Raising a crop of farmers

Date
2008-02
Authors
Duma, Moses
Thomas, Wolfgang
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Stellenbosch : University of Stellenbosch Business School
Abstract
In the wake of the launch of Zimbabwe’s land-reform programmes and the subsequent deterioration of the formal farming industry, contract farming has emerged as a significant economic activity. It offers communal farmers the opportunity to sell their produce to agribusinesses at predetermined terms and prices. The concept has gradually taken off to provide a degree of stability in crop production that might otherwise have collapsed. Research conducted at the University of Stellenbosch Business School (USB) investigated contract farming in Zimbabwe and came up with suggestions for improving the system. The study found that contract farming enjoys substantial acceptance and support from its key participants: smallholder farmers, agribusiness, and the Zimbabwean government.
Description
Keywords
Contract farming -- Zimbabwe, Agricultural contracts -- Zimbabwe, Land reform -- Zimbabwe
Citation