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Sneaking up and stumbling back: Textiles sector performance under crisis conditions in Zimbabwe

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  • Blessing M. Chiripanhura

    (University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK)

Abstract

The paper examines the structure and performance of the textiles and clothing sectors in Zimbabwe. Based on firm level data, it examines the challenges and factors behind the resilience of the two sectors. It shows that increased flexibility, reduced capacity utilisation, modernisation of production systems and production incentives were among the most important factors exploited by firms to remain in business. It shows the main hindrance as macroeconomic instability that caused raw materials and skills shortages. It concludes that the sectors still have comparative advantage that can be exploited in a stable economy. The challenge is that the longer the current crisis goes unresolved, the more likely it is that the sectors will lose all the potential comparative advantage, implying that firms that have survived the crisis since 1997 may eventually be forced to shut down. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Suggested Citation

  • Blessing M. Chiripanhura, 2010. "Sneaking up and stumbling back: Textiles sector performance under crisis conditions in Zimbabwe," Journal of International Development, John Wiley & Sons, Ltd., vol. 22(2), pages 153-175.
  • Handle: RePEc:wly:jintdv:v:22:y:2010:i:2:p:153-175
    DOI: 10.1002/jid.1535
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Velenchik, Ann D., 1997. "Government intervention, efficiency wages, and the employer size wage effect in Zimbabwe," Journal of Development Economics, Elsevier, vol. 53(2), pages 305-338, August.
    2. Paul Jackson, 2004. "What is the enabling state? The views of textiles and garments entrepreneurs in Zimbabwe," Journal of International Development, John Wiley & Sons, Ltd., vol. 16(6), pages 769-783.
    3. Kaplinsky, Raphael, 1995. "Technique and system: The spread of Japanese management techniques to developing countries," World Development, Elsevier, vol. 23(1), pages 57-71, January.
    4. Mark Doms & Eric J. Bartelsman, 2000. "Understanding Productivity: Lessons from Longitudinal Microdata," Journal of Economic Literature, American Economic Association, vol. 38(3), pages 569-594, September.
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    Cited by:

    1. Zimbabwe Economic Policy Analysis and Research Unit (ZEPARU), 2014. "Zimbabwe Cotton to Clothing Value Chain study," ZEPARU Research Studies 305819, Zimbabwe Economic Policy Analysis and Research Unit (ZEPARU).

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