the various forms of disadvantages to different categories of people that the current framework has tended to generate. The paper thus examines the current disaster risk reduction framework as largely informed by the Civil Protection Act and the Disaster Risk Management Policy Draft as revised in 2011. Crucial at this stage is the need to interrogate the disaster risk reduction framework, right from formulation processes with regard to participation and stakeholders, particularly the grassroots people who bear the greatest brunt of vulnerability, shocks, stresses and trends. In conclusion, the paper stresses the potential benefits of adopting an inclusive, rights-based thrust to disaster risk reduction in Zimbabwe.
(A)symmetrical conflict between medical doctors and traditional and faith healers in the era of Covid-19 in rural communities of Zimbabwe.
(2020) Chirambwi, K.
The paper examines the tension in the social construction of pandemic by doctors, traditional healers, and faith-based healers and considers the potential public health implications. Methodologically, the author uses a case study of Mwenezi District in Masvingo Province in Zimbabwe and draws on autoethnographic experiences to observe and analyse local level asymmetric confrontations as the Coronavirus pandemic unfolded. What emerges is how values, beliefs and scientific interpretations are contributing factors to conflict, and more significantly, the deleterious impact it has on mobilizing community action against the pandemic. Research findings reveal how untenable and inconceivable it will be to contain the pandemic without paying appropriate attention to apostolic sects and traditional healers. Interventions have so far ignored this social capital.
Addressing the healing of youth militia in Mashonaland East Province, Zimbabwe
(Univeristy of Peace Africa Programme, 2017) Chirambwi, K.
An analysis of corporate governance practices in government controlled versus private banking institutions in Zimbabwe
(2015) Dube, Z.L.; Murahwe, G.R.
The significance of good corporate governance practices is of paramount importance. It can be posited that the Zimbabwean banking sector crisis of the period 2003 to 2004 was largely due to poor corporate governance practices. Most of the banking institutions that faced closure in that era were of domestic origin. This crisis however did not affect the Government owned banks. This was a paradox as private banks are seen as profitable compared to Government owned banks. The paper sought to ascertain who between the government and private banks better adhered to corporate governance principles. Twenty one banks were involved in this study. A total of 39 questionnaires were sent, three per bank. Ten face to face interviews were conducted with the banks' directors and managers. The paper unearthed that corporate governance practices are observed by both private banks and government controlled banks; however private banks appear to have a slighter edge. Government owned banks do have good corporate practices in place.
An Analysis of Factors Affecting the Performance of Insurance Companies in Zimbabwe
(2017) Mazviona, B. W.; Dube, M; Sakahuhwa, T.
The study sought to examine factors affecting the performance of insurance companies in Zimbabwe. We utilized secondary data from twenty short-term insurance companies. The data was for the period from 2010 to 2014. We used factor analysis and multiple linear regression models to determine the factors affecting performance and identifying their impact. Our findings revealed that expense ratio, claims ratio and the size of a company significantly affect insurance companies’ performance negatively. Whilst leverage and liquidity affect performance positively. We recommend that insurance companies should introduce mechanisms that reduces operational costs such as automated systems.
An Analysis of the Impact of Shareholder Activism in Corporate Governance: The Case of the Zimbabwean Banking Sector
(2014-11) Dube, Zenzo L.; Mkumbiri, Nyasha M.
The shareholder-manager relationship is the most essential framework in corporate governance. A good corporate governance system is one which is able to tackle the conflicts of interest between managers and owners of a corporation and resolve them. The behavioural aspects such as 'short termism', 'absentee landlords' and the agency problem weaken corporate governance structures. Shareholder activism enables shareholders to assert their rights, in order to influence corporations’ behaviour. The study sought to analyse the impact of shareholder activism in Zimbabwe’s banking sector. In Zimbabwe, the concept of shareholder activism remains rather obscure; it has not gained much currency. The banking sector plays an important role as financial intermediary and is a primary source of financing for the domestic economy. The sector has seen the collapse of many banks, largely attributed to poor corporate governance practices. It is in this light that the study submits that shareholder activism is an integral aspect of corporate governance. The study drew on the views of stakeholders in the banking sector and was inherently qualitative. A total of 8 banks and 1 building society were studied. Questionnaires and focus group discussions were carried out. The interviews were with a major institutional shareholder. The study unearthed a positive relationship between shareholder activism and corporate governance. Indeed it can be posited that shareholder activism can reduce the agency problem and increases accountability. Shareholder activism in the banking sector needs to be vibrant.
An analysis of the internal auditing on the performamnce of banking institutions in Zimbabwe
(2020-08) Chinjova, F.; Chigariro, V.
The purpose of the research study was to establish the effects of internal auditing on the performance of banking institutions in Zimbabwe. The motivation for the study was driven by the continuous modernisation and changes in the banking sector that have reportedly, impacted on the operations and processes of the Zimbabwe’s financial sector. Risk in banking institutions have also increased due to the continuous changes in the financial operating environment and internal controls in place have since significantly changed so as to adapt to changes in the operating environment. More precisely, the security of depositors’ funds remains questionable as cases of banking funds’ theft continued to occur regardless of the existence of the internal audit function in banking institutions. The study used pragmatism as a research philosophy and stratified sampling technique was used to select a sample of 16 banks from a total population of 19, whose employees were used during the actual data gathering process. More importantly, the Pearson’s correlation and multiple regression analysis performed showed that auditor independence, management support, internal controls and audit practices are critical and explicit factors that directly affect the performance of Zimbabwe’s banking institutions. The study recommended that the Zimbabwe’s banking sector, from time to time, should periodically review and assess the compatibility of internal controls to match new demands in the financial sector. In addition, management of the banking institutions operating in Zimbabwe should also commit itself in adequately availing financial resources to ensure that the internal audit function performs its tasks without too many obstacles. Further, the study recommended that top management of the sector, especially the CEOs, should not interfere or victimise internal audit officers in the course of performing their mandatory tasks and audit charters should be regularly reviewed and updated so that recent changes in the financial sector are incorporated to improve performance.
An Empirical Test of the Validity of the Capital Asset Pricing Model on the Zimbabwe Stock Exchange
(2016) Nyangara, Melody; Nyangara, Davies; Ndlovu, Godfrey; Tyavambiza, Takawira
We test the empirical validity of the capital asset pricing model (CAPM) on the Zimbabwe Stock Exchange (ZSE) using cross-sectional stock returns on 31 stocks listed on the ZSE between March 2009 and February 2014. We conclude that, although the explanatory power of beta tends to fall rapidly for prediction horizons >6 months, beta significantly explains average monthly stock returns on the ZSE. Tests to validate the CAPM reject its validity for the ZSE however, primarily due to liquidity and skewness anomalies. We nevertheless fail to detect any size effects. There is encouraging evidence to suggest that the CAPM performs reasonably well in predicting average monthly returns over prediction horizons of between 3 and 6 months. We recommend that investors and analysts must exercise extreme caution in applying the CAPM. Furthermore, we discourage strategies based on the existence of a size premium on the ZSE. Instead, investors may consider neglected and negatively skewed stocks, albeit over appropriate horizons. Further research on other African Stock Markets will help verify if the optimal performance range of the CAPM is indeed 3-6 months. Development of standard continental proxy market portfolios will also improve the estimation of betas and enhance results of cross-country tests of the CAPM.
An Evaluation of the Usage and Operational Framework of the Real Time Gross Settlement System in the Zimbabwean Banking Sector
(2014) Bhiri, T.; Vhimisai, V.; Innocent Bayai, I.
Payment systems have evolved over the years in tandem with the quantum leap in the volume and value of payment system transactions. Consequentially, the banking sector together with the financial regulatory institutions have developed safe, reliable and robust payment streams such as the Real Time Gross Settlement (RTGS) system. This research seeks to evaluate the usage and operational framework of the Real Time Gross Settlement system in the Zimbabwean banking sector. The cross-sectional survey research design was adopted for this research. The major findings from the research were that the RTGS system is widely available and optimally utilized. There are manual interventions between the RTGS system and core banking systems. It was concluded that there is capacity to synchronize the RTGS system with other payment streams, the RTGS system rules and procedures are not fully implemented by financial institutions and the framework governing the RTGS system is largely comparable to international best practice. Recommendations were that the RTGS system should be synchronized with other electronic payment streams, the adoption and implementation of the Straight Through Processing should be expedited and that there should be an introduction of system availability barometers.
An analysis challenges faced by Zimbabwean micro finance institutions in providing financial services to the poor and informal sector in the dollarised regime
(Global Institute of Research and Education, 2013) Mutambanadzo, Tendekayivanhu; Bhiri, Thomas; Makunike, Smiller
Micro-Finance Institutions (MFIs) play a pivotal role in the provision of services to the financially excluded population , particularly the poor and the informal sector. The study investigated the reasons behind the collapse and under- performance of MFIs in a dollarized regime. A survey research design was adopted targeting all 17 MFIs in Bulawayo inclusive of those that collapsed. The major finding was that MFIs are facing funding challenges. Most of them use limited personal funds to finance their businesses. In addition, the study also revealed that MFIs have poor corporate governance structures. Management Information Systems (MIS) have not been fully exploited. The major conclusion drawn from the study was that lack of funding is the major factor hindering the growth and development of MFIs in Zimbabwe. The main recommendation was that MFIs must be adequately regulated and be encouraged to have suitable governance structures in order to attract funding.
An Analysis of Determinants of Private Investment in Zimbabwe for the Period 2009- 2011
(Management Journals, 2013) Bayai, Innocent; Nyangara, Davis
The study set out to analyse the determinants of private investment post the introduction of the multi-currency system in Zimbabwe (2009-2011). This was prompted by the sluggish growth in private investment thereby crippling the economy’s growth on the large. Variables identified for the study include political risk, GDP, national savings, inflation, interest rates, public investment, trade terms and debt servicing. To enhance the analysis, the study assumed correlation analysis and multiple regression in an effort to examine how private investment related to each identified variable as well as the net effect of each variable on private investment. Though most results from correlation analysis are contrary to the research’s expectations, treating the variables for co and multicollinearity gave theory aligned results in regression analysis. The study, though not out rightly disregarding correlation results identifies political risk, interest rate, GDP, debt servicing and trade terms as key determinants of private investment over the study period. Key though is the realisation that, statistical significance of results is independent of the practicality of economic principles. In a bid to foster economic growth and increase private investment, the study recommends the promotion of political stability, the attraction of FDI, enabling a structured public-private dialogue and promoting Government investment in infrastructure development among others.
An Analysis of Factors Affecting the Performance of Insurance Companies in Zimbabwe
(2017-06-21) Mazviona, Batsirai Winmore; Dube, Mbakisi; Sakahuhwa, Tendai
The study sought to examine factors affecting the performance of insurance companies in Zimbabwe. We utilized secondary data from twenty short-term insurance companies. The data was for the period from 2010 to 2014. We used factor analysis and multiple linear regression models to determine the factors affecting performance and identifying their impact. Our findings revealed that expense ratio, claims ratio and the size of a company significantly affect insurance companies’ performance negatively. Whilst leverage and liquidity affect performance positively. We recommend that insurance companies should introduce mechanisms that reduces operational costs such as automated systems.
An Analysis of the Impact of Demutualization on Stock Market Liquidity
(OMICS Publishing Group, 2014) Nyangara, Davis; Mazviona, Batsirai Winmore
This paper analyzes the impact of demutualization on stock market liquidity using annual data available from 24 demutualized and 26 mutual stock exchanges for the period 1990 to 2011. We use a panel data regression model to examine the nature and significance of the relationship between stock exchange demutualization and two measures of stock market liquidity (turnover rate and the value of volume traded relative to Gross Domestic Product (GDP). The findings indicate that demutualized exchanges exhibit significantly greater liquidity compared to mutual exchanges after controlling for age, size, trading technology, and level of economic development. We also observe that, world-wide, the trend has been that automation of trading precedes demutualization, and that the time between automation and demutualization has a positive but statistically insignificant effect on liquidity. The study is a remarkable departure from the traditional focus on the exchange governance effects of demutualization. Furthermore, it contributes to the literature on financial market development by documenting some of the key drivers of stock market liquidity, which in itself is a widely acknowledged driver of economic growth.
Assessing the impacts of conservation agriculture on farmer livelihoods in three selected communities in central Mozambique
(University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, 2011) Nkala, Peter
Agriculture is the major source of livelihood for more than 80% of the people in Mozambique. Many years of cropping using slash-and-burn practices has resulted in negative environmental impacts which result in low crop productivity, food insecurity, hunger and malnutrition. During the last 20 years there have been a number of initiatives by rural development and research organizations working in partnership with the government to introduce environmentally friendly, more efficient and sustainable technologies, so as to restore soil fertility, improve moisture conservation and ensure increased crop productivity. Among these technologies, conservation agriculture has been promoted since 2007 by the International Centre for Tropical Agriculture (CIAT), the International Maize and Wheat Improvement Centre (CIMMYT) in collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture (MINAG) in central Mozambique. Conservation Agriculture builds on three principles: minimal soil disturbance, permanent soil cover and crop rotation. This study assesses the alleged livelihoods benefits of conservation agriculture for smallholder farmers. These benefits include improving productivity, household income, food security and subsequently alleviating poverty. First, the benefits of conservation agriculture in southern Africa as reported in the literature were reviewed. Then empirical data was collected in the communities of Nhanguo, Pumbuto and Ruaca in central provinces of Manica and Sofala in Mozambique. The data was used to assess the differences between 75 households who had adopted (some) conservation agriculture techniques and 90 households who had not adopted any conservation agriculture techniques. Furthermore, how smallholder farmers are redesigning conservation agriculture was examined. Finally, the energy and labor efficiency of conservation agriculture was assessed. The results show that vulnerable livelihoods, lack of access to agricultural assets, lack of institutions supporting smallholder farmers are among the factors explaining the slow adoption of conservation agriculture in central Mozambique. Under these conditions conservation agriculture has only a weak impact on livelihood outcomes, mostly through a slight improvement in crop productivity. Farmers are actively engaged in redesigning all the three principles of permanent soil cover, minimum tillage and crop rotation, thus indicating that promoting conservation agriculture as a package may not be suitable for all categories of smallholder farmers. Finally, comparing energy use within conservation agriculture and conventional agriculture shows some efficiency gains. The study concludes that conservation agriculture is a complex technology whose short- and long-term benefits are not fully apparent. If smallholder farmers are to adopt the technology, a participatory approach to adapting the technology to their need might be more promising than the current transfer-oftechnology approach.
Causes of Liquidity Crisis in Zimbabwe after the Adoption of the Multicurrency in 2009
(2019) Chinjova, F.; Zinhumwe, R.
-The study examined the real causes of the liquidity crisis in the banking sector since the introduction of the multicurrency in Zimbabwe. The liquidity crisis continued to harm string the Zimbabwean economy despite the growth in the aggregate money supply (M3) from US$300 million in 2009, following the adoption of the use of multicurrency. During the period under review, the economy registered a peak of 11.9% growth in 2011. However, despite high economic growth rates, banks still failed to supply cheap loans to the productive sectors, a significant indicator of the liquidity crisis. This was worsened by the shortage of cash in 2016. The investigation on the real causes of liquidity crisis adopted a qualitative research method. Data was collected using in-depth interviews. The research concluded that liquidity crisis in Zimbabwe was caused by poor performance of the external sector, mainly the net exports, foreign direct investment, portfolio investment, diaspora remittances as well as foreign borrowing. Failure by the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe to provide the lender of last resort function, the growing informal sector were also considered to have had a negative impact on the liquidityin the country. To improve the liquidity in the country, the study recommended that the government revert back to the principle of cash budgeting and that there should be an increase in production of local products which should be exported.
Challenges Experienced on Implementing Government Strategies to Revive Manufacturing Companies in Zimbabwe during the Period 2009 to 2017
(2020-09) Chinjova, F.; Magede, M.C.
The study examined the challenges that caused STERP, ZIMASSET and Statutory Instrument 64 to fail to revive the manufacturing sector in Zimbabwe during the period 2009 to 2017. An interpretivism paradigm was adopted in order to generate a lot of data in the field and from the site where participants experienced the problem. The study used a multiple case study design involving 20 manufacturing companies operating in Zimbabwe which facilitated a holistic and in-depth investigation of the challenges that affected the effectiveness of the above policies to produce tangible results. The study unearthed that the major challenges that affected STERP, ZIMASSET and Statutory Instrument 64 are the instability of the political climate, massive mismanagement of manufacturing companies, lack of qualified personnel to lead the manufacturing companies, inconsistent government policies and lack of funding to ensure the success of the policies. Hence, a holistic approach is recommended in order for the policies implemented to be effective
Challenges facing progression of disabled pesrons towards senior managerial positions in the National Association of Societies for the care of the handicapped member organisations in Zimbabwe.
(2022) Khuphe, W.; Ndlovu, M.J.; Shava, G.N.; Zulu, E.; Shonhiwa, S.
The purpose of this research was to identify and analyze the key factors that affect the limited progression of disabled persons to senior positions at the National Association of Societies for the Care of the Handicapped (NASCOH), the umbrella body that represents different organizations that advocate and support people with disabilities. The research followed a qualitative approach with some limited quantitative analysis of some of the findings. Ten member organizations were sampled in the collection of data. Out of the fifty questionnaires distributed, thirty fully completed and valid questionnaires were received back and that constituted a response rate of sixty percent. The sample was made up of five organizations of the disabled and five organizations for the disabled. The findings of the research show, amongst others, that prejudice and in some instances, weak corporate governance are strong determinants of lack of progression to senior positions of disabled people at NASCOH and in some member organizations. Although this research was small in scale, that is, targeted only ten out of forty-five NASCOH member organizations; many lessons could be learned from the findings of the project. Further research is necessary to explore deeper the identified factors to influence better policy and practice in the study area. The research study found that disabled employees are less represented in employment opportunities. The study further found that there are limited or in some instances, no programmes designed to promote the advancement and development of people with disabilities at NASCOH member organizations. The key recommendation is that there is an urgent need for NASCOH, with the active participation of disability rights activists to push for the establishment of a national policy on disability by the Government of Zimbabwe. Further research is necessary to explore deeper the identified factors to influence better policy and practice in the study area.
The Characteristics and Constraints of Rural Enterprises
(The International Journal Of Humanities & Social Studies, 2016-12) Mtisi, Samson
This brief review paper discusses the characteristics of rural enterprises and their typical constraints in the rural milieu. In as far as rural enterprises are concerned, there is a thin line of difference between their characteristics and constraints, hence, the combined discussion of both in this paper. The rural business environment itself also contributes to the characterization of rural enterprises and also helps shape some of the associated constraints. Being a review paper, the methodology is basically premised on a literature survey of both theoretical and empirical research papers that characterize rural enterprises as well discussing their constraints. This paper is an extract of a broader literature review undertaken for a PhD study on rural enterprise development. The following constitute the major findings from the literature in as far as characteristics and constraints of rural enterprises are concerned: agriculture/land based enterprises; small and micro businesses; less growth oriented; small size of local market; stiff competition; poor access to finance; poor transportation and communication; lack of skilled labour; low availability of business premises; informality; lack of innovativeness; poor networking opportunities; lack of technology; poor quality products; poor status of local institutions; limited business management skills and low access to business support, among others that are detailed in the paper. This paper is of value in as far as it gives a clear characterization of rural enterprises and their constraints and therefore it can be used for development of rural enterprise support policies in fostering the growth of the rural economy.
The Characteristics and Constraints of Rural Enterprises
(Scholar Publications, 2016-12) Mtisi, Samson
This brief review paper discusses the characteristics of rural enterprises and their typical constraints in the rural milieu. In as far as rural enterprises are concerned, there is a thin line of difference between their characteristics and constraints, hence, the combined discussion of both in this paper. The rural business environment itself also contributes to the characterization of rural enterprises and also helps shape some of the associated constraints. Being a review paper, the methodology is basically premised on a literature survey of both theoretical and empirical research papers that characterize rural enterprises as well discussing their constraints. This paper is an extract of a broader literature review undertaken for a PhD study on rural enterprise development. The following constitute the major findings from the literature in as far as characteristics and constraints of rural enterprises are concerned: agriculture/land based enterprises; small and micro businesses; less growth oriented; small size of local market; stiff competition; poor access to finance; poor transportation and communication; lack of skilled labour; low availability of business premises; informality; lack of innovativeness; poor networking opportunities; lack of technology; poor quality products; poor status of local institutions; limited business management skills and low access to business support, among others that are detailed in the paper. This paper is of value in as far as it gives a clear characterization of rural enterprises and their constraints and therefore it can be used for development of rural enterprise support policies in fostering the growth of the rural economy.
Community Perceptions on the Services Offered to Gender-Based Violence Survivors in Safe Shelter of Buhera District, Zimbabwe
(2020) Maripfonde, T.L.; Mavondo, G.A.; Chamisa, J.A.
Introduction: Gender Based Violence (GBV) has become a topical issue in the development field being a reality in life which is happening in all societies regardless of race, class, culture and income status. Safe shelters are set up as free services given to desperate GBV survivors and their use need to be explored from the stand point of beneficiaries.Methods: A qualitative research design was adopted using semi-structured interviews and focus group discussions (FDGs) and carried out on Gender Forum Members, GBV survivors, GBV key informants and stakeholders on their perceptions on the protective measures associated with GBV victims safe shelters. A total of 42 participants were recruited. Fourteen females and twelve males were involved FDGs (n = 26), six females GBV (n = 6) survivors and ten Gender Forum Members (n = 10) participated in in depth interviews. Results: All participants were willing to give their perceptions on the subject under study. Perceptions were that women in GBV were empowered at the safe shelters where protection, counselling and sociopsychological support was given. Women were reintegrated with their families when ready to do so. Stakeholders were appreciative of the services offered to those who fell victim to GBV as shown by FDGs, in-depth interviews and document reviews. This acceptability was taken despite cultural and religious factors that are still hindering the uptake of safe shelter services being rendered. Conclusion: It is prudent that an integrated and holistic approach is taken to issues of GBV is key to the management of survivors of GBV. The shelters provided much needed respite from GBV. The church, traditional structures, Gender Forum membership and the Ministry of Women Affairs Gender and Community Development (MWAGCD) should collaborate. A dedicated transport mechanism in responding to cases of GBV is needed. However, the use of the safe shelters seems not to be able to carter for male adult GBV victims

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