Agricultural Product Types and Household Income Contribution in Mhondoro-Mubaira (Zimbabwe)

Abstract

The objective of this research was to examine agricultural product types and their contribution to the household income for communal farmers in Mhondoro-Mubaira area. The study was carried out in the area of Mhondoro-Mubaira, situated in Mashonaland West province of Zimbabwe. The target population samples for the study comprised of communal farmers (N=150) and the extension officers (N=25). According to the results, remittances and gifts (92.66%) are the major contributors of household income for most communal farmers. This is because of the current bad economic situation and frequent droughts. Despite remittances and gifts being the major household income, farmers still perceive farming has very important contributor to their daily sustenance. The study proves that field crops and maize in particular is a strategic crop in Zimbabwe. Maize is not only for household consumption but also for selling. Tobacco is the most important cash crop for the farmers because of good prices and well-established markets. Farmers indicated that open markets are important but because of unscrupulous traders and lack of monitoring and poor regulations, farmers are prone to being cheated and price manipulations. The government and private sector can contribute in formalizing and improving growing of garden crops. The government should improve and invest in non-farm economy which contributes to communal farmer standard of leaving such has roads, electricity, and related infrastructure. This will inherently improve the farm economy and the livelihood status of the communal farmers.