Determinants of Agricultural Commercialization among Smallholder Farmers in Munyati Resettlement Area, Chikomba District, Zimbabwe

Abstract

The study was carried out in Munyati resettlement area, Chikomba district in Mashonaland East Province, Zimbabwe with the objective of determining factors that affect smallholder commercialization of farming enterprises. Both qualitative and quantitative techniques were used to collect data from 102 randomly sampled smallholder farmers using a questionnaire. Input and output commercialization indices were derived for all the participating farmers. Tobit model was used to regress the indices and farmer specific variables. The paper reveals that the farmers are fairly commercialized for both input and output sides. In addition, factors that determine input and output commercialization are varied. The paper recommends increased public and private sector contribution towards commercialization through training and financial support. Increased remittances by family members outside farming are recommended. The study concludes that smallholder farmers have a great potential for commercialization if necessary conditions are availed.