Analyzing The Public Policy Framework In Promoting Sustainable Socio-Economic Development. Case Study: Zimbabwe (2000-2015)

Abstract

The study reviews how the interplay of socio-economic dynamics shaped

policy decisions since 2000. Research findings suggest that the spirit of

policy decisions bear the imprint of the prevailing macro dynamics. A

climate of siege and anxiety has prevailed since 2000, when the State was

in economic crisis, policy interventions were mainly contractionary and

low note on local ownership social acceptance. After 2009, into the GNU

and its aftermath, policy making was under highly untenable social,

political and economic conditions.

The study revealed that the current public policy framework in Zimbabwe

is retrogressive in nature hence inequitable and back-playing sustainable

development. It is retrogressive in the sense that the governing system has

revolted from socialistic ideas which promoted pro-poor policy

alternatives, adopting authoritarianism which has promoted growth and

legitimacy to political elites.

The research gives the historical context of public policy tracing the major

changes in the types, structures and administration of public policy from

crisis era of 2000 up to 2015. An analysis on the performances of the

various public policies administered by the ZANU PF led Government is

given, whilst, the implication of the various policy gaps on social and

economic development is discussed. A cluster by cluster; Education,

Health Sector, Service Delivery, Vulnerable Groups, Gender,

Employment, Agriculture, Trade; analysis has been outlined to give an

index on public policy performance towards sustainable development in

Zimbabwe. The study also looks at the governing frameworks with

regards to public policy and how these have perpetuated a retrogressive

authoritarian capitalism anti-neoliberal governance system. This elitist

policy making approaches has produced partisan, temperamental,

exclusionary, hurried, and short-term reactive public policies.