Analysis of sunflower contract farming effect on small-scale farmers’ incomes: a case study of Umguza district, Matabeleland North province
- Author
- Ndlovu, Siphulwazi S.
- Title
- Analysis of sunflower contract farming effect on small-scale farmers’ incomes: a case study of Umguza district, Matabeleland North province
- Abstract
-
The purpose of this study was to assess the effectiveness of sunflower contract farming in increasing small-scale farmer’s incomes in Zimbabwe's Umguza District. Contract farming has been widely pushed to improve small-scale farmers' incomes by providing access to inputs, technical support, and assured markets. The study focused on the Umguza District, which is noted for predominantly producing sunflower and looks into how contract farming arrangements affect small-scale farmers' incomes. The study employs a mixed-methods approach, combining quantitative data gathering, such as household surveys, with qualitative interviews with key stakeholders, including farmers, contract farming organizers, and local government officials. The collected data was evaluated to determine the income levels of participants and non-participants of contract farming as well as to discover the major aspects contributing to the contract farming model's success or issues. The findings of this study shed light on the efficiency of sunflower contract farming in increasing the earnings of small-scale farmers in Umguza District. The study helps to advance our understanding of the potential benefits and limitations of contract farming as a tool to improve farmers’ incomes. The findings may not really affect policymaking development practitioners and farmers devise strategies to enhance and spread effective contract farming models across the area.
- Date
- June 2024
- Publisher
- BUSE
- Keywords
- Contract farming
- Small-scale farmers’ livelihoods
- Supervisor
- Mrs. D. Manyumwa
- Media
-
Ndlovu - AEM.pdf