Linking crop and livestock diversification to household nutrition: Evidence from Guruve and Mt Darwin districts, Zimbabwe

Abstract

This study analyzed the role of crop and livestock production diversification on household nutrition in Zimbabwe using data from 986 households in Guruve and Mt Darwin districts. Data were analyzed using poisson and negative binomial regression, which showed that livestock and crop diversification were positively associated with household dietary diversity and food consumption. Pulse production was associated with a significant increase in dietary diversity and food consumption in both districts. Cattle production was significant and positively correlated with food consumption in the two districts. Goat and poultry rearing were significant and positively correlated with dietary diversity and food consumption in Mt Darwin. Promoting crop and livestock diversification is crucial for improved nutrition among smallholder farmers. In particular, investments in cereals, roots and tubers and pulse production together with cattle and small livestock such as poultry and goats are viable interventions for the improvement of household nutrition among smallholder farmers. A diversification strategy, which integrates crop and livestock production needs to be promoted.