An Analysis of the Viability of Winter Wheat Farming Under the A1 Land Resettlement Model in Zimbabwe: A Case Study of Mazowe District

Abstract

The study analyses the viability of winter wheat production in Zimbabwe’s A1 resettlement farming sector. This sector emerged from the implementation of the Fast Track Land Reform Programme (FTLRP), starting 2000, when a new farming structure with new farming communities emerged. In most sectors, and for the major crops grown, output seemed depressed as compared to pre 2000 levels. This study picked winter wheat, a strategic food crop in Zimbabwe and examined its production viability under the new dispensation and to understand the factors influencing its viability. A sample of 80 farmers from Mazowe district was used to assess viability over a season, typifying a single production cycle. The mean gross margin figure was calculated, and found to be –US$155.7, indicating qualified non-viability of the enterprise. Regression analyses identified fertiliser, working capital, area planted and education as the key factors affecting viability, with R² =0.725. The study recommended government to partner the private sector to address production side factors, key of which are input prices including water, energy, credit and extension; and then pricing on the marketing side to improve winter wheat viability.

Keywords: Fast track land resettlement programme(FTLRP), strategic food crop, wheat, viability, Mazowe.