Economic Developments in Southern Rhodesia

Question 1

Provide examples of development in agriculture.

Answer 1

• Growth of crops such as maize, tobacco and cotton for export
• Development of irrigation systems also allowed for the cultivation of crops such as citrus fruits, tea and coffee

Question 2

What were the negative impacts of developments in agriculture?

Answer 2

• Colonial government gave preferential treatment in terms of land allocation and access to credit to white settlers
• This led to a concentration of land ownership in the hands of white settlers, and limited opportunities for black Africans to engage in commercial agriculture.

Question 3

What were the positive impacts of developments in agriculture?

Answer 3

• Some black farmers did manage to establish successful agricultural businesses, particularly in the production of cash crops such as tobacco and cotton.
• However, they often faced significant obstacles, such as limited access to credit and markets, and the discriminatory policies of the colonial government

Question 4

Provide examples of development in transport.

Answer 4

• The Beira-Salisbury railway was created in 1899 and connected the port of Beira in Mozambique and
  Salisbury; it transported goods
• the Bulawayo railway was completed in 1902, linking Bulawayo and port of Beira and were further extended to the mining town Wankie and Victoria Falls

Question 5

Positive impacts of development in Transport.

Answer 5

• Improved connectivity through the construction of railways, roads, and ports.
• Facilitation of trade and economic activities within African countries and with global markets.
• Introduction of telecommunication systems, improving administrative efficiency and communication networks.
• Integration of regional economies into global trade networks, stimulating economic development.
• Creation of job opportunities in transportation, logistics, and communication sectors.

Question 6

Negative impact of development in Transport.

Answer 6

• Unequal distribution of infrastructure, with urban areas and economically strategic regions receiving more development.
• Limited local control over transportation and communication networks, hindering autonomy.
• Disruption of traditional trade routes and local economies, leading to economic dislocation in some areas.
• Environmental degradation from infrastructure projects, such as deforestation and habitat destruction.
• Dependence on foreign investments and loans for infrastructure development, leading to debt burdens.

Question 7

Provide examples of development in mining.

Answer 7

• Kwekwe (formerly Que Que): Kwekwe, located in the Midlands Province, was a major mining center for gold and other minerals
• Zvishavane (formerly Shabani): Zvishavane, in the Midlands Province, was renowned for its asbestos mines. The Shabani Mine was one of the largest asbestos-producing mines in the world during the colonial period.

Question 8

Positive impact of developments made in mining.

Answer 8

• Contribution to economic growth through mineral exports and revenue generation.
• Creation of employment opportunities in mining operations and related industries.
• Development of infrastructure around mining areas, such as roads and power supply.
• Transfer of technology and skills in mining techniques and equipment.
• Attraction of foreign investment and capital inflows into the economy.

Question 9

Negative impacts of developments made in mining.

Answer 9

• Environmental degradation from mining activities, including pollution and habitat destruction.
• Exploitation of local labor with low wages, poor working conditions, and limited rights.
• Social tensions and conflicts over land rights, resource control, and distribution of mining revenues.
• Dependence on volatile global commodity markets, leading to economic instability.
• Displacement of communities and disruption of traditional livelihoods due to mining operations.