Farmers' cash crop cultivation decisions in Southern Niassa province, Mozambique

Abstract

The aim of this study was to evaluate socially farmers' decisions about the cultivation of cash crops. It specifically assessed the feasibility of World Relief-SempreVerde scheme by investigating the agricultural promoters; the factors influencing farmers' decisions to adopt, reject, discontinue or continue with the promoted crops; and the support required for improving the food and income security of smallholder farmers. The research took place in nine villages in Cuamba district, Niassa province, Mozambique. It involved a survey of 245 farmers stratified according to gender and wealth. Focus group discussions, questionnaires and interviews with leaders, farmers and managers of promoter institutions were used. A model for introducing cash crops is proposed. This research suggests that agricultural promoters should look to cash crops that can be intercropped with existing food crops; explore dry season agricultural activity; select drought-, pest- and disease-resistant crops; provide markets for existing crops; promote perennial crops; build a well-organised extension, credit and buying system; and/or incorporate livestock in the existing farming system.

Aspects of profitability that influence smallholder cash-crop preferences in northern Mozambique

“…This indicator can predict the possible preferences for a promoted cash crop or crops above food cash crops. In the 2000/01 season, when the JFS Company was at an early stage of introducing tobacco in southern Niassa, more than 63 per cent of the respondents sold food cash crops while only 21 per cent sold tobacco (Lukanu et al, 2004). In the following agricultural season, with awareness and knowledge about the high profitability of tobacco, the total percentage of respondents participating in the marketing of food cash crops dropped to 38 per cent while that for tobacco increased to 40 per cent.…”

“…Their decisions are influenced more by the risk factors or the pragmatic aspects of profitability than by the financial aspects. For example, Lukanu et al (2004) found that a reliable buyer was the second most important factor that made smallholders decide to cultivate and market particular crops in southern Niassa. They will not cultivate a cash crop if the marketing system is unlikely to absorb their output (Hornik, 1993).…”

“…Farmers here generate income by selling both food cash crops and promoted cash crops (Lukanu et al, 2004). Some agencies have been promoting a number of crops in the study area.…”

“…However, smallholders attached value not only to financial aspects of profitability but also to the means of obtaining a higher profit, such as higher yield, the result of access to inputs, access to extension and experience, and market and price reliability (here called pragmatic aspects). Smallholder farmers in northern Mozambique did not equate expected profitability only with the intention to grow certain cash crops, although they saw the profitability of cash crops as a very important factor influencing market participation (Lukanu et al, 2004). This study defines 'market participation' as the percentage of households selling a given crop for cash, and 'cash crop' as any crop that can be sold, be it a food cash crop or a promoted cash crop.…”

The influence of smallholder labour demand on cultivation of cash crops in northern Mozambique

“…Two earlier studies identified labour as one of the most important factors influencing smallholders' decision to cultivate cash crops. Lukanu et al (2004) identified, in order of importance: (i) profitability, (ii) market access, (iii) availability of inputs and implements, (iv) labour, and (v) access to extension services; and Green et al (2006) reported that the number of effective labourers was the most determining factor that explained variation in market participation. Makhura (2001) also found that labour factors influenced smallholders' participation in agricultural markets.…”