The socio-economic impacts of Eucalyptus spp on smallholder farmers in Chiweshe communal lands, Mazowe district, Zimbabwe. · Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Author

Sharaunga , Tafadzwa L

Title

The socio-economic impacts of Eucalyptus spp on smallholder farmers in Chiweshe communal lands, Mazowe district, Zimbabwe.

Abstract

Eucalyptus species have garnered significant attention in recent years due to their rapid growth and versatility in various agricultural applications. However, their introduction and expansion in smallholder farming systems raise critical questions regarding their socio- economic impacts. A study was done to assess the socio-economic impacts of Eucalyptus spp. on smallholder farmers in Chiweshe Communal Land, focusing mainly on employment and income generation for smallholder farmers. Data was collected using questionnaires and interviews and analysed using descriptive statistics. Results showed that cultivation of Eucalyptus spp. had both positive and negative socio-economic impacts on smallholder farmers. The positive economic impacts were income generation (66%) through the sale of various Eucalyptus products and market access (34%). The sale of the products allowed farmers to earn substantial incomes that varied with the size of the farm area. The major social impacts were employment creation (30%), building materials (25%), improved living standards (10%), and poverty reduction (4%). The notable employment opportunities created were for harvesting (51%), planting (25%), weeding (13%), transportation (8%) and security (3%). However, despite all the positive economic and social impacts, Eucalyptus spp. planting had various challenges. The negative socio-economic impacts were land use changes (56%), lack of technical funds (28%) and theft (16%). Therefore, the government through the Forestry Commission and NGOs, should develop programs that help smallholder farmers with technical funds such as access to technology, training, capacity building and infrastructure developments and security measures to reduce theft. There is a need to promote sustainable Eucalyptus management practices among smallholder farmers to maximize economic benefits while minimizing the negative social impacts.

Date

May 2024

Publisher

BUSE

Keywords

Eucalyptus species, smallholder farming systems, Eucalyptus spp,

Supervisor

Dr. L. Mujuru