Perceptions and Experiences Regarding the Current Market System by Communal Farmers in Mhondoro-Mubaira (Zimbabwe)

Abstract

The objective of this research was to ascertain the communal farmers’ perceptions and experiences regarding the current communal market system. The study was carried out in the area of Mhondoro-Mubaira, situated in Mashonaland West province of Zimbabwe. The population samples for the study comprised of communal farmers (N=150) and extension officers (N=25. According to the study, private buyers are the most preferred buyers for all the produce, for field, garden crops and livestock. The reason for favorable rating of the private buyers is they offer competitive prices, they pay the farmers on delivery of produce and sometimes they cover transport costs. Even though the private buyers are the most preferred buyers, farmers still prefer selling produce between themselves and the open market because they have control of the prices especially for livestock. The Grain Marketing Board and the Cold Storage Commission, which are government run, are the least favorable markets for the farmers. This is because these institutions offer the lowest prices, they do not pay on delivery and offer any assistance to the farmers regarding transport/transport costs. The results show that the farmers are not satisfied with the of the current market system which they deem restrictive, minimally supported by the government, low participation by the private sector, and the current economic situation in Zimbabwe overburdens the situation. The government of Zimbabwe needs to create a conducive environment for private players to participate with government interferences through overburdening policies.