Mat North most impoverished province Matabeleland North has the highest level of poverty in Zimbabwe, according to a survey conducted by the Zimbabwe National Statistics Agency. 06.06.13 by Farai Mabeza According to the latest figures from ZIMSTAT, the province’s poverty level at 81,7 percent is higher than any other province in the country. The province with the lowest poverty prevalence level is Bulawayo at 34,5 percent while Harare’s prevalence is at 35,7 percent. Mashonaland Central has the second highest level of poverty at 75,4 percent, Mashonaland West is at 72,4 percent, Manicaland is at 70,6 percent with Matabeleland South at 70,8 percent. Mashonaland East and Midlands are tied at 67 percent while Masvingo is at 63,7 percent. The Minister of Finance ,Tendai Biti, who officiated at the launch of thee Poverty Datum Line Analysis in Zimbabwe for 2011 to 2012 and the Poverty Income Consumption and Expenditure Survey for 2011 to 2012 reports, said poverty levels across the country remained unacceptably high. He said accurate and up to date national statistics were critical as they enabled policymakers to come up with relevant policy initiatives. “One of the most controversial statistics in Zimbabwe is that of the unemployment rate. The frequently used figure of 85 percent is not possible. Most people in the country are economically active and only nine percent are economically inactive. “If we had 85 percent unemployment we would all be dead,” Biti said. He said different statistical evidence had emerged in the survey, showing the extent of poverty in the country. “The most common asset in Zimbabwe is the bicycle which is owned by 67 percent of the population and the second most common is the wheelbarrow. 69 percent of people in Matabelelnad North use open spaces for toilets,” he said. Biti also revealed that 48 percent of households in Manicaland are made up of polygamous families. Another disturbing statistic according to the finance minster was that of Masvingo, where 44 percent of all married women have been assaulted by their husbands. 60 percent of girls in Gokwe were found to have had at least one child by the age of 19. Biti said that 42 percent of the country’s population was below the age of 15, describing that as an advantage. “Most countries in the developed world are struggling to deal with the problem of an aging population but we have an opportunity with the age of our population,” he said. Biti said it was unfortunate that politicians tended to occupy themselves with matters that did not put bread on the table, giving the example of “endless political negotiations in Zimbabwe”. Since the early 2000, Zimbabwean politicians, with the help of the international community, have been seized with talks to solve local political-economic-social problems. “Peace and stability are important but the problem is that in Africa politics subordinates development,” he said. “There are many issues that need attention. Half of the population is unable to make use of modern health facilities because they cannot afford them. Land in the absence of title is of no economic value to the people,” he added. According to the Zimstat survey, 68,2 percent of all households live in the rural areas. The HIV prevalence in the 15 to 49 age group stands at 15 percent. In March 2013, the Food Poverty Line was measured at $34,84 per person.
Posted on: Sat, 08 Jun 2013 11:03:18 +0000
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