Micro and small-scale enterprises in Shamva District within the context of an adjusting national economy

Rural non-farm activities, ranging from manufacturing to provision of goods and services provide about a quarter of rural employment in Zimbabwe. Self employment in the MSEs (micro and small-scale enterprises) sector is the leading source of rural non-farm employment. In Zimbabwe MSEs based in rural areas and small urban centres are involved in a variety of activities including (a) production of light manufacturing such as carpentry, metalwork, dressmaking, crafts; (b) provision of commercial services, such as transport, retailing of second hand motor vehicle spares, spray painting, vegetable and fruit vending; (c) building and construction, such as brickmaking, erection of security gates and construction of low-cost housing. These services and goods are offered at competitive prices which are lower than those charged by large-scale enterprises. Nation-wide almost 25% of rural and small town (less than 20 000) households engage in micro and small-scale enterprises.

A study of non-farming rural enterprises in an economically evolving Zimbabwe during the 1990's.