DRIVERS OF AGRICULTURAL EFFICIENCY IN COMMUNAL IRRIGATION SCHEMES IN ZIMBABWE: A CASE STUDY OF INCOMES GENERATED BY FEMALE FARMERS IN NYANYADZI IRRIGATION SCHEME, MANICALAND PROVINCE, ZIMBABWE

Abstract

In Zimbabwe’s irrigation schemes case of Nyanyadzi, the study examined socio-economic elements that have an impact on women’s agricultural output and consequent income. A mixed method research methodology was utilized in the study to gather both qualitative and quantitative data. Sampling, questionnaires, interviews, and participant and non-participant observation were all used as research methods. Quantitative data were analyzed using a linear regression model. To analyze qualitative data, thematic analysis was used. The findings indicate that age, access to markets, and access to financing have a negative impact on women’s productivity whereas marital status, land size in hectares, educational attainment, and land ownership have beneficial effects on it. The study’s findings indicate that the communal irrigation system’s impact on agricultural productivity depends significantly on factors such as age, education level, availability of extension services, access to credit facilities, land leasing, and markets. To establish proper land tenure arrangements, the government should put in place an appropriate regulatory framework. In order to improve the country’s functioning agricultural markets, access to financing, and provision of extension services, the government should have policies to strengthen infrastructural development.