An Economic Assessment of Invasive Alien Plant Impact on Smallholder Farmers Agriculture Production. Case Of Chimanimani District Ward 21.
- Author
- Mutendera, Armton
- Title
- An Economic Assessment of Invasive Alien Plant Impact on Smallholder Farmers Agriculture Production. Case Of Chimanimani District Ward 21.
- Abstract
- Agriculture biodiversity is the cornerstone of Zimbabwe economy and the realization that most poor rural African communities are directly dependent on agriculture warrants its conservation. Invasive alien plants threaten subsistence farming and compromise crops and livestock ability to provide goods and services for rural communities, thereby negatively affecting productivity and profits. Information on IAPs is lacking in most African countries, thus the economic effects of invasive alien plants (IAPs) are not clearly understood. In Zimbabwe, Vernonanthura Polyanthes has invaded Chimanimani district in Manicaland province compromising local smallholder farmers agricultural production that contribute to poverty alleviation and food security through altering the agriculture ecosystem. This study exposed the level of awareness, perceptions , vulnerable crops and impact of v.polyanthes to smallholder farmers in relation to contribution of local institutions .The impacts of IAPs on subsistence farmers in Zimbabwe were analyzed by looking at production stresses that arise because of v. polyanthes. The research used multi-stage sampling to select a representative sample of respondents. Primary data was collected using semi-structured questionnaires, group discussion and key informant guides. Furthermore, document analysis was conducted to collect secondary data. The data analysis process used Computer packages Microsoft Excel and SPSS .Results showed that that invasive alien plants provide nectar, live hedge, green manure, compost ,bananas proper’s and mulch .However, costs of vernonathura polyanthes outweigh any benefits, which suggests that the species should be managed. Crop yield loss was the key negative with maize, banana, pineapple, tea and coffee as the most susceptible crops which constituted 68.5% of the total cultivated area. The long-term result of such a situation in the absence of control is increased poverty and the failure to realize sustainable development. However, results indicated that IAPs could also improve the poverty situation of a community before they have reached the threshold points. It is therefore imperative to know the threshold points of an invasive plant in order to ascertain the efficient point to intervene. Greater policy emphasis on funds for curtailing widespread ,create awareness through join efforts of institution to solve economic inefficiencies.
- Date
- December 2022
- Publisher
- BUSE
- Keywords
- Vernonathura polyanthes
- Agriculture biodiversity
- Agriculture ecosystem and Institutions
- Supervisor
- Mr. Mafuse
- Item sets
- Department of Natural Resources
- Media
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Mutendera - AEM.pdf