Enhancing crop production in the face of climate change in Mudzi district, ward 13

Author

Myambo, Nesbert

Title

Enhancing crop production in the face of climate change in Mudzi district, ward 13

Abstract

The study focused on enhancing crop production in the face of climate change in Mudzi district, ward 13. The objectives were; to examine strategies, assess them and examine factors for enhancing crop production in the face of climate change in Mudzi district, ward 13. Both quantitative and qualitative techniques were used to collect the data. The study used in-depth interviews, questionnaire, observations and focus group discussions to collect data. For analyzing data, both trending and thematic methods were used in this study. An essential data source called secondary data was utilized as well to make sure the data was authentic and ethical considerations were regarded throughout the research. The research indicates that the community uses conservation farming, drought-resistant crops, short-season varieties, off-farm activities, cooperative gardens, and other strategies to safeguard their means of subsistence in the face of climate change. Therefore, the study concludes that all the strategies for enhancing crop production in the face of climate change are essential to ensure sustainable development amidst the changing environment. Moreover, the results found that factors like training, early warning, water supply as well as land preparation are essential to the ward as they define the means for enhanced crop production and food security. However, it was found that a mixture of strategies for enhancing crop production would be more ideal for the community to guarantee improved crop yields and food security given the success in those who utilized them. Due to their success in the research zone, the results showed a higher adoption rate for specific techniques, such as drought-resistant crops like millet, sorghum, rapoko, and cowpeas. Therefore, that means this strategy is ought to be taken seriously in adapting to climate change. The results also found out that poor and corrupt leadership in ward 13, is somewhat the panacea for a poor output in terms of crop production when strategies are adopted. A constant change in yields indicates that the climate and environment are becoming very uncertain and harsh given the sharp drops in recent season, hence the quest for necessary strategies. Furthermore, when these strategies are used carefully, they would be very effective as evidenced by a larger proportion of households who had very good yields hence, very effective. The study also found the essential factors that must be considered because of their importance in enhancing crop production in the face of climate change. In light of this, the study makes several recommendations. These includes that the government should start improving agricultural strategies awareness campaigns and channel funds towards that to enhance crop production in the face of climate change through agriculture extension officers, emphasizing on vulnerable groups like women such that the strategies would be more effective. Therefore, the community, the government as well as NGOs need to direct their funding towards enhancing crop production factors such as water supply, early warning land preparation equipment and inputs such that the crop production would be increased.

Date

June 2024

Publisher

BUSE

Keywords

Crop Production,

Climate change,

Mudzi District,

Supervisor

Dr. R. Maponga,