Doctoral Degrees (Geography and Environmental Studies)

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Browsing Doctoral Degrees (Geography and Environmental Studies) by browse.metadata.advisor "Horn, Anele"

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    Regional economic resilience: exploring industrial decline in Bulawayo Metropolitan Province, Zimbabwe
    (Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2020-12) Gambe, Tazviona Richman; Geyer, Hermanus Stephanus; Horn, Anele; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences. Dept. of Geography and Environmental Studies.
    ENGLISH ABSTRACT: This study sought to investigate the strategy options for regional economic resilience in the face of industrial decline in Bulawayo Metropolitan Province in Zimbabwe. Bulawayo has been going through a protracted period of crippling industrial decline. Using the economic resilience concept and theories of regional development, the study analysed the different factors behind industrial decline, firm resilience strategies, policy strategy options for firm and economic resilience, strategy options for economic resilience in Bulawayo, and the conceptualisation of economic resilience in cities in the Global South whilst drawing lessons from the study area. The study utilised mixed methods. The positivist and interpretivist philosophies were both adopted to achieve a detailed understanding of economic resilience. Data was collected from 392 industrialists operating in Bulawayo through questionnaires and observations. Eight key informant interviews were also conducted. Data was analysed through chi-square analyses, Fisher’s exact tests, trend analyses, regression analyses, content analyses, and descriptive statistics. The study found that, a prolonged period of industrial decline has ‘locked-in’ the economy of Bulawayo in a path of economic decline that has altered the structure of the economy. The city is now dominated by micro, small, and medium enterprises constituting approximately 90% of the total number of firms. However, small firms were found to be more resilient, compared to large firms. The study also found that firm resilience, coupled with economic diversification, firm linkages, and regional patriotism are some of the important determinants of economic resilience in Bulawayo. It was also found that measuring and analysing economic resilience in cities in the Global South, such as Bulawayo, is marred by low quality and the dearth of data. Accordingly, the study recommends a long-term investment in the creation of quality datasets required for the analysis of economic resilience and for regional policymaking. A clear separation between national and regional policies in Zimbabwe is also recommended. This would encourage the formulation of policies that address unique and region-specific economic challenges. Finally, the study recommends complementary linkages.