An Analysis of profitability of wheat to smallholder farmers: a case of Goromonzi district ward 7, from the period 2022-2023 season

Author

Kademaunga, Robert

Title

An Analysis of profitability of wheat to smallholder farmers: a case of Goromonzi district ward 7, from the period 2022-2023 season

Abstract

The thesis examines the profitability of wheat farming for smallholder farmers in Goromonzi district. The study finds that wheat farming is generally profitable but varies with input cost, experience, transport cost, market price, farm size and gender. Wheat farming in Goromonzi district is triggering potential benefits which include increased food security and income for the betterment of their lives. Despite these potential benefits high input costs, high transport cost and small farm size is limiting the target goals and success of the smallholder farmers. The government is recommended to put in place regulations that safeguarded the smallholder wheat farming industry by ensuring that inputs are offered at affordable prices, provide transport to the farmers, enable price stability and increase their farm sizes. A total of 40 households were randomly selected out of 68 farmers who practised wheat farming in ward 7. Primary and secondary data was used in the study. The research adopted both qualitative and quantitative approaches in data collection and analysis. The researcher used descriptive analysis to characterise wheat smallholder farmers. Additionally, both the profitability and the factors affecting the profitability were assessed using multiple linear regression and gross margin analysis, respectively.

Date

May 2023

Publisher

BUSE

Keywords

Wheat

Profitability

Profit maximization

Smallholder farmers

Supervisor

Dr. R. Chivheya