Impact of Agricultural Input Schemes on Performance of Resettled Farmers in Zvimba District in Zimbabwe

Abstract

The study assessed the impact of agricultural inputs scheme programmes on the performance of the smallholder resettled farmers in Zvimba district. It was based on the rationale that continuous food insecurity, low productivity and low incomes in rural and resettlement areas have become a threat to rural development in Zimbabwe. In terms of the objectives of the study, the research determined the socio-economic characteristics of the participants, the relationship between the input schemes, maize productivity, household food security and household income. The study adopted descriptive research design and a mixed methodology design, which used secondary data sources and a semi-structured questionnaire to gather data from 90 smallholder farmers in Zvimba District. In terms of data analysis, the study adopted a regression model. Half of smallholder farmers who are males in Zvimba benefited consistently throughout the five assessed years from the input support schemes while the others remaining farmers benefit at varied intervals in five years. The input distributions target the middle and old aged groups who have acquired knowledge on farming through non-formal education system to stimulate maize productivity and improve food security. Based on the findings of the study the research concluded that in terms of the relationship between the input support schemes on maize productivity there is a positive relationship between maize productivity and benefiting from the input support programs. Based on the findings of the study input schemes play a significant role in upholding the livelihoods of the smallholder resettled farmers. In addition, the study concluded that the input subsidies could be useful for food insecure and poor households in some locations in Zvimba District, but they alone are not a solution to food insecurity and poverty. They are only one tool that has to be built-in in a more comprehensive agricultural policy package facilitating agricultural and rural development. In terms of the overall recommendation, the government of Zimbabwe should consider distribution of inputs to smallholder farmer with orientation towards women and youth to promote food security, poverty alleviation and income generation as one of the critical sustainable developmental goal. The government must create supportive policies, which ensure market efficiencies to promote higher income among smallholder farmers.