Determinants of sorghum adoption and land allocation intensity in the smallholder sector of semi-arid Zimbabwe

Abstract

Sorghum is important for sustainability of smallholder farmers’ subsistence, social and economic livelihoods in semi-arid and arid environments of Southern Africa. However, production of the crop has been on the decline in the smallholder communities of semi-arid Zimbabwe. The study examines factors affecting smallholder farmers’ inclination towards producing sorghum and allocating differential land proportions towards the crop. The paper uses a double hurdle estimation approach with cross-sectional survey data from 380 small holder sorghum farmers in the Mid Zambezi region. Frequency of contact with relatives, duration of receiving subsidies and the number of groups to which household members belonged had a robust influence (p<0.01) on the adoption decision. Market frequency, availability of storage facilities and the number of buyers in the market significantly (p<0.01) influenced the land allocation decision. Variables influencing the two decisions are not necessarily the same showing independence in the decisions. However, information flow from networks and conditions of market platforms remain important variables in the two decisions. It is important to decentralise sorghum markets, strengthen local networks of kinships and increase the scope of inclusive and responsive formal extension delivery systems. Storage facilities can also be developed in partnership with private players to allow for sales during market windows which generates higher returns for the small holder sorghum farmers.

Role of Small Grains in Adapting to Climate Change: Zvishavane District, Zimbabwe

“…Finger millet is a nutritious crop providing proteins, carbohydrates, minerals, and amino acids, especially methionine, which is lacking in the diets of numerous poor people who live on starchy foods (Bhatt et al 2003). This goes the same with sorghum, which remains important for sustainability of smallholder farmers' subsistence, social and economic livelihoods in semi-arid areas (Musara et al 2019). Sorghum grain contains 11.3% protein, 3.3% fat, and 56-73% starch (National Research Council, 1996).…”

“…Adaptation measures include adjustment of planting dates and crop variety, crop relocation among others. However, one of the most recommended approach is the growing of drought-tolerant crops such as small grains (Gukurume 2013;Muzerengi and Tirivangasi 2019;Musara et al 2019). Adoption of small grains becomes a crucial necessity that must be embraced by households in the area.…”

“…Sorghum and millet are important traditional cereal crops in Africa (Chisi Undated). Notably these cereals are indigenous to the African continent (Musara et al 2019), making them well adapted to the African semi-arid areas (Taylor 2003). These small grains have become favored because of their good adaptation to hard environments and their good yield of production.…”

Phytochemical Screening of Sorghum (Sorghum Sp) with Thin Layer Chromatography Method

“…Sorghum can be used from grains to roots, both in the form of food, cosmetics, or animal feed. Sorghum ranks fifth in the world as a widely cultivated food crop (Noerhartati, Karyati, Soepriyono, & Yunarko, 2019). The ability of sorghum to adapt to marginal land and requires relatively little water during drought, sorghum is more tolerant than other food crops, making sorghum the top choice for agriculture during the dry season (Musara, Musemwa, Mutenje, Mushunje, & Pfukwa, 2019).…”

“…Sorghum ranks fifth in the world as a widely cultivated food crop (Noerhartati, Karyati, Soepriyono, & Yunarko, 2019). The ability of sorghum to adapt to marginal land and requires relatively little water during drought, sorghum is more tolerant than other food crops, making sorghum the top choice for agriculture during the dry season (Musara, Musemwa, Mutenje, Mushunje, & Pfukwa, 2019). Sorghum seeds have nutritional quality comparable to corn and rice, even with higher protein content and lower fat content (Awika, Rooney, Wu, Prior, & Cisneros-Zevallos, 2003).…”