Market should drive agriculture growth

THE market should drive agricultural production through price negotiations and increased private sector investment that supports sustainable livelihoods, an agriculture expert said.

Given the reality of climate change and low rainfall received in the western region of Zimbabwe, Matabeleland North provincial Agritex officer, Mr Dumisani Nyoni, advised farmers to embrace small grains and integrate livestock and crop production to sustain livelihoods and avert hunger as a result of recurring droughts.

“Due to poor rains over the years, small grains are more ideal,” he said.

Mr Nyoni said Matabeleland North province, for instance, has 60-70 percent of Kalahari sands that are poor at moisture retention. Under such conditions, he explained, an integrated crop and livestock model is ideal with a bias on small grains.

Mr Nyoni said those who desire to plant maize under dry conditions should focus on ultra-early maturing varieties. He said a multisectorial approach involving the private sector, Government and development partners, must be adopted to mitigate the effects of climate change on livelihoods.

“Under these conditions we recommend crop and livestock diversification, irrigation development, improved genetics, strengthening value chains and letting the market drive agriculture production through price negotiations and increased investment,” said Mr Nyoni.

He also urged communities in the region to adopt conservation agriculture where nutrients are concentrated in a plant, adoption of water harvesting techniques, improved marketing, irrigation development and rehabilitation.

Mr Nyoni said small holder farmers should be capacitated with mechanisation and be assisted to establish processing centres. He applauded an initiative by villagers in Jambezi, Matabeleland North, who have established a community milling plant and were supplying surrounding markets.

On the livestock front, Mr Nyoni said there was a need to develop adequate road infrastructure, water points, availing financing schemes as well as product processing and marketing. He also said the livestock sector would do well if supported with improved animal health systems, access to information, robust restocking and drought management programmes.