Washington M U C H I N E R I P I Muzari | Chinhoyi University Of Technology (original) (raw)

Papers by Washington M U C H I N E R I P I Muzari

South Asian Journal of Social Studies and Economics, 2024

Aims: The main objective of the study was to analyze the relationship between the efficiency of o... more Aims: The main objective of the study was to analyze the relationship between the efficiency of operation of the local authority (independent variable) and community resilience to agriculturethreatening hydro-climatic natural disasters (dependent variable), with particular focus on droughts and floods in Lower Muzarabani District of the Zambezi Valley in Zimbabwe. Study Design: The study was designed based on the stratified random sampling technique. Linear regression and correlation analyses were used for hypothesis testing.

Journal of African Interdisciplinary Studies (JAIS), 2018

State universities in Zimbabwe are no longer receiving full fiscal support for operational and in... more State universities in Zimbabwe are no longer receiving full fiscal support for operational and infrastructural development budgets. This is a difficult situation given the fact that these organizations have been receiving full support since their inception. The general objective of this study was to conduct an assessment of the capacity of CUT to sustainably self-finance. This study adopted the pragmatism research philosophy, because it included both a deductive and inductive research approach, which is both objective and subjective and also incorporated a research strategy which is qualitative (personal opinions) and quantitative (financial data). The general conclusion was that CUT is unable to finance itself in both the short and long term. The recommendations of the study include diversifying funding sources away from the traditional students' fees; exploitation of intellectual property rights by inventing and patenting products; embarking on organized research and teaching contracts, whereby the university sends its staff to work in other universities for a fee; revenue generation from estates, through the purchase and subsequent leasing of residential, industrial and office property; organizing more conferences, workshops and seminars where individuals and organizations pay to participate; soliciting donations from the public and the business community; implementing cost-cutting suggestions from university staff, such as trimming the size of the transport fleet to reduce operational costs, introducing parallel academic programs, and new block-release programs; entering into strategic partnerships/ joint ventures with the private sector; and revamping the University's strategic business units (SBUs) to increase sales and profits.

International Journal of Science and Research, 2014

One aspect of government policies often addressed is the effect of economic structural adjustment... more One aspect of government policies often addressed is the effect of economic structural adjustment programmes and policy reforms that have taken place in many countries (often at the recommendation of the IMF and the World Bank) on the small enterprise sector. This paper addresses the same topic with specific reference to Sub-Saharan Africa. It draws from research findings from a survey of secondary sources of data. There are some common features in all the World Bank/ IMF Economic Structural Adjustment Programmes. There are four main elements in all of these programmes, and they are external sector reforms (trade liberalization); fiscal and monetary reforms; public sector restructuring; and domestic deregulation and liberalization of internal trade. In Sub-Saharan Africa, the impact of external sector reforms on small enterprises depends on the level of participation of these enterprises in the external trade sector. Immediate effects of trade liberalization are to increase the volume of imports and open up the economy to external competition. If the small enterprises used imported inputs to produce for the domestic market, two diametrically opposite outcomes may result. First, devaluation of the local currency will make imports more expensive and this will threaten the viability of such small enterprises. On the other hand, decontrol of foreign exchange allocation will result in a benefit for small enterprises as they will enjoy improved access to foreign exchange to import raw materials. However, they are also exposed to the negative effects of increased competition from finished goods imported from other countries. If the small enterprises used primarily domestic inputs, then they will benefit from exchange rate depreciation as the larger import-intensive firms are squeezed out of the market. In Sub-Saharan Africa, the decontrol of prices, coupled with the removal of subsidies from basic consumer goods, and retrenchments to reduce the public service wage bill, led to a fall in purchasing power among the clientele of small businesses. The fall in purchasing power translates into a decline in demand for small enterprise goods and services. Retrenchments have also resulted in an influx of new entrants in the small business sector as retrenched workers seek alternative means of livelihood. The resultant increased competition among small businesses, coupled with falling product demand, has meant lower prices for their products and led to serious viability problems in the small business sector. The benefits of corporate tax reductions have accrued only to the extremely small number of small businesses who are registered and are submitting tax returns. Survey results in Sub-Saharan Africa have indicated only a few success stories of the IMF/ World Bank Economic Structural Adjustment Programmes with regard to their impacts on the small business sector. The overwhelming evidence points to the fact that these ESAPs have been largely detrimental to the fortunes of small businesses in the region. The recommended way forward is to resuscitate depressed and negatively affected small businesses which had fallen victim of the economic reforms. Maybe the IMF and World Bank should come to the forefront as key players to support domestic governments in this resuscitation drive.

International Journal of Science and Research, 2016

The demand for fish is growing due to a combination of factors such as population growth, urbaniz... more The demand for fish is growing due to a combination of factors such as population growth, urbanization, and increasing wealth and incomes. Aquaculture is one of the few food production sectors worldwide where growth in production is outpacing growth in population. Fish farming or aquaculture includes the production and rearing of fish in freshwater ponds, in the brackish water of mangrove swamps, or in tanks and cages. Small-scale fisheries can give opportunities to the poorest, landless, food-insecure people and households, providing them a critical (and sometimes unique) source of income and livelihood. Fish in the human diet can help reduce the risks of malnutrition and of non-communicable diseases, which may occur when a too high intake of energy is combined with a lack of balanced nutrition. Farmed fish contribute to improved nutritional status of households, directly through self-consumption, and indirectly through selling farmed fish to enhance household purchasing power. Small-scale fisheries can provide a critical safety net for vulnerable households (even those who were not previously poor) when they face a sudden and unexpected decline in their incomes. At the national level, small-scale fisheries can contribute to poverty alleviation through economic growth via multiplier/ GDP effects, generation of tax revenues, and generation of foreign exchange. Small-scale fisheries and aquaculture face a number of challenges and constraints, including overfishing, pollution, competition for resources such as water, labour and land, poor access to markets, shortage of technical skills, availability and high costs of inputs such as seed and feed, poor access to credit, and lack of capacity and safeguards to deal with unfavourable climate change phenomena such as droughts, floods and storms. There is almost a consensus that women's roles in aquaculture and fisheries are not fully recognized, often go unrecorded, are undervalued, and are largely invisible in national statistics. Given the importance of small-scale fisheries and aquaculture in poverty alleviation, food security and nutrition in sub-Saharan Africa, governments should make fish an integral component of inter-sectoral national food security and nutrition programmes, with special emphasis on small-scale fish capture fisheries and fish farming or aquaculture projects. Stakeholders in these fish sub-sectors should support self-organized local professional organizations and cooperatives, as these strongly contribute to and foster the integration of small-scale operations into markets. State labour, finance, and policy formulation and implementation agencies, in collaboration with fisheries agencies, should improve national regulations for fish workers, including women workers in fish processing factories and markets, ensure that adequate and specific budget allocations are made for small-scale fisheries and aquaculture development, and facilitate the direct involvement of farmers and other stakeholders in the process of priority setting and choice of technology.

International Journal of Science and Research, 2014

This paper is a discussion article on the constraints of small scale enterprises in Zimbabwe. It ... more This paper is a discussion article on the constraints of small scale enterprises in Zimbabwe. It is based on findings from a survey of secondary sources of data. The major constraints faced by small enterprises in general, and rural small-scale enterprises in particular, are markets, finance (credit), the legal and regulatory framework, physical infrastructure, managerial, marketing and technical skills, and access to research, extension and information services. From the point of view of most of the established institutions, in particular commercial banks, disbursing loans to small enterprises is an extremely risky venture. They argue that the majority of SSEs do not have adequate collateral to act as security against the borrowed funds. The lack of title deeds is the major reason why they are considered as not possessing adequate collateral. The high administrative costs of handling small loans also explain the financial institutions' attitude and behavior in this regard. Infrastructural constraints for small scale enterprises include lack of good roads, transport, electricity, telephones, and reliable water supplies. Legal, institutional and policy constraints have also been identified as some of the impediments to increased investment, expansion and growth of the small enterprise sector. Some of the bottlenecks include numerous registration and licensing regulations which do not have adequate justification within the post-independence scenarios of most African countries. To address the skills constraint, several key areas of focus in training and skills upgrading that have been identified include are basic book-keeping; project planning, appraisal and evaluation; estimation of working capital needs; costing of products and services; identifying market niches; accounting; finance; and production techniques. Any drive towards improving access to information to the SSE sector by various agencies should focus on a number of key areas. One of the most effective mechanisms to supply up-to-date information is to set up computerized data bases for quick access to useful information.

THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF SCIENCE & TECHNOLEDGE, 2017

This paper discusses one of the techniques for mitigating global climate change, namely the manag... more This paper discusses one of the techniques for mitigating global climate change, namely the management of tropical forest
ecosystems. The removal of vegetation and land use changes account for a significant emission level of greenhouse gases.
The information is based on research findings from a survey of secondary sources of data. The aim of managing tropical
forests efficiently and effectively is, among other things, the curbing or reduction of deforestation and the emission of
greenhouse gases from tropical forests. Forest ecosystems, through deforestation, release between 1.1 and 1.7 Gt of carbon
per year to the atmosphere. The strategies for controlling or reducing greenhouse gas emissions from tropical forests fall
into five main categories. The first category contains activities dealing with conservation and sustainable utilization, such as
the establishment and management of protected forests, nature reserves, national parks, ecotourism and bioprospecting. The
second category contains activities dealing with forestry and agroforestry, such as afforestation, reforestation, agro-forestry
and agricultural intensification. The use of multi-disciplinary and inter-disciplinary approaches to forest management
constitutes the third category of forest ecosystem resources management. The final category involves activities or
participation at the international level by signing forest conservation treaties, agreements, declarations and protocols on the
international arena. Adopting these strategies, techniques and practices can lead to the control and reduction of greenhouse
gas emissions from tropical forests and agricultural lands into the atmosphere. The end results are the control of, and
reductions in greenhouse gas concentrations. This will mitigate the effects of global warming, climate change and the
attendant disorders.

International Journal of Science and Research, 2016

A multi-pronged approach was adopted in gathering data for this study. Information sources includ... more A multi-pronged approach was adopted in gathering data for this study. Information sources included the Internet, agency and departmental reports, journal papers, conference papers and analytical reports. This paper presents some positive aspects of conservation agriculture. Conservation agriculture has emerged as an alternative to conventional agriculture. The rationale or case for CA is its potential ability to reduce soil degradation through several practices that minimize the alteration of soil composition and structure. It specifically purports to address the problems of soil degradation resulting from agricultural practices that deplete the organic matter and nutrient content of the soil, and reduce crop production, productivity and sustainability. CA also increases farm financial profitability and food security and enhances environmental integrity. Potential economic benefits associated with CA include a reduction in on-farm costs and an increase in yields and long-term yield stability. Ecosystem benefits of CA include stabilization of soils and protection from erosion, reduced siltation of water bodies, recharge of aquifers, and more regular river flows. CA also mitigates climate change by carbon sequestration in soils and reduced burning of crop residues. Constraints to CA adoption in sub-Saharan Africa include a low degree of mechanization within the smallholder farming system; a lack of appropriate implements; a lack of appropriate soil fertility management options; problems of weed control under no-till systems; poor access to credit; a lack of appropriate technical information for change agents and farmers; blanket recommendations that ignore the resource status of rural households; competition for crop residues in mixed crop-livestock systems; and labour shortages. There appears to be considerable potential for adoption of CA under smallholder farming systems in sub-Saharan Africa. However, the only feasible way to tap that potential appears to rest with the establishment and implementation of appropriate policy initiatives that address ecological, financial and socioeconomic constraints facing the smallholder farming sector.

Journal of Agricultural Economics and Development, 2013

This paper discusses the role, potential and constraints to development of rural financial market... more This paper discusses the role, potential and constraints to development of rural financial markets in Zimbabwe. Zimbabwe has witnessed an increase in activity by rural microfinance players as a reaction to the steady decline in the country's economic fortunes dating as far back as 1997. Rural finance comprises credit, savings and insurance (or insurance substitutes) in rural areas, whether provided through formal or informal mechanisms. Zimbabwean rural households and businesses save money for a variety of reasons including life-cycle demands such as births, children's education, lobola (brideprice), establishing a home, smoothing out consumption, emergencies, and to finance investment opportunities. Poor rural folks borrow primarily from micro-finance institutions, from family and friends, and to a lesser extent commercial banks with rural outlets (for example, Agribank). The potential for the development of rural financial markets is constrained by weak or non-existent linkages between rural financial service providers and established rural institutions, particularly those that facilitate market access. Other constraints include vulnerability constraints such as systemic, market and credit risks; operational constraints due to low returns to investment, low asset levels, low investment levels; and geographic dispersion of potential users of rural financial services. Capacity constraints include low infrastructural capacity, technical capacity and training, social exclusion, and institutional capacity. Political and regulatory constraints also inhibit or limit development potential of rural financial markets and these include political and social interference in the rural microfinance sector and the legal and regulatory framework. The absence of financial and other incentives for formal financial institutions to operate in remote rural areas also results in limited development potential. In addition, rural economies have more volatile cash flows, and are home to economic agents with low risk-bearing ability, and are highly vulnerable to economic and natural shocks due to higher incidence and depth of poverty.

African mixed farming is a system in which various components (cropping, tillage, soil fertility,... more African mixed farming is a system in which various components (cropping, tillage, soil fertility, milk and meat production) are owned and managed as a single unit. Mixed crop-livestock farming systems constitute the backbone of much smallholder agriculture in the tropics, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa. Livestock provide many different products and services to people, such as food, income, manure, draft power, a store of wealth, and socio-cultural values. Mixed crop-livestock systems are characterized by a strong complementarity in resource use, with outputs from one component being supplied to other components. However, some trade-offs between farm components are also evident. Organic resources play a dominant role in smallholders' production and livelihood objectives. The organic resources are used for soil fertility management, animal feed, fuel, and fibre. Crop-livestock interactions and integration are influenced by a variety of socioeconomic factors including climate, soils, population density, labour availability, land availability, market access, government policy, structural adjustment programmes, and trypanosomiasis threat. The increased variety of outputs produced in mixed smallholder crop-livestock systems reduces marketing risks associated with unexpected declines in the price of any one product. The application of remedial interventions in resource management is becoming a necessity for intensifying croplivestock systems where population density is on the rise, the farm size is declining, and competition for land, water, and other biophysical and socioeconomic resources among various sectors is increasing. Given the growing resource scarcity and the rising demand for agricultural products, appropriate resource allocation is needed to satisfy this demand and also safeguard environmental services of ecosystems at the same time. Sustaining and safeguarding environmental services in sub-Saharan Africa cannot be realized without controlling the expansion of grazing land and cropland into natural ecosystems, and limiting and reversing rangeland degradation. Diversification and intensification of smallholder agriculture appear the most effective pathways for achieving these outcomes. Participatory research approaches involving appropriate scientific disciplines, policy makers and farmers are needed for developing ecologically sound, economically viable and socially acceptable technologies that improve nutrient cycling and enhance agricultural productivity. Property rights have a profound effect on resource management. Thus secure rights to land, whether under communal or private regimes, are required for long-term resource management. Economic incentives (e.g. subsidies) and policies that encourage well-functioning input and output markets can have a strong impact on the choices that farmers make between alternative crop, livestock and nutrient management strategies.

International Journal of Sciences, 2014

This paper discusses the impacts of the HIV/AIDS pandemic on agriculture, food security and rural... more This paper discusses the impacts of the HIV/AIDS pandemic on agriculture, food security and rural livelihoods in Zimbabwe. It is based on research findings from a survey of secondary sources of data. The HIV/AIDS pandemic is significantly transforming the structure of rural families and communities in Zimbabwe. It is giving rise to single-parent, female and child headed households which have implications for agricultural planning. Agricultural production is central to the rural economy in Zimbabwe. Smallholder agriculture, at one time a strong and resilient backbone of Zimbabwe's national food security strategy, is under threat from the devastating effects of the HIV/AIDS epidemic. Impacts at household level include reduced income from agricultural production and nonagricultural activities, diversion of productive labour time from agriculture to caring for the sick in the family, and reallocation of cash resources from agriculture to meeting medical expenses. Redirecting of food reserves to funerals, withdrawal of children from school to reduce household costs and to replace the dwindling farm household labour, are yet other impacts. Agricultural extension services in Zimbabwe have also been hard hit by AIDS-related illnesses and deaths, making them less able to respond effectively to the changing needs of their target farmers. The impact of HIV/AIDS on agriculture directly affects food security, as it reduces food availability through falling production, loss of family labour, land and other resources, and loss of livestock, assets and implements. It also reduces access to food through declining income for food purchases. Livelihoods derived from natural resources management have also been impacted on by HIV/AIDS. The pandemic has reduced the numbers and capacity of qualified, willing, capable and productive people in the natural resources sector. This has negatively impacted the conservation, management and sustainable utilization of natural resources. In addition, the negative effects of the epidemic have been to accelerate the rate of extraction of forest products to meet the new and increased demands of those affected and infected by HIV/AIDS. Therefore, there is need to strengthen the health delivery system in Zimbabwe to cope with the increasing burden of HIV/AIDS and chronic illnesses. At the same time, it is important to capacitate Home-Based Care programmes in terms of the training of caregivers, equipping them with appropriate care facilities as well as linking them with the national health delivery system for follow-ups. Above all, it is necessary to intensify HIV/AIDS interventions at all levels in order to continue reducing the prevalence and incidence of infections and illnesses.

International Journal of Science and Research, 2014

Agriculture makes a substantial contribution to Zimbabwe's economy in terms of employment creatio... more Agriculture makes a substantial contribution to Zimbabwe's economy in terms of employment creation, household incomes, food security and economic growth. In recent decades, the performance of the agricultural sector has been hampered by frequent droughts. The paper uses research results from published and unpublished works to determine the impacts of climate variability and change on crop production, agricultural land use, crop marketing, livestock production, and rural poverty. It also looks at the positive impacts of climate change and farmers' perspectives on climate change and variability. The adverse impacts of climate change are thought to dominate in the drier semi-arid smallholder communal farming regions. A small temperature rise has been estimated to substantially reduce farm incomes and increase the expanse of drier zones. Meat, milk and draft power productivity will decrease owing to droughts that affect vegetation and water resources in the rangelands. Rural poverty will be exacerbated by climate change. Finally, extended periods of wet weather due to excessive rains will adversely affect crop marketing through crop quality deterioration and destruction of physical marketing infrastructure. However, droughts, floods and excessive rains can also have positive impacts in the form of increased remittances from migrants who migrated in search of alternative sources of livelihood. Moreover, in the aftermath of droughts and excessive rains, livestock have access to abundant water and good quality vegetation to feed on. Furthermore, enough water is available for domestic purposes and watering gardens. Wild fruits and late-planted crops also flourish to the benefit of rural households. Farmers in Zimbabwe perceive that rainfall has become more unpredictable and that the prevalence of mid-season drought spells has increased. In addition, years of below-normal rainfall are becoming more frequent, semi-arid areas are getting drier, temperatures have increased, and droughts and floods are often occurring back-to-back in the same season.

Journal of Sustainable Development, 2012

This paper is a review article on the impacts of technology adoption on agricultural productivity... more This paper is a review article on the impacts of technology adoption on agricultural productivity in smallholder agriculture in the sub-Saharan African region. The use of agricultural technologies determines how the increase in agricultural output impacts on poverty levels and environmental degradation. Experience and evidence from countries within and around the sub-Saharan African region indicate that returns to agricultural technology development could be very high and far reaching. The factors affecting technology adoption are assets, income, institutions, vulnerability, awareness, labour, and innovativeness by smallholder farmers. Technologies that require few assets, have a lower risk premium, and are less expensive have a higher chance of being adopted by smallholder farmers. There are certain traditional smallholder agricultural technologies in sub-Saharan Africa that also have their own merits. Some of these technologies are more efficient in their use of scarce production resources than modern technologies. Modern researchers should therefore seek to understand the rationale behind traditional smallholder farmer behaviour in technology use. This will make their future technological interventions in smallholder agriculture more effective.

International Journal of Science and Research, 2016

Gender equality is a basic human right that requires that men and women be treated equally with r... more Gender equality is a basic human right that requires that men and women be treated equally with respect to resources, legislation and policies. Gender-based discrimination results in serious gaps in political, social and economic participation. In sub-Saharan Africa, agriculture is the livelihood of nearly 70% of the economically active population. For the rural poor, agriculture is the main source of employment and income, although the income generated is low. A host of factors leading to low yields means that many households continue to be food insecure. High rates of hunger are strongly linked to gender inequality. The agricultural sector is underperforming in many sub-Saharan African countries, in part because women do not have equal access to the resources and opportunities they need to become more productive. Women smallholder farmers in the sub-Saharan African region face numerous constraints. They may have access to land but very few actually own or have title to it; their plots tend to be less fertile than those belonging to men; they have fewer farm tools and equipment; and limited access to farm credit, inputs, technologies and information. In addition, women farmers lack access to improved seeds, reliable water supplies, markets, financing and insurance options, and moreover, suffer from unsupportive public policies. Furthermore, smallholder African women farmers often do not get paid for the farm work that they do, nor do they always earn and control the income from sales, a factor that may affect their incentives to effectively participate in agricultural production. Research also shows that development policies and practices often exacerbate the situation as they do not offer women farmers equal access to development resources, training and information, thereby limiting their opportunities and ability to contribute to agricultural development, food security and poverty reduction. The household and societal pay-offs to reducing women's constraints in productive activities are significant. Closing the agricultural gender gap would result in significant gains for the agricultural sector as well as society as a whole. Increasing the opportunities for women can have a powerful impact on productivity and agricultural-led growth. Women are just as efficient agricultural producers as men and can achieve similar yields when given access to resources, including training and services.

INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF INNOVATIVE RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT , 2017

Zimbabwe’s low-potential zones can be identified with a soaring prevalence of scarcity, shortage,... more Zimbabwe’s low-potential zones can be identified with a soaring prevalence of scarcity, shortage, deficiency and lack; depressed
rural proceeds, earnings and revenues; low farm yields; and food unavailability. These factors combine to collectively contribute to cause complications, frustrations, hitches and snags to efforts to earn a decent living, income, occupation and employment in the rural areas. Not much is recognized about the effects of farm skills, knowledge, expertise, machinery, tools and equipment on crop output, efficiency, yield and production, and food availability in the semi-arid, low-rainfall and parched segments of land situated in between the higher rainfall districts of Zimbabwe. This research investigated the interaction between selected farm technologies (water harvesting, conservation agriculture, fertilizer/ manure application, and irrigation) and farm yield, production and food availability among households in Ward 11 of Makonde District in Zimbabwe. The data collection method used entailed questionnaire interviews of 60 households chosen through stratified random sampling. Data analysis was conducted in SPSS. Hypothesis testing was conducted by means of the independent samples t-test and one-way between groups
analysis of variance. Utilization of conservation agriculture led to significantly greater maize yields. The t-test to determine the
effect of utilizing irrigation technology on yields showed that there was a significant difference between mean yields of those practicing irrigation and conservation agriculture, and mean yields of non-adopters. It is thus recommended that development factors like capital, income, wealth and assets for agricultural growth and expansion in low-rainfall districts such as Makonde need to be directed and concentrated towards farm technologies like irrigation and conservation agriculture.

International Journal of Science and Research, 2016

A multi-pronged survey of secondary literature was adopted. Journal papers, institutional publica... more A multi-pronged survey of secondary literature was adopted. Journal papers, institutional publications, research reports, conference proceedings, and internet websites were consulted in gathering data for this study. It is believed that low rates of technological uptake and the failure by farmers to realize productivity increases are chiefly a result of inappropriate agricultural extension models. Despite the declining world demand and falling international prices of cotton, cotton is nevertheless still an important crop for employment creation and foreign currency generation in Zimbabwe. Thus its production should continue to receive technical, institutional, fiscal and financial support in Zimbabwe. Income from cotton sales is used to finance household expenditures, particularly in the major cotton producing belts of the country. However, unsustainable cultivation methods and inappropriate land husbandry practices by cotton farmers have led to extensive land degradation and depletion of soils. Other constraints militating against the viability of smallholder cotton farming include high cost of variable inputs such as pesticides and soil fertility amendments (fertilizers), the incidence of pests and diseases, frequent and devastating droughts, and lack of price incentives for cotton producers. Two recent innovations for reducing land degradation, eliminating pest damage, increasing agricultural productivity, enhancing environmental sustainability, and improving human health, are conservation tillage and integrated production and pest management. Some of the factors which influence the adoption of cotton technologies include user awareness, education level of the farmer, access to extension services, availability of labour and animal draft power. Policy efforts should therefore aim at intensifying the use of farmer field schools, raising education levels in the rural areas, increasing the extension worker-to-farmer ratios in cotton producing areas, more emphasis on labour-saving components of these technologies, and cattle restocking exercises to promote draft power availability among smallholders.

Journal of Agricultural Extension and Rural Development, 2013

Zimbabwe's semi-arid regions are characterized by high incidence of poverty, low rural incomes, l... more Zimbabwe's semi-arid regions are characterized by high incidence of poverty, low rural incomes, low agricultural productivity, and food insecurity. These all lead to difficulties in sustaining rural livelihoods. Relatively little is known about the impacts of agricultural technologies on agricultural productivity and food security in the drier pockets of land located within the wetter regions of the country. This study explored the relationships between agricultural technology use (water harvesting, conservation agriculture, fertilizer/ manure application, and irrigation) and agricultural productivity and food security among households in Ward 15 of Makonde District in Mashonaland West Province. The methodology employed involved questionnaire interviews of 55 households selected using the stratified random sampling technique. Data analysis involved the use of the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS). Hypothesis testing was done using the independent samples t-test and oneway between groups analysis of variance. Use of conservation agriculture resulted in significantly higher maize yields among smallholders. The t-test to measure the impact of using irrigation technology on crop yields indicated that there was a significant difference between mean yields of those practicing irrigation (Mean = 2.70 ton; SD = 2.30) and those not practicing it (Mean = 0.76 ton; SD = 1.19); t = 3.35 at the 0.2% level of significance. Therefore, development resources in semi-arid areas like Makonde District should be channeled towards agricultural technologies such as irrigation and conservation agriculture.

International Journal of Science and Research (IJSR), 2014

This paper discusses the relationship between climate change and gender, and the implications for... more This paper discusses the relationship between climate change and gender, and the implications for development among rural communities. The research findings are based on a survey of secondary sources, research and institutional reports. Climate change is one development issue in which inequalities such as those created by gender will require serious attention in order to provide a comprehensive and meaningful understanding and solutions for mitigation and adaptation to the prevailing changes that affect livelihood systems. Climate change is one development issue in which inequalities such as those created by gender will affect the solutions for mitigation and adaptation to the prevailing changes that affect livelihood systems. Climate change and variability are emerging as some of the most serious global problems affecting sustainable development in the world today. Developing countries are especially vulnerable to climate change because of their heavy dependence on rain-fed agriculture. On the other hand, gender is contained in the human element which has an input in all productive activities. Thus climate change and gender form an integral part of the economic growth and development driving wheel. We live in societies and communities that are dominated by gender differences in terms of the social, political and economic status of men and women. These differences create a skewed pattern in control and ownership of economic and productive resources and this affects the pace and level of rural and economic development. In terms of technology development, most technologies developed are masculine, making it difficult for women to operate them, thus making them lag behind in terms of use of advanced technologies. Access to institutional services such as extension, markets and financial services is largely dominated by men. Women are also marginalized in terms of access to health care, information, skills, and education among other human development facilities, resulting in them having a lower human development index than their male counterparts. These factors have contributed to the marginalization and deprivation of women among rural communities. As such, they are rendered weak and powerless in terms of their ability to respond effectively and appropriately to the vagaries of climate variability and change.

EPRA International Journal of Multidisciplinary Research (IJMR) , 2017

A single feature of government development strategy frequently dealt with is the impact of macro-... more A single feature of government development strategy frequently dealt with is the impact of macro-economic policy transformations on the small business sector. This article deals with the impacts of macro-economic policy changes on small businesses in African economies south of the Sahara Desert. The methodology adopted in this paper is a survey of secondary literature. The main components of macro-economic policy reform agendas in this part of the world have typically encompassed reorganization of the import and export sector, financial sector policy shifts, civil sector transformations, and commercial sector decontrols. The
effects of import and export sector restructuring on small businesses have been dependent on the degree of involvement of these businesses in international transactions. Deliberate and policy-induced depreciation of
the domestic currency has tended to increase the operating expenses and decrease the profitability and performance of small businesses sourcing their production resources outside the country. This is because larger amounts of the domestic currency were now needed to import a given
amount of production inputs for use by such small businesses. On the other hand, liberalization of the processes involved in the issuing of foreign currency to small businesses purchasing inputs on foreign markets would profit and promote the development of such businesses as they would now be able to source larger amounts of foreign currency with greater ease to buy productive resources. Nevertheless, they would in addition find themselves in a situation of more intense rivalry and contest from whole, completed commodities entering the country from elsewhere. If the small businesses sourced production resources principally from inside the country of operation, reductions in the value of the domestic currency would have the effect of siphoning out bigger businesses that formerly depended on foreign trade to obtain inputs. Macro-economic policy transformations in the form of lifting government controls on retail prices, together with a cessation of price support systems for necessities, and the trimming down of excess labour force to decrease government’s burden of paying salaries to an over-size civil service work force, have combined to dampen the buying power of consumers and curtail the demand for small enterprise commodities. Due to the absence of substitute means of earning a living, the civil servants who were laid
off from their jobs have moved “en masse” to join the small enterprise sector as emergent business people. The rising numbers of small businesses serving a depressed market have exerted a downward pressure on commodity prices, with the result that many small enterprises have been forced out of business due to increasing losses or declining
profits. The majority of small businesses in Africa south of the Sahara belongs to the informal sector, and has thus been unable to take advantage of tax incentives that come as part of the package of macro-economic restructuring agendas. Tax incentives in the form of tax cutbacks and tax holidays can only benefit registered and established
businesses in the formal sector. Empirical evidence in the majority of studies conducted in Africa point towards a worsening situation of small businesses during and after macro-economic policy transformations. Reverse measures should therefore be implemented to support the
development of the small enterprise sector in this part of the world. From a socio-economic perspective, small enterprises have been found to contribute positively to the development of African economies in many ways.

International Journal of Science and Research (IJSR) , 2014

The aim of this paper is to discuss, with evidence from literature, the options, potential and co... more The aim of this paper is to discuss, with evidence from literature, the options, potential and constraints to climate change adaptation in Zimbabwe's agricultural sector. The desk research was conducted in Zimbabwe, and took place in July 2014. A multipronged approach was adopted to identify relevant literature. A web-and e-mail based search for documentation and a desktop review of printed literature was used to enable analysis of secondary data on adaptation to climate change in the agricultural sector in Zimbabwe. Sources consulted included government and international reports, state and non-state agency development and climate change response plans, public research organizations' reports, and academic and scientific literature. Zimbabwe is particularly susceptible to climate change because the livelihoods of the majority of its residents are dependent on rain-fed agriculture. Household level vulnerability in Zimbabwe is influenced by conflict and insecurity, inequitable land distribution, low education, poor infrastructure, gender inequality, dependence on climate-sensitive resources, poor health status, and HIV/AIDS. The ability of individuals, households and communities to adapt is shaped by their access to and control over natural, human, social, physical and financial resources. Agro-ecological approaches that build resilience to climate change include complex systems, use of local genetic diversity, soil organic matter enhancement, multiple cropping or polyculture systems, and agro-forestry systems and mulching. There is no comprehensive, specific national policy and legislative framework for climate change adaptation. Instead, legislative and programmatic adaptation responses are found in a plethora of development policies, strategies and action plans of various government sectors. The fact that adaptation strategies are inherent in the existing gamut of policy documents, but without much coordination, means a fragmented adaptation response is likely. Some of the current policies and programmes in Zimbabwe actually constrain climate change adaptation. There is a need to harmonize uncoordinated and fragmented pieces of legislation and strategies aimed at enabling and enhancing an adaptive response to climate change.

British Journal of Applied Science & Technology , 2017

Aims: The aim of the study was to conduct an analysis of the potential, constraints and strategie... more Aims: The aim of the study was to conduct an analysis of the potential, constraints and strategies for development of Marirangwe Farm. Marirangwe Farm is a project of the Women’s University in Africa (WUA) in Mashonaland East Province of Zimbabwe.
Place and Duration of Study: This case study was conducted in July 2014 in Zimbabwe.
Methodology: The methodology involved administering a questionnaire with structured and open-ended questions to key informants who are part of the management team at the farm.
Results: The following constitute formidable constraints to crop production activities: market availability; availability of suitable land for expansion of crop enterprises; high labour requirements for the crops cultivated; high cost of labour; poor soil structure and fertility; and shortage of rain at critical times of crop growth. The major constraints which inhibit the full realization of the potential for improving animal enterprises at Marirangwe Farm include unsuitable climate and physical
environment for livestock production; and high insect, parasite and disease risk of the animals. The financial analysis revealed a negative Whole Farm Gross Margin of -$800.00 and a huge negative Whole Farm Profit of -$32,400.00 in the 2013/14 farming season. Partial Budget Analysis revealed that the viability of farm operations and proposed changes in the structure of enterprises depends on the relative prices of dairy milk to other livestock products. An analysis of machinery costs
based on depreciation found that the farm manager has to put aside at least $9,100 towards the replacement of farm machinery.
Conclusion: Several options can be pursued to improve the financial performance of the farm. Several options can be pursued. First of all, the potential and scope for implementing more intensive crop production should be considered. Implementation should include the resuscitation of
boreholes and increasing irrigable area, resuscitating greenhouses and use of certified seed/ materials, and conducting research to identify potential market outlets for produce. The lack of enough organic material to improve soil structure and fertility could be redressed by purchasing
organic manure from surrounding farms. Alternatively and in addition, animal dung could be harvested from the pens and open veld and applied to the fields. The high cost of herbicides as an impediment to effective weed control could be reduced by pursuing manual or mechanical methods of weed control. There also needs to be a move towards high-value crops such as tobacco and horticultural flowers. The farm should also invest in product market development in order to identify market niches and market segments with relatively inelastic demand where the farm can charge higher prices for its products. Measures to improve machinery efficiency include keeping engines tuned up, using machines at near capacity, performing operations that reduce the number of trips
across the field, avoiding driving machinery at excessive speeds, and sticking or adhering to the manufacturers’ maintenance schedule. In addition, adequate amounts of money need to be put aside towards replacement of old machinery. Improvements in the management and operations of farm machinery could be achieved by replacing all machines that are too old and proving uneconomical to maintain in terms of costs, or performing minor modifications on existing machinery to enhance their operational efficiency. Since much of the farmland is rocky and forest,
alternative land use practices could be introduced that generate additional income for the farm. These could include game farming and apiculture (bee keeping). The introduction of additional livestock enterprises such as goats (which are browsers) can turn the rocky shrub-lands into productive farmland. The problem of unsuitable climate and physical environment for the exotic dairy breeds and their high insect, parasite and disease risk could be addressed by cross breeding exotic breeds with indigenous breeds for particular strains such as such as high disease resistance, temperature, drought and heat tolerance, while maintaining the basic traits of high productivity among the cross-bred animals.

South Asian Journal of Social Studies and Economics, 2024

Journal of African Interdisciplinary Studies (JAIS), 2018

International Journal of Science and Research, 2014

International Journal of Science and Research, 2016

International Journal of Science and Research, 2014

THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF SCIENCE & TECHNOLEDGE, 2017

International Journal of Science and Research, 2016

Journal of Agricultural Economics and Development, 2013

International Journal of Sciences, 2014

International Journal of Science and Research, 2014

Journal of Sustainable Development, 2012

International Journal of Science and Research, 2016

INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF INNOVATIVE RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT , 2017

International Journal of Science and Research, 2016

Journal of Agricultural Extension and Rural Development, 2013

International Journal of Science and Research (IJSR), 2014

EPRA International Journal of Multidisciplinary Research (IJMR) , 2017

International Journal of Science and Research (IJSR) , 2014

British Journal of Applied Science & Technology , 2017

ASARE PUBLISHERS, 2019

Agribusiness accounting information is used by any individuals or groups involved in decision mak... more Agribusiness accounting information is used by any individuals or groups involved in decision making. The principal individuals and groups who make decisions related to the financial performance of an entity include managers, shareholders, lenders, financial analysts, suppliers, statutory bodies, customers, employees and the general public. Managers need information about the company's past, current and future financial position. Shareholders need to know if their business is making a profit, if that profit is satisfactory and how the profit is to be allocated. Lenders of finance want to know if their moneys are safe and if the borrower will be able to pay back the loan plus interest. Financial analysts want to be able to assess whether the business is a good investment. Suppliers are interested in knowing how quickly they will receive payments for their supplies. Statutory taxation auhtorities need some idea of how much tax the organization owes. Customers need confidence that they will continue receiving the goods or services being provided by the company. Employees want an assurance of regular and sustained income as well as other on the job or retirement benefits. The general public may be interested to know, for example, if the business is spending enough on social issues such as environmental protection and the general welfare of citizens. Topics covered in this book include agribusiness accounting concepts and conventions; management of agribusiness resources; financial accounting; management accounting; cost accounting; characteristics of useful accounting information; the accounting equation; financial statements include the income statement, balance sheet and cash flow statement; financial ratios; depreciation; valuation and disposal of assets; the accounting system; and accounting records. After studying this book, the decision maker should be able to apply prudent financial tools and techniques in order to effectively plan ahead, allocate productive resources more efficiently, and thereby improving the performance of the agribusiness.

ASARE PUBLISHERS, 2011

One of the most striking features in the contemporary world is the growing popularity of entrepre... more One of the most striking features in the contemporary world is the growing popularity of entrepreneurs and small firms. Increasingly, men and women are giving up job security and the various fringe benefits of corporate life to take up the risks of business start-up. This book emphasizes the positive roles of small businesses in national economies through employment creation, decentralization of economic activities, deceleration of rural-to-urban migration, economic viability, income redistribution, and entrepreneurship development. It also stresses the positive relationship between consumer and agricultural incomes on the one hand, and the demand for small industry goods and services, on the other. In this book, constraints to small enterprise development are also discussed. They include credit or finance, physical infrastructure, the regulatory framework, business skills, information, competition, and the macro-economic environment. Finally, in the concluding chapter, the book proposes feasible ways of promoting the development of small enterprises, in view of their economic attributes and factors inhibiting their success.

ASARE PUBLISHERS, 2014

This book expounds on five main concepts in agricultural production economics. These are costs (v... more This book expounds on five main concepts in agricultural production economics. These are costs (variable and fixed); output response to inputs; profit maximization; cost minimization; and revenue maximization. Variable costs are the costs of variable inputs. Examples are seed, feed, fertilizers, pesticides, herbicides, and seasonal or casual labour. Variable costs vary with the level of production. This is because higher levels of production require greater quantities of variable inputs, which in turn consume larger amounts of cash. Thus variable costs are positively related to output on a farm. Fixed costs, on the other hand, are costs of fixed inputs, and they include such items as taxes; rent; rates; insurance premiums; electricity for domestic lighting, cooling and heating; loan repayments (principal and interest); salaries for management; and wage bill for permanent labour force. Fixed costs, as the term implies, are constant or fixed, at least in the short term. They do not vary with the level of production or output. In this book, output response to inputs is treated in the context of the production function. A production function involves varying the amount of variable inputs and observing and studying the resultant effects on the quantity of output produced. For example in crop production the amount of fertilizer applied to a crop is varied, and the resultant effect on crop yield is observed. Profit maximization is also discussed in this book, in both qualitative and quantitative terms. Answers are provided to questions such as: What level (amount) of input produces maximum profit?; What quantity of output results in maximum profit?; and, What combination of inputs or outputs gives maximum profit? In handling the concept of cost minimization, this book will answer the question: What combination of inputs (in physical quantities) results in the lowest cost of production. In most cases the lowest-cost combination of inputs also results in maximum profits. The last concept of agricultural production economics dealt with in this book is revenue maximization. Here, a graphical technique is presented for answering the question: What combination (in physical quantities) of outputs (e.g. wheat and barley) will give the maximum revenue? Revenue is distinct from profit in the sense that the latter involves a numeric deduction of costs of production, unlike the latter which is merely a result of multiplying each output by its unit price and then summing up the results.

ASARE PUBLISHERS, 2015

This book aims to achieve the following: develop knowledge and understanding of advanced principl... more This book aims to achieve the following: develop knowledge and understanding of advanced principles of scientific agriculture; develop an appreciation of how knowledge of agriculture can be applied to identify and solve agricultural problems; demonstrate sound agricultural practices and techniques; promote awareness of the contribution of agriculture to the needs of society; and provide a suitable foundation for the study of agriculture or related courses at tertiary level. Using the knowledge obtained from this book, readers should be able to, among other things: recall, recognize and demonstrate understanding of specific agricultural facts, principles, relationships, concepts and terminology; communicate information coherently in continuous prose; organize and present information by means of tables, graphs, diagrams, and drawings; analyze and interpret numerical and non-numerical agricultural information; explain and interpret specific phenomena in terms of agricultural principles; make predictions and propose hypotheses, using agricultural facts and principles; and solve agricultural problems qualitatively and quantitatively. This book is divided into three parts (Parts A to C). Part A is titled “Principles of Agricultural Economics”, and it covers chapters 1 to 3. Part B is titled “Farm Management”, and it covers chapters 4 to 6. Lastly, Part C is titled “Marketing”, and it covers chapters 7 and 8.

ASARE PUBLISHERS, 2014

The ability to make decisions that will lead to the best outcome under a given set of circumstanc... more The ability to make decisions that will lead to the best outcome under a given set of circumstances is the distinguishing characteristic of a good business manager. Finding the best solutions involves applying some or all of the principles of managerial economics that are presented in this book. Topics covered in this book include the theory of optimization which deals with finding the levels of activities that maximize profit and minimize costs for a business entity. The book also contains information about how a manager can effectively analyze and estimate market demand for the products or services that his/her business sells. The book is also handy as it enables the manager or other decision maker to determine the effects on consumer demand of variables such as product price, the prices of substitutes or complements, number of buyers, and consumer tastes and preferences, on consumer demand. The decision maker can also use the principles of managerial economics presented in this book to make sales forecasts of a good or service and thus make effective plans for efficient resource allocation. Businesses operate in environments that are characterized by various modes of competition based on the structure of the market. Market structure is dynamic and ranges from near-perfect competition to situations in which firms have relatively large market power. This book provides managers of businesses operating in different economic environments and market structures with the strategies and techniques to survive competition and maximize profits. Some of the strategies include setting the most rewarding prices for goods or services marketed, and various techniques to increase to increase market share and take greater control of business and consumer markets. Finally, the book furnishes the reader with the ability to analyze and prioritize potential investment activities or projects, thus screening and choosing between initiatives with different cash inflows and outflows.

ASARE PUBLISHERS, 2019

The need to understand crop and livestock production economics variables and how they affect the ... more The need to understand crop and livestock production economics variables and how they affect the profitability, efficiency and effectiveness of crop and livestock farms can never be over-emphasized. This book is for current, prospective and aspiring crop and/or livestock farm owners, managers, investors and buyers, ranging from small to medium entities to large and multi-national corporations. The strategies presented in this book apply with varying degrees of relevance to each of these types of business units. The book is for those to achieve the objectives of their farms or organizations in the most efficient manner, while considering both explicit and implicit constraints in operations. The ability to make decisions that will lead to the best outcome under a given set of circumstances is the distinguishing characteristic of a good crop and livestock farm owner, manager, investor or buyer. Finding the best solutions involves applying the fundamental principles of Crop and Livestock Production Economics that are presented in this book. Topics covered in this book include analysis of the production function at different input levels; human, physical and financial aspects of farm planning; profit maximization and economic efficiency; and costs, returns and profits on the output side. The book also contains information about smallholder crop and livestock production economics; optimum resource allocation and revenue maximization in farm production; risk and uncertainty in agriculture; and farm credit and finance. This book is handy and a useful aid for profitable farm decision making, effective planning, efficient allocation of productive resources, and improved financial and economic performance of the crop or livestock farm business.

ASARE PUBLISHERS, 2014

The earth's climate is always changing. The observed warming is consistent with the expected effe... more The earth's climate is always changing. The observed warming is consistent with the expected effects of greenhouse gases emitted through anthropogenic or human activity. Seventy percent of the world's poor people live in rural areas, and rural livelihoods are especially vulnerable to climate change. The impacts of climate change on rural communities are largely negative or adverse. However, some impacts may also be positive. Climate change impacts discussed in this book include those on agriculture and food security, water and sanitation, human health, energy, ecosystems, biodiversity, fisheries and wildlife, and sustainable livelihoods. Negative impacts include decreasing yields in rainfed agriculture due to frequent droughts, rising temperatures and floods. Lower yields lead to reduced food security and incomes and increased cases of malnutrition among smallholder farmers. Malnutrition is a direct cause of stunted physical and intellectual development in children, low productivity in adults, and susceptibility to infectious diseases. Stakeholder participation is an integral component of climate change response strategies. To be effective, policies developed and enacted at higher levels need to be aligned with action taken to address the risks and priorities identified at the local level. At community level, NGOs, local government, businesses, vulnerable groups and the communities themselves need to come together and identify what changes they are vulnerable to, where and who is vulnerable, and what action to take to reduce their vulnerability to climate change. The strong participation of women and youth is especially encouraged, given their active role as community resource managers and practitioners in rural development activities.

ASARE PUBLISHERS, 2015

Agricultural entrepreneurship is the profitable marriage of agriculture and entrepreneurship, or ... more Agricultural entrepreneurship is the profitable marriage of agriculture and entrepreneurship, or more specifically, turning your farm into a viable business. The discipline also involves the application of the principles of entrepreneurship to decision making in agricultural and agro-based businesses. An agricultural entrepreneur is someone is someone who runs his or her agricultural business at their own financial risk. Agricultural entrepreneurship, therefore, has two main objectives. The first one is to maximize profit, and the second one is to minimize the risk of financial loss associated with agri-business activities. This book discusses the basic principles aimed at satisfying these two broad objectives for the operator. The key principles are as follows: 1) Agricultural entrepreneurs need to have a positive attitude and practice sustainable agriculture; 2) Use middlemen as a last resort in product marketing; 3) Decisions should be based on reading and research; 4) The use of financial debt as a source of funds needs to be kept to a minimum as much as possible; 5) New projects or enterprises should begin at a small-scale; 6) Adequate emphasis should be put on keeping careful financial and performance records, particularly on resources, costs and returns; 7) Good regular and periodic maintenance of moveable and immovable assets such as machinery and buildings should be undertaken; 8) Inputs should be obtained at competitive prices and the products sold at a net gain; 9) Staff should undergo periodic and regular training to keep abreast of current skills needed for successful business operations; 10) Planning of activities such as input acquisition, production operations, harvesting, storage and marketing should be done well in advance; 11) The operator or manager should be conversant with other management functions such as organizing, delegation, leadership, control, decision making and communication in running the business on a day to day basis; 12) Familiarity with the modes of ownership in agricultural and agro-based enterprises should be acquired, together with a knowledge of their advantages and disadvantages; 13) The entrepreneur should possess enough skills to make an informed assessment of the viability of each source of funds for the agri-business; 14) He or she should also have the ability to interpret and analyze financial statements and performance ratios; 14) develop and implement a successful marketing strategy; and 15) practice prudent human resources management practices while adhering to strict business principles in the execution of duties. Careful implementation of these basic principles of agricultural entrepreneurship can result in maximization of profits and minimization of the risk of financial loss for the business.

AGRICULTURAL ECONOMICS (REVISED EDITION), 2014

This Revised Edition is a substantial improvement of the First Edition, which was published in 20... more This Revised Edition is a substantial improvement of the First Edition, which was published in 2010. Among other changes, it contains more recent information on the economic development of the agricultural sector in Zimbabwe. The additions and modifications to a number of chapters and sections in this revised edition has been prompted and guided by the comments and suggestions from valued readers of the first edition of the book. Nevertheless, familiarity with the content of the earlier edition is not entirely a pre-requisite to appreciating and understanding the latter version. Much of the earlier information has been retained in this volume, but with valuable additions. The Revised Edition is therefore essentially a positive progression from the First Edition. Readers are still welcome to comment on this edition to pave way for yet another volume, if need be. I sincerely hope that you will find "Agricultural Economics: Revised Edition" a pleasure to read (A note from the author).