Assessing the impacts of climate change on agricultural productivity and income stability in Marange rural area, Mutare district in Zimbabwe

Author

Ngundu, Ahashveroshi

Title

Assessing the impacts of climate change on agricultural productivity and income stability in Marange rural area, Mutare district in Zimbabwe

Abstract

The economy and food security of Zimbabwe, a low-income nation, are largely dependent on agriculture. The effects of climate change on agricultural productivity and income stability for smallholder farmers, whose contribution to Zimbabwe's agricultural sector is not insignificant, were thus evaluated in this research thesis. Smallholder farmers, who make up the majority of the agricultural workforce, face a number of difficulties as climate variability increases, such as changed rainfall patterns, rising temperatures, and an increase in the frequency of extreme weather events. In order to document the complex impacts of climate change, this thesis used a combination of qualitative structured interviews with farmers and quantitative data from agricultural yield statistics. The results of the analysis show that crop yields have declined as a result of changing climatic conditions, especially for staple crops like maize, which are vital for both income generation and sustenance. The study also emphasises how smallholder farmers are more susceptible to climate-related shocks like floods and droughts, which can lead to unstable incomes and heightened food insecurity. The study also looks at the difficulties smallholder farmers have adjusting to the negative consequences of changing climate conditions, such as a lack of funding and the high upfront costs of implementing climate-smart technologies. The study also examines the adaptive tactics used by farmers, including crop diversification, conservation agriculture, and the use of climate-resilient farming methods, demonstrating that their efficacy varies depending on the local context. The findings of this thesis highlight the pressing need for focused legislative initiatives that strengthen smallholder farmers' resilience. Based on the analytical study conducted for this project, the researcher suggests that policy makers and practitioners create inclusive and adaptable agricultural policies. Examples include the creation of climate-smart agriculture programs, the opening of doors for smallholder farmers to obtain financial services, and policies that prioritise better extension services to give farmers the tools and information they need to adjust to changing climate conditions. Finally, by highlighting the significance of assisting Zimbabwe's smallholder farmers in securing their livelihoods and maintaining agricultural productivity and income stability in the face of persistent environmental challenges, this research adds to the larger conversation on climate change and agriculture.

Date

June 2025

Publisher

BUSE

Keywords

Climate change

Agricultural productivity

Income stability

Smallholder farmers

Supervisor

Dr. A. C. Mujeyi