After a long plane ride, a long drive home in rush hour, and
an unbelievable amount of chaos in the world of transportation, I had finally
reached my destination just outside of Harare, Zimbabwe. Having spent my first
week talking to everyone and anyone, meeting people left and right, and living
in an orphanage, I have learned quite a lot! For one, I have learned that there
is a lot to be done in Zimbabwe, a lot of problems that need solutions. On the
other hand, though, spending a lot of time at the orphanage meeting the
children, I have learned that the Zimbabwean youth are very eager to study,
help, and share. I do not want to generalize, but there are certain ideals and
values that I have found in many people that are, in my opinion, rare in most
Westerners. And these are morals that will be instrumental in the success of
any economic stimulation and employment opportunity.
The first main issue that I found this week my first night
while speaking to some people I met is the lack of successful local business,
which comes for a few reasons:
(1) local products are expensive due to a lack
of competition that allows local businesses to raise prices when they are doing
well, in turn making the local market unappealing;
(2) the government insists
on controlling 51% of any business, making it difficult to start a business
here and discouraging foreign investment;
(3) there is very little manufacturing due to
a lack of capital and machinery;
(4) international products in Zimbabwe are
viewed as far more sophisticated than local products, further hindering local
business and production!
Among other barriers that I have been told, those that may
be obstacles to progress in Zimbabwe, is the overwhelming lack of general
knowledge in areas such as farming techniques and HIV/AIDS, especially in the
rural areas. These are two prominent issues, and in order for progress to
occur, there must be some source of skills and training. In talking to one very
interesting man, I believe that a greater knowledge of HIV/AIDS, farming, and
clean energy would increase life expectancy, thereby decreasing the number of
orphans. Sustainable farming and reliable/relatively cheap energy would do so
much good for this country!
Many interesting conversations later, lots of people, and an
unbelievably busy week, I am exhausted…in the best way possible. I am excited
about the potential for Zimbabwe and ZOF (I have many ideas!), and feel
challenged by the many obstacles that still stand in the way. And with that, I
begin week two!
à
People who are not rich prefer to buy products with environmentally friendly
packaging, particularly packaging that they can recycle. So, if they are
shopping for milk, they’d rather buy a carton that they could reuse as a water
bottle.
à
up to 75% of the people in rural Zimbabwe participate in agriculture, but a huge
problem is that they cannot generate revenue off the food they produce due to
an inability to reach the market, coupled with a monopoly over many sectors
Oh, and when in Zimbabwe, eat sadza (but make sure it's with your hands)!
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