An analysis of the effectiveness of Pfumvudza as a food security strategy in rural Zimbabwe: a case of Dewedzo ward 14 in Makoni district
- Author
- Mashunye, Euvet
- Title
- An analysis of the effectiveness of Pfumvudza as a food security strategy in rural Zimbabwe: a case of Dewedzo ward 14 in Makoni district
- Abstract
-
In response to the overarching global sustainable development goal on ensuring food security, many countries are prioritizing innovative agricultural practices. As such, Pfumvudza conservation agriculture technique, is a Government of Zimbabwe initiative to improve food security especially for the majority of smallholder farmers in rural areas as launched recently. The study aim was to explore the effectiveness of this Pfumvudza initiative to promote food security in rural areas of Zimbabwe with a case study of Dewedzo Village of Ward 14 in Makoni District, Zimbabwe. This study used mixed-method incorporating both quantitative and qualitative data collection. Surveys were conducted with 30 Pfumvudza programme participants using 7 key informant interviews, 10 questionnaires and 13 focused group discussions were held with agricultural extension workers, community leaders, and government officials. The study used snowball sampling, purposive sampling and simple random sampling. It was required because simple random sampling gives each unit an equal chance of being chosen by randomly selecting individual units from a sampling frame. With the use of purposeful sampling, researchers can create a sample that meets their specific needs by making a judgment based on their knowledge of the population and which subjects would be most likely to possess the desired characteristics or provide the best information to address the purpose of the study. The results indicate that the Pfumvudza programme positively impacted on crop yields, hence, promoting food security for participating households. Farmers reported increases in production compared to previous years. However, technical and logistical challenges remain in terms of accessing inputs, labour constraints, and co-ordination between farmers and extension services. In conclusion, the Pfumvudza programme is promising as a strategy to promote climate-smart agriculture and enhance food security for rural smallholder farmers in Zimbabwe. However, the initiative is only small scale and thus impractical for commercial farming yet income is also important for rural farmers. The study recommends the strengthening of input distribution, improving extension support, and promoting collective action among farmers. Further research is needed to evaluate the long-term impacts and up-scaling potential of the Pfumvudza approach.
- Date
- 2024
- Publisher
- BUSE
- Keywords
- global sustainability, Food security, Pvumbvudza farming concerpt
- Supervisor
- Mr Pedzisai
- Item sets
- Department of Geosciences
