Abstract
The consequences of climate change threaten existing agriculture systems across Zimbabwe. The researchers examined the possibility and potential for developing a smallholder farmer driven macadamia nuts value chain. Using the case of Chipinge district, Manicaland province, Zimbabwe, the study evaluated the potential of macadamia nut value chain functions as a climate change resilience strategy in Zimbabwe. Challenges faced by actors and positive developments made in incorporating smallholders into the macadamia nuts production sector were explored. The role of local markets and producers in the international trade in macadamia nuts were also examined, using a modified stakeholder analysis framework. Triangulation, a mixed methodology, was used to adequately capture the various quantitative and qualitative dimensions along the macadamia nuts value chain pillars. A sample of 220 farming units including Estates, A1 and A2 farmers was proportionately selected for the study. Primary data were collected from Key Informants through interviews and personal communications. Secondary data were collected from Agritex officers, buyers, and the Macadamia Association of Zimbabwe farmers’ records. The production-marketing interface for macadamia nuts is weakly coordinated in the study area as shown by the rudimentary production systems especially for the A1 and A2 farmers. Results show that the major missing links are the limited application of extension driven production enhancers and the limited visibility of farmers in more rewarding export markets. Production scales have, however, been increasing with more farmers allocating land towards the macadamia nuts trees. Decentralization of macadamia nuts markets and localized value addition needs to be done to realign domestic and export market prices.
Highlights
In Zimbabwe, increased temperatures and changes in precipitation due to climate change, will impact the landscape and the livelihoods of the rural population (Musakwa,Mpofu and Nyathi, 2020:4610)
The study sought to bring about an understanding of the impact of climate change on macadamia production in the Chipinge district, Manicaland, Zimbabwe
Understanding of the issues will help extension service providers understand the implications of climate change and how a tree crop like macadamia nuts can mitigate against the challenges
Summary
In Zimbabwe, increased temperatures and changes in precipitation (mainly an increase in the frequency of shortened rain seasons and long drought periods) due to climate change, will impact the landscape and the livelihoods of the rural population (Musakwa,Mpofu and Nyathi, 2020:4610). The macadamia production is highly sensitive to climate change and its impact can already be felt through increased frequency and intensity of extreme weather events. The farmers in these fragile landscapes show a tendency to adapt to climate change by adopting different survival strategies, like farmer-managed irrigation systems, agrobiodiversity, agroforestry, and community forest management (Parwada, Gadzirayi, Muriritirwa, and Mwenye, 2010:353). Many can migrate to urban areas in search of greener pastures
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