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Author
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Dera, Delight
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Title
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Market tendencies, opportunities and constraints of sugarcane value chain among smallholder sugarcane farmers, Chiredzi district
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Abstract
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The production of sugarcane has been dropping, especially among smallholder sugarcane growers, which has been an issue for the sugar business. The study aims at assessing the market tendencies of sugarcane farmers, the opportunities0and constraints0in the sugarcane industry and the factors influencing their market tendencies .The study was conducted from Hippo Valley, Triangle and Mkwasine where twenty farmers from each estate were chosen. Random sampling technique was used for selecting the target group. The questionnaire was used to collect the data and it was analyzed quantitatively using excel. From the study, it has been found that the out grower farmers’ distance to the market and transport availability influences farmer`s market tendency. It is imperative that the out grower farmer possess industry specific prerequisite knowledge through experience, training and education. Access to tailor made finance is also crucial to acquire the necessary resources for planting, growing, harvesting and transportation of the sugarcane to the millers. The main constraints of the farmers during production period and transporting were lack of machinery, poor roads, high transport cost, delays in payment, lack of credit finance and high inflation rates. The demographic characteristics of the farmer such as education, experience, age, and health status support farmers' ability to solve problems, make decisions, and troubleshoot issues as well as providing knowledge, skills, discipline, motivation, and self-confidence needed in the dynamic and unpredictable farming venture. Education in sugarcane farming provides information and expertise relevant to industry and access to network of contacts that can be used for trend analysis, threat, opportunity assessment and adoption of optimal growth strategic measures.
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Date
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2023
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Publisher
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BUSE
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Keywords
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Sugarcane marketing
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Sugarcane value chain
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Supervisor
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Mafuse, N
Dera - AEM.pdf