Evaluating the Challenges Facing Small-Scale Sugarcane Farmers (Sugarcane Outgrowers) In Zimbabwe: A Case Study of Chiredzi District in Masvingo Province, Zimbabwe

Abstract

The study was based on the evaluation of the challenges facing small-scale sugarcane farmers (sugarcane outgrowers) in Zimbabwe and focusing on Chiredzi District. Consequently, the research used phenomenological philosophy to study this phenomenon and the sample was made of 50 persons comprising of 20 sugarcane outgrowers, 5 Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development officials, 5 Ministry of Women Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprises, 5 Agritex, 5 Village heads and 10 spouses. Accordingly, the findings from the study show that small-scale sugarcane farmers in Chiredzi District are facing a myriad of challenges and that the government should intervene in order to save the industry. Likewise, microfinance institutions should help sugarcane outgrowers with the much-needed funds for their day-to-day operations. Thus, it was suggested that Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development officials and the Ministry of Women Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprises should help sugarcane outgrowers with establishing a workable relationship with Tongaat as the current one is unhinged in favour of Tongaat Hullets. Similarly, sugarcane outgrowers are playing a vital role in developing Zimbabwe economically. Therefore, should be equipped with the much need entrepreneurship prerequisite skills sets though up-to-date trainings in order to equip sugarcane outgrowers with extant and suave entrepreneurial skills in order for them to increase production and meet the expectations of their miller through capacity building.