Studies on Productivity: Case of Zimbabwe

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This section summarises some of the research key findings on researches conducted with regards to productivity in Zimbabwe. Case studies of specific industries are analysed and the recommendations are noted.

Chigara and Moyo, (2014) examined the factors affecting productivity on building projects in Zimbabwe. They used structured questionnaires comprising forty pre-selected factor for data collection. Using a five-point Likert scale, consultants and building contractors expressed their views on the relative importance of pre-selected factors on labour productivity.

Their results showed that, unavailability of materials, late payment of salaries and wages, suitability/adequacy of plant and equipment, supervisory incompetence, and lack of manpower skills, were the top five most important factors impinging on labour productivity in Zimbabwe. 

They also recommended, adequate work planning, efficient resources procurement systems, timeous payment of salaries and continuous professional development for workers, as intervention strategies to improve on-site labour productivity. The findings of this study are similar to those found by Laurence, (1995).

Laurence, (1995) undertook a study on productivity, employment and industrial relations; case of Wankie Colliery Company Limited. He found out that mining workers’ productivity in the late 80s and early 90s, as measured by raw coal produced per colliery worker, was on the in increase. Factors attributed to this included initiatives such as training, transfers and promotions, increase in remuneration, production bonus and less physical work.

However, the study noted an adverse relationship between productivity and employment. As productivity per worker improved, the company would reduce its workforce. Between 1992 and 1993, a total of 200 retrenchments were recorded and vacant posts were frozen. This period however according to Laurence, (1995) coincides with the Period of Economic Structural Adjustment Programme and the job losses could be as a results of the harsh economic conditions and decreased demand for coal from neighbouring countries.

In order to assess the impact of occupational health safety (OHS) on productivity, Katsuro et al (2010) conducted a case study in the commercial food industry of Zimbabwe. The objective of the study was to explore OHS problems of different work areas and their impact on productivity. The research targeted production supervisors, shop floor employees and industrial clinic nurses. Questionnaires, interviews and observations were used as research instruments to collect data.

The study found out that OHS related problems had a negative impact on workers’ productive capacity in the food industry resulting in reduced worker output. It was noted that poor OHS practices as well as little knowledge on OHS by managers were impediments to productivity of the workforce. The study also recommended that food industry factories should upgrade their OHS through training programmes and use up-to-date equipment.

The common factor in the 3 studies singled out above is the need to train and ensure good working conditions for employees to be productive. It can be seen that the productive capacity of employees is hinged on their morale as well as their working environment.

A study on the productivity levels and trends in the Agricultural Sector in Africa by Lusigi and Thirtle, (1997) showed that Zimbabwe’s labour productivity per worker in agriculture was US$ 266 in 1995 whilst Total factor productivity index in 1991 was 0.7.These findings ranked Zimbabwe at number 3 and 4 in terms of the former and the latter in the SADC Region respectively.

United States Agency on International Development (USAID), (2014) noted in its case study on Smallholder Banana farming productivity in Zimbabwe that the problems affecting productivity and growth in this sector were; among others, lack of access to reliable and lucrative markets and lack of extension services. It was highlighted that without a basic understanding of good agricultural practices, most smallholder farmers cannot grow sufficient crops to move past subsistence farming.

The study recommended effective technical assistance and training for farmers as key enablers for the smallholder farmers to reach the commercial level of production and earn a significant level of income.

Based on these findings,   USAID launched the Zimbabwe Agricultural Income and Employment Development (Zim-AIED) program in Honde Valley. The programme was aimed at commercializing small-scale growers through an integrated approach that raises efficiencies in banana production systems; provides access to credit; links producers to buyers; and trains farmers to adopt good agricultural and business practices. As a result, Honde Valley banana farmers increased their average yield from 4 to 12 tons per hectare on their older plantations (USAID, 2014)