Impact Assessment of Indigenous Chickens Production Interventions in the Semi-arid Regions of Zimbabwe: Case of Chivi District

Most communal farmers in Chivi district of Zimbabwe rear indigenous chickens. However, the impact of interventions by government and non-government partners remains unknown. The purpose of this study is to assess impact of indigenous chicken production in semi-arid areas with a focus on Chivi district. The research focused on indigenous chickens as the enterprise has the potential to increase rural population income and in turn improve the nutrition for the rural population. A total of 160 indigenous chicken farmers were sampled from a population of 1240 who received past interventions in trainings, feed and chicks or pullets from development partners and government using a survey questionnaire. Variables such as age, farmer experience, education, type of dwelling, maize, cattle, goats, supplementary feed, type of housing, resting of fowl run, vaccinations and type of hatching method were found to be significantly affecting sales rate. Indigenous chicken production was found to be weakly profitable as a positive gross margin was obtained. The study also revealed that value chain actors in indigenous chicken production had no processors. It was concluded that though indigenous chicken production was profitable, the above stated factors affect impact of indigenous chickens. The value chain map had no processors. Capacitating farmers on poultry management and availing credit to finance production and marketing players is important to improve indigenous chickens among smallholder farmers.</jats:p

Characterization of Bank Lending Requirements for Farmers in Zimbabwe

Bank credit availability is vital for enhancing farm productivity, income, and farmer livelihoods. This study sought to characterize the lending requirements considered by commercial banks when lending to farmers in Zimbabwe. Primary data were collected from a cross-section of 12 registered commercial banks. Relative Importance Index (RII) and Thematic analysis analysed data. High importance lending requirements that were always considered by all commercial banks when lending to farmers included credit history, productive farm assets, business registration, loan purpose, amount, and repayment source. Agricultural production skills, age, business plans, financial statements, social reputation, and project insurance were also mandatory in the majority of the commercial banks. High to medium importance lending requirements included extension support, business management skills, bank account ownership, own contribution, and personal savings. Medium importance requirements included formal basic education, alternative income, and freehold land ownership. Therefore, besides the widely documented collateral, local commercial banks also considered several other requirements when lending to farmers. Government policy should go beyond solving the collateral issue but benchmark its policies to other bank lending requirements. Farmers should also pursue personal development programs in agricultural production, business, and financial management. They should also invest in off-farm assets to ensure collateral availability.</jats:p

Characterization of Bank Lending Requirements for Farmers in Zimbabwe

Bank credit availability is vital for enhancing farm productivity, income, and farmer livelihoods. This study sought to characterize the lending requirements considered by commercial banks when lending to farmers in Zimbabwe. Primary data were collected from a cross-section of 12 registered commercial banks. Relative Importance Index (RII) and Thematic analysis analysed data. High importance lending requirements that were always considered by all commercial banks when lending to farmers included credit history, productive farm assets, business registration, loan purpose, amount, and repayment source. Agricultural production skills, age, business plans, financial statements, social reputation, and project insurance were also mandatory in the majority of the commercial banks. High to medium importance lending requirements included extension support, business management skills, bank account ownership, own contribution, and personal savings. Medium importance requirements included formal basic education, alternative income, and freehold land ownership. Therefore, besides the widely documented collateral, local commercial banks also considered several other requirements when lending to farmers. Government policy should go beyond solving the collateral issue but benchmark its policies to other bank lending requirements. Farmers should also pursue personal development programs in agricultural production, business, and financial management. They should also invest in off-farm assets to ensure collateral availability

Characterization of Bank Lending Requirements for Farmers in Zimbabwe

Bank credit availability is vital for enhancing farm productivity, income, and farmer livelihoods. This study sought to characterize the lending requirements considered by commercial banks when lending to farmers in Zimbabwe. Primary data were collected from a cross-section of 12 registered commercial banks. Relative Importance Index (RII) and Thematic analysis analysed data. High importance lending requirements that were always considered by all commercial banks when lending to farmers included credit history, productive farm assets, business registration, loan purpose, amount, and repayment source. Agricultural production skills, age, business plans, financial statements, social reputation, and project insurance were also mandatory in the majority of the commercial banks. High to medium importance lending requirements included extension support, business management skills, bank account ownership, own contribution, and personal savings. Medium importance requirements included formal basic education, alternative income, and freehold land ownership. Therefore, besides the widely documented collateral, local commercial banks also considered several other requirements when lending to farmers. Government policy should go beyond solving the collateral issue but benchmark its policies to other bank lending requirements. Farmers should also pursue personal development programs in agricultural production, business, and financial management. They should also invest in off-farm assets to ensure collateral availability