The Impact Of Command Agriculture On Household Food Security In Chidzikwe Area Of Masvingo North · Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Author

Valentine Takura Moyo

Title

The Impact Of Command Agriculture On Household Food Security In Chidzikwe Area Of Masvingo North

Abstract

ABSTRACT
This study explores the impact of the Command Agricultural programme on household food security in Chidzikwe area of Masvingo North. The study uses mixed methods, blending quantitative and qualitative techniques. Using the case study design, from a total population of 620 people, a sample of 50 questionnaire respondents and 12 qualitative research participants were the study samples. The quantitative sample of 50 was arrived at through systematic random sampling, with purposive, convenience and snow-balling techniques being employed to arrive at the 4 interviewees and 8 focus group discussions (FGD) participants. The study sought to unlock how the programme was implemented; challenges faced; potential positive impact to household food security in Chidzikwe; ways of improving the programme roll out, respectively. It was noted that the programme was not very efficiently implemented owing to administrative constraints. On challenges, the following were noted: inputs were late and inadequate; at times, inputs supplied were not area-compliant; some inputs were not accounted for; side-marketing affected loan repayment owing to unattractive maize producer prices; the farmers lacked expertise; there were no implements like tractors. On potential positive impacts, the programme led to improved livelihoods; food security was guaranteed; those who diversified improved nutrition health; social conflicts were reduced; there was potential for rural development of Chidzikwe. On way forward and recommendation, the following were raised: extension services were urgently required; the programme should be transparently administered; inputs should come early and in required quantities, suitable for the agro-ecological area; monitoring and evaluation was needed; land audits were required to assess the extent of utilization of land with prospects for resettling competent farmers; maize producer prices were supposed to be attractive and payments should be timeous and in United States dollars.

Date

JUNE 2024

Publisher

BUSE

Keywords

-Command Agricultural
-household food security
-rural development

Supervisor

NIL