The State and Agrarian Change in Zimbabwe’s Communal Areas

Abstract

Part 1 The past, present and future in Zimbabwe's communal areas: the research elements - empirical analysis, practical interest and method critical theory and agrarian change the peasantry and the state - the penetration of capitalism, purposive rationalization and policy continuities the peasantry and the state - alternative possibilities critical theory and method contents and structure. Part 2 The colonial state and the penetration of purposive rationality: 19th century states and production relations new market relations and state expansion, the rise and fall of peasant prosperity, 1890-1933, the rise of the dominant state technical development and social Darwinism, 1930-1962 the technical development policies - agricultural demonstration, centralisation, destocking, land husbandry reflection and collusion, 1962-1965. Part 3 The socialist state and the peasantry: the two dilemmas in post-independence policy agrarian policy directions, 1980-1987 the national democratic revolution - ideology and policy practice new policies in old clothes communication and agricultural extension. Part 4 Alternative strategies for managing livestock on the land: the official pastoral managment strategies - paddocks and stocking rates the peasant management strategy grazing strategies and the environment the politics of the game - land reform for land given. Part 5 Maize production and household survival: the selected case study methodology maize production and the first rains - land, labour, livestock and manure income and survival human agency and social structure. Part 6 Co-operation, credit and social integration: the lifeworld and societal rationalization - the bull and the maize, the reproduction of society the trauma of rationalization Chirumhanzu - livestock herding and authority Chiwundura - group credit and debt the saving clubs as integrative organizations social organizations and change. Part 7 Democratic ideas and technocratic practices in agricultural extension: evaluating Agritex's praxis - training and messages - Chiwundura, groups - Chiwundura and Chirumhanzu, meetings and follow-ups - Chirumhanzu discourse with Agritex barriers to change. Part 8 The duality of structure: agrarian change and government policy in Zimbabwe's communal areas social structure and individual responsibility.