Communal vegetable production is a key activity in Zimbabwe, contributing significantly towards food security and rural development. A study carried out in Chinamhora District determined factors influencing tomato market channel choices. Primary data were collected through formal interviews and questionnaires included household and production characteristics, markets information and social capital. Interviews with buyers provided information on prices and farmer-market relations. The logistic model was used to analyse determinants of market choices. The study revealed that informal markets are more accessible than formal markets and produce price was the major determinant of market channel choice. Thus, informal markets offer great prospects for the development of communal farmers. The study recommended that farmers should develop effective mechanisms for collaboration and linkages and invest in market intelligence for them to improve their livelihoods.
Food insecurity has increasingly become a topical issue that needs to be addressed before it goes out of hand. The article explores the synergistic relationship that exists between Amartya Sen entitlement and systems theories. The article hypothesises that food insecurity in Matabeleland South Province is mainly caused by a lack of understanding of food security pillars and how all the concepts dove tail into the food security discourse. The article further propounds that, for communities to go out of the food insecurity quagmire, they need to work collaboratively as a system as substantiated by the systems theory. Sen argues that the law stands between food availability and access. This is further simplified as follows: food can be available in the markets but the people might lack the purchasing power to purchase the food. When people try to acquire food through stealing, the law catches on them. On the other hand, the systems theory argues that for a community to function well all the parts should play their roles towards the survival of the whole. The theory further informs that government stakeholders and non-state actors must work together in addressing food insecurity without a clearly defined direction. Interactions with provincial stakeholders, revealed that, a leaf can be borrowed and applied from the two theoretical models to achieve food security in Matabeleland South Province in Zimbabwe.
The jatropha plant was introduced to Zimbabwe in 1940. Until recently, jatropha production was mainly done by communal farmers in marginal areas of the country. Being a multipurpose tree, the jatropha plant was being used to produce soap, lubricants and in soil conservation. Due to the fuel crisis that gripped Zimbabwe over the last decade, there has been a move towards producing biodiesel to complement imported fossil fuel. There is potential to produce animal and plant protectants, and organic fertilizer from jatropha. The current utilization of the plant is limited by lack of a clear government policy, unfavorable selling prices and unavailable agronomic information. There is need for government to come up with a policy that encourages production, research and utilization of biofuels. Information on jatropha propagation should be made available, not only in English, but vernacular languages also. Research should be encouraged so that varieties that are higher yielding are produced.
The original version of this chapter was inadvertently published without updating the correct spelling of the chapter author name "Handsen Tibugari". Now, this has been corrected in the chapter proof and front matter.
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