Once a net exporter of food, Zimbabwe has recently been heavily reliant on food imports and aid and its current recovery remains fragile.
Following independence in 1980, Zimbabwe was one of the most developed countries in Africa. But during the last decade, poor governance and economic mismanagement – exemplified by land reform efforts – have drastically reduced food production and led to 80 per cent unemployment and record-breaking hyperinflation.
The impact of HIV has been dramatic, helping reduce average life expectancy by 26 years and halving smallholder food production. Zimbabwe has the highest number of orphans per capita of any country – almost 1 million according to UNAIDS – mostly because of AIDS.
Violent elections in 2008 led to a power-sharing agreement facilitated by the Southern African Development Community (SADC), which helped halt Zimbabwe’s downward spiral and established a measure of political and economic stability.
However, little reform has subsequently taken place and the political agreement is extremely fragile. Tensions are mounting ahead of possible fresh elections concurrent with an inconclusive constitutional reform exercise.
Meanwhile, Zimbabwe’s evangelical church comprises a quarter of the population and is engaged in a range of practical activities to alleviate suffering.