ACCOUNTING FOR FOREST RESOURCES IN ZIMBABWE

Resource /Energy Economics and Policy,

Domestic Water Use and Values in Swaziland: A Contingent Valuation Analysis

The paper reports on the use of the contingent valuation method to study the determinants of Swazi households' willingness to pay (WTP) for an improvement in their water quantity and quality. A sample of 374 households was surveyed and a Tobit model was applied to explain household preferences for quality and quantity of domestic water supply and derive estimates of WTP for such a service. The results confirm that household income had a positive and statistically significant impact on WTP for both quality and quantity. Distance to the water source is positively associated with WTP regardless of the location (rural or urban) and of the household head's age, education, and gender. Current water consumption was also statistically significant for WTP for improved quantity, but with a negative sign, implying that the more a household consumes water, the less that household is WTP to have improved water quantity. Conversely, the same household would be WTP for improved water quality. Rural households showed a much higher WTP for improved water provision services than urban households. There is therefore scope to improve water service levels in Swaziland even at a higher water price. More precisely, the estimates of WTP obtained in this study indicate the possibility of introducing a demand-driven program to expand the coverage of rural tap water schemes.Resource /Energy Economics and Policy,

Evaluating Retail Distribution Strategies During Covid-19 Pandemic in South Africa Using Best Worst Method Multicriteria Decision Technique

This paper evaluates the distribution strategies adopted by South African retailers during the Covid-19 pandemic and how such strategies have been adjusted for a more resilient post-Covid-19 world. Using the Best Worst method multicriteria decision technique and exploiting data collected from decision makers from the retail industry to rank the distribution strategies according to their level of importance, we show that omnichannel distribution strategy ranked highest, followed by direct shipment distribution capability in contributing to the success of retail distribution during the Covid-19 pandemic. On the other hand, inventory pooling, transhipment, centralised or decentralised strategy, and cross-docking ranked lower while retail distribution strategy was lowest ranked. Finally, particular emphasis must be placed on the critical factors identified in the evaluation in terms of their challenging dimension and impact as they pave way for a more capable retail resilience distribution capability

Zimbabwe: adjustment, macro-economics and sustainability: CGE results for Zimbabwe

A conference paper on economic adjustment, macroeconomics and its sustainability in Zimbabwe. Originally prepared for: "Conference on Zimbabwe: macroeconomic policy, management and performance since independence: lessons for the 21 st century," 19-21 August, Sheraton Hotel, Harare.Within the framework of a small, macroeconomic general equilibrium model of the Zimbabwean economy, comparative statics are used to assess alternative ways of macroeconomic management since independence. The fiscally expansive policies of the 1980s are shown to generate growth which, however, is unsustainable on fiscal, equity and balance of payments criteria. The result of a full implementation of structural adjustment policies is a 10 percent higher GDP level compared to the baseline scenario. The dismal growth performance in the 1990s is attributed to five factors: deteriorating balance of payments position, lack of investment, lack of fiscal reform, recurring negative re distributions and unwillingness or inability to view the reform policies as a coherent package deal. Income distribution differs only marginally across the two diametrically opposed regimes, while the fiscal deficit is substantially higher under policies of the 1980s

Assessment of smallholder's agriculture's contribution to the economy of Zimbabwe: A social accounting matrix multiplier analysis

The economy of Zimbabwe has been in shambles since 1991. Output has declined in most of the production sectors, leading to many job losses. Current debates on the problems facing the economy have focused on poor government's incentives and excessive interventions as major constraints of economic development. The government of Zimbabwe, on the other hand has emphasized an agriculturally led economic recovery programme. Specifically, the government has undertaken land reform and investment policies aimed at promoting small-holder agriculture in Zimbabwe. Is this a justifiable action taken by the government? The answer to this question necessitated the use of the 1991 micro SAM for Zimbabwe to empirically analyze the impact of small-holder agriculture on the economy of Zimbabwe. The goal of this paper is to quantify small-holder agriculture's true contribution to the economy in general and poverty reduction in particular. However, to make a more detailed analysis, the other sectors are also included in the analytical framework. The study uses the traditional impact analyses to measure the incidence of a sector specific policy on the economy. The results provide evidence that investment in small-holder agriculture should be seen as investment in the entire economy. The study clearly shows that small-holder agriculture promotes sustainable development and the inclusion of rural communities especially the poorest in economic activities

Assessment of smallholder's agriculture's contribution to the economy of Zimbabwe: A social accounting matrix multiplier analysis

The economy of Zimbabwe has been in shambles since 1991. Output has declined in most of the production sectors, leading to many job losses. Current debates on the problems facing the economy have focused on poor government's incentives and excessive interventions as major constraints of economic development. The government of Zimbabwe, on the other hand has emphasized an agriculturally led economic recovery programme. Specifically, the government has undertaken land reform and investment policies aimed at promoting small-holder agriculture in Zimbabwe. Is this a justifiable action taken by the government? The answer to this question necessitated the use of the 1991 micro SAM for Zimbabwe to empirically analyze the impact of small-holder agriculture on the economy of Zimbabwe. The goal of this paper is to quantify small-holder agriculture's true contribution to the economy in general and poverty reduction in particular. However, to make a more detailed analysis, the other sectors are also included in the analytical framework. The study uses the traditional impact analyses to measure the incidence of a sector specific policy on the economy. The results provide evidence that investment in small-holder agriculture should be seen as investment in the entire economy. The study clearly shows that small-holder agriculture promotes sustainable development and the inclusion of rural communities especially the poorest in economic activities.Agricultural Finance,