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Author
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Derera, Fortune
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Title
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The ocio-economic effects of government’s intervention in climate-smart agriculture technologies to smallholder farmers in Mt Darwin ward 11, Zimbabwe
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Abstract
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The world's food security and income are under threat due to climate change, thus calling for government interventions in climate-smart agriculture technologies for smallholder farmers. Therefore, this study assesses the socio-economic effects of government interventions in Climate-Smart Agriculture (CSA) technologies on smallholder farmers in Ward 11, Mt Darwin District, Zimbabwe. This study aims to determine the socio-economic effects of government interventions on climate-smart agriculture technologies on smallholder farmers in Ward 11, Mt Darwin District. The study focuses on three objectives which are to determine the household demographics on beneficiaries of government CSA interventions, identifying the government interventions on climate-smart agriculture and assessing the socio-economic benefits of government intervention in climate-smart agriculture in Ward 11, Mt Darwin District. The study made use of primary and secondary data. The primary data was collected using observations, key informants, focus group discussions, and structured questionnaires administered to 120 selected beneficiaries by Agritex extension officers and farmers in the study area. The secondary data was obtained from publications and AGRITEX records. The data was analyzed using descriptive statistics, means, and the paired T-test. The response rate from questionnaires was 87.5%. Findings reveal that Pfumvudza is the most widely adopted CSA initiative, followed by horticulture and fish farming, indigenous poultry, and urea stova treatment, with lesser uptake of technologies such as drip irrigation and small ruminants. The majority of beneficiaries were women, 66.7%, and adults aged 31–40, reflecting national trends in gender empowerment and agricultural participation. Most households were large (6–9 members), had attained at least primary education, and relied heavily on farming as a primary income source. The study found that government CSA interventions have resulted to notable socio-economic improvements, including increased household incomes, improved food security and nutrition, greater drought resilience, enhanced market access, and women’s empowerment. Thematic analysis from FGDs underscored the significance of comprehensive farming packages, timely input disbursement, and inclusive support strategies for smallholder farmers. From the paired T-test results, it showed that income increased after government interventions. The study concludes that while CSA interventions positively impact rural livelihoods, optimizing their effectiveness requires addressing implementation gaps and enhancing support systems.
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Date
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May 2025
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Publisher
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BUSE
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Keywords
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Climate-Smart Agriculture
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government interventions
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socio-economic effects
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smallholder farmers
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Supervisor
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Dr J. Chimvuramahwe
Derera - AEM.pdf