Rural Women, Global Value Networks and Precarity in Chirumhanzu District, Zimbabwe, 1991–2000

Abstract

In 1991 Zimbabwe liberalised its economy. This resulted in the opening of the national economy to foreign investment. In line with this, subcontracting arrangements between international corporations and local commodity producers became prevalent. While this attracted scholarly interest, most of it is on global agricultural value networks. By tracing the integration of rural women knitters into international markets, this article offers a different case study. While integration into the knitwear global value chain afforded the women an opportunity to earn an income, their employment remained precarious. This article draws on archival data and interviews from participants to make its case.