Vulnerability to resilience for smallholder, small grain farmers in Southern Zimbabwe: The case of semi-arid regions of Southern Zimbabwe

Abstract

Small grain production provides hope for farmers in regions affected by climate change. This study determined the levels of smallholder, small grain farmers’ vulnerability and resilience using data collected from four districts (Binga, Chiredzi, Hwange and Matobo) in Zimbabwe’s agro-ecological regions 1V and V. A mixed method approach was used to collect data from 281 respondents. A multistage sampling approach with a purposive selection of districts dominant in small grain production was conducted. For each district, two wards were selected randomly. Stata version (16) was used to analyse the data. Factor analysis and Agricultural Drought Index (ADRI) were used to quantify farmer vulnerability and resilience. Results show that 46.3% were in the medium vulnerability group while 26% were highly vulnerable. Districts on contract farming were less vulnerable than districts on non-contract farming. Farmer resilience varied with location, with Chiredzi having the highest (ADRI 4.56) and Matobo the least (ADRI 3.32). The study made three recommendations; the production of improved small grain varieties in regions IV and V, the practice of conservation agriculture as an adaptation strategy to climate change and aggressive enforcement of agricultural policies relating to the production of small grain on contract farming.