Factors affecting small grains supply chain in Zimbabwe: a case study of mashonaland central province
- Author
- Mudiu, Omega P.
- Title
- Factors affecting small grains supply chain in Zimbabwe: a case study of mashonaland central province
- Abstract
- In districts like Rushinga and Mbire, although small grains such as millet and sorghum grow under harsh conditions their supply is limited by poor infrastructure, affecting their role for food security for the locals. Focusing on Mashonaland Central Province, this study examine specific supply chain drawbacks small grains stakeholders’ faces such as limited market reach and poor storage and suggesting relevent improvemnts to their challenges. The reseach used a quantitative research approach with gathered data from 55 key stakeholders including farmers, processors and traders or distributors using structured questionnaires. The analysis was conducted using SPSS software and focused on variables such as infrastructure availability, market access, and institutional support. The respondents’ highlighted that poor road networks, inadequate storage, and unreliable market continue to constrain the effective distribution of small grains in the province. Although government and NGO support exists, its impact remain limited and across many districts like Shamva and Mt Darwin receiving minimal assistance. To increase small grains contribution to food systems and availability the study suggested better rural roads, improved market access and coordination among institutional support and other key stakeholders. The funding outlines practical steps for local authorities and NGO to enhance the small grains supply chain in the province.
- Date
- June 2025
- Publisher
- BUSE
- Keywords
- Small grains
- Supply chain
- Supervisor
- Mrs. Ncube
- Item sets
- Department of Economics
- Media
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OMEGA P MUDIU .pdf