Solving local needs through innovation: small and medium enterprises in Harare, Zimbabwe

Abstract

There is inadequate information with respect to the impact of innovations developed in small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and how they benefit specific population segments in Zimbabwe. A study was conducted among purposively selected informal innovators to explore the benefits of their SMEs to some social groups in Zimbabwe. In-depth interviews and observation methods were used in the collection of primary data. The study findings indicated that informal innovations eased inefficiencies in crop threshing, unemployment and labour shortages through the development of affordable and efficient technologies. This study concluded that informal innovations resulted in improved income and productivity among small-scale farmers and informal innovators. The significance of the study lies in its contribution to the field of informal innovations in SMEs.