1. Introduction
The objective of this research was to examine agricultural product types and their contribution to the household income for communal farmers in Zimbabwe. The study examined the major agricultural products, which are produced by the farmers, and then document their level of contribution to the household income. A considerable number of researches such as; show that economic contribution of agricultural activities for most low-income households is about 12.0 percent of the total household income. The importance of growing the percentage of agricultural activities contribution is critical in addressing food insecurity and poverty. The productivity of crop production is generally related to the intensive use of inputs, but smallholder farmers can also increase their yields through better land management and farming practices. A number of poor practices include poor market information and market extension has been identified. Categorisation of non-farm and farm income options is critical in establishing the most important household income streams for the communal farmers. The rural non-farm and farm economies framework was used in establishing the level of importance of agricultural enterprises to communal livelihoods in Zimbabwe.
2. Hypothesis
H0 =different agricultural product types contribute differently to communal household income.
3. Conceptual Framework
The rural non-farm and farm economies framework. The rural economy comprises of a range of livelihoods aspects and is not only limited to the agricultural sector and production of primary produce. The rural economy is categorized into the agricultural/farm sector producing primary goods; and the non-agriculture/non-farm sector, which includes all non-agricultural economic activities that may indirectly/directly and contribute to household income or at a community level development. These may include but not limited to; mining, manufacturing, utilities, construction, commerce, tourism, transport, and financial, personal and government services. The economic diversification of the rural economy means the transition between agriculture to non-farm sector activities within rural areas, or to the diversification of economic outputs thereof (see Figure 1). He asserts that a developed non-farm economy has direct benefits to the farm economy through diversification.
The rural non-farm and farm economies framework is critical in reducing poverty, rural economic diversification, both within agriculture and into non-agricultural activities, increase coping mechanisms in face of crop failure or price volatility, and improve food and livelihood security of rural households . There is considerable evidence that rural non-farm economy is critical for agricultural growth. Nonfarm economy plays a supporting function and is responsible for activities like road construction and maintenance, schools, health, money transfer facilities like Mukuru-for remittances, food processors just to name a few. So, for the stimulation of agricultural production in the rural areas, there is a need of development and support of the non-farm economy in the communal areas from the government and private role players.
4. Methods
The target population for the research were communal farmers 1 and public extension officers located in the Mhondoro-Mubaira which is a constituency in the Chegutu district. The descriptive research interviewed a total of 150 communal farmers and cluster sampling was used. A total of 25 frontline extension personnel was interviewed using convenience sampling. Extension officers were selected on the basis that they work in the Ministry of Agriculture, and they serve under Mhondoro-Mubaira area. The primary data on extension support and agricultural marketing was collected on Section A, B of the Appendix A (Farmers questionnaire) and Section A, B of the Appendix B (extension questionnaire) both structured questionnaires. Semi-structured interviews were done at randomly selected farmer in the Mhondoro-Mubaira communal area. The structure of the questionnaire is composed of Likert scale questions, open ended questions and multiple-choice questions. The data collected from the farmers was captured and coded in MS Excel spreadsheet and cleaned by checking for capturing errors. The Statistical Analysis System (SAS) Statistical 9.4 (2016) package was used to analyze the quantitative data. Chi-square test was used to establish the associations within data. The researcher obtained the required permission from the respondents after informing them about the purpose of the interview and the investigation. Then the respondents were assured that information provided would remain confidential. And the researcher confirmed that participation was voluntary and respondents have the right to withdraw at any time. Furthermore, the respondents were also given the right to ask questions, and obtain further clarity to the questions.
5. Conclusion
Agricultural product types and household income contribution is an important aspect of rural economics. Rural economic development and growth acknowledges that agriculture is one of the primary pillars of rural development in Zimbabwe. According to the results, remittances and gifts (92.66%) are the major contributors of household income for most communal farmers. This is because of the current bad economic situation and frequent droughts. Despite remittances and gifts being the major household income, farmers still perceive farming has very important contributor to their daily sustenance. The study proves that field crops and maize in particular is a strategic crop in Zimbabwe. Maize is not only for household consumption but also for selling. According to Communal farmers are the major producer of maize in Zimbabwe. Relevant interventions from the government need to be in place to increase maize production in Zimbabwe and communal farmers are a strategic point.
Tobacco is the most important cash crop for the farmers because of good prices and well-established markets. Tobacco auction floors in Zimbabwe are the most secure markets for the farmers, and tobacco contract farming is the most preferred by the farmers. Garden crops and poultry are important for household consumption and selling on the open market. Farmers indicated that open markets are important but because of unscrupulous traders and lack of monitoring and poor regulations, farmers are prone to being cheated and price manipulations. The government and private sector can contribute in formalizing and improving growing of garden crops. Strategic crops/vegetables include tomatoes and cabbages, interventions such has as improving access to finance, processing of these vegetables would an invaluable contribution to the rural economy. The government should improve and invest in non-farm economy which contributes to communal farmer standard of leaving such has roads, electricity, and related infrastructure. This will inherently improve the farm economy and the livelihood status of the communal farmers.