https://cris.library.msu.ac.zw//handle/11408/124 Tue, 21 Apr 2026 00:16:23 GMT 2026-04-21T00:16:23Z https://cris.library.msu.ac.zw//handle/11408/3662 Title: Determinates of smallholder small grain (sorghum, pearl millet and rapoko) farmer market participation and choice of marketing outlets: a case of Maranda, ward 9, Mwenezi, Masvingo province Authors: Makotose, Taidaishe L. Abstract: Markets are crucial for agricultural growth and transformation. Following the persistent climatic changes in Zimbabwe farmers in Agro ecological region III, IV and V have been encouraged to grow small grains as a diversification coping strategy. Smallholder famer’s access to profitable markets is vital so as to improve commercialization of small grain (sorghum, millet, rapoko) farming in Zimbabwe. This study therefore seeks to determine the factors influencing small grain smallholder farmers marketing outlets, choice of marketing outlets and the impact of post-harvest management on market participation in Maranda, district, ward 9 Mwenezi .The cross sectional data were collected from a sample of 94 households using the snowballing sampling technique. STATA 11 statistical package was used to analyze data. Descriptive statistics on the characteristics of small holder farmers were done and it was found that the results showed that the 69.15% females were the major participants in small grain marketing outlets compared to their counter parts. Multinomial logistic regression model was used to determine the factors influencing small grain small holder farmers marketing outlet choice using .Marginal effects were then used to interpret data. The study found out that sources of price information and also the payment procedures have a significant effect to the marketing outlets farmers do not prefer to sell their output at GMB, because they have got the wrong information from the co farmers who are the major source of information .Post harvest management do have a significant effect on market participation because farmers have poor storage infrastructure and also the storage costs exceeds the production costs. At the end the farmers end up selling their grains early after harvest with aims to reduce storage costs. There is need to profile farmers on the basis of production, spatial location and education level and encourage them to participant in marketing profitable marketing outlets. Mon, 01 Jan 2018 00:00:00 GMT https://cris.library.msu.ac.zw//handle/11408/3662 2018-01-01T00:00:00Z Makotose, Taidaishe L. https://cris.library.msu.ac.zw//handle/11408/3561 Title: An assessment of the socio-economic factors affecting goat production: a case of Zhombe. Authors: Mandalaza, Tinovimba Eric Abstract: The main aim of the study was to assess the factors that affect goat production. The study was concerned with the analysis of socio-economic factors affecting goat production; with special reference to Zhombe district. Zhombe is a communal settlement area that that is found in the midlands province of Zimbabwe. It consists of 31 wards but the research was done in ward 12 which is south east of Gokwe. Data collection was done through structured questionnaire administered to 40 respondents selected through random sampling technique. The second study objective was reviewed through the utilization of the multiple linear regression model since it consisted of 9 variables in absence of the dependent variable. This was mainly used because it shows the relationship between the dependent variable and the independent variables. The main objective in using this technique was to predict the viability of the dependent variable based on its covariance with all the independent variables. So, with the methods of analysis used having being descriptive statistics and production function analysis using the ordinary least squares to estimate the parameters of the production function. Linear regression analysis using SPSS (23) and STATA (13) software programs were employed for the modeling of goat production as determined by postulated determinants and to assess the relative importance’s of various variables. From the test on the significance of the variables 5 of the 9 variables were significant and they were as follow in their p-values Gender = 0.000, Age = 0.039, market distance = 0.002, inputs cost = 0.005 and poultry production = 0.000 with a prob > F of 0.000 and a R2 of 0.9923. These are the variables that are considered to be significantly affecting goat production in the study therefore in conclusion they have to be put into consideration when there is need to improve goat production in Zhombe. From the study results attained I recommend that there is need for increased extension services to goat producers so as for them to have improved production methods. Also, I recommend the government to increase the channels of credit directed to small holder farmers so as to increase production. Mon, 01 Jan 2018 00:00:00 GMT https://cris.library.msu.ac.zw//handle/11408/3561 2018-01-01T00:00:00Z Mandalaza, Tinovimba Eric https://cris.library.msu.ac.zw//handle/11408/3350 Title: Effects of trade liberalisation on technical efficiency in Zimbabwe’s cropping sector. Authors: Ncube, Buhlebenkosi A. Abstract: The study was aimed at investigating the effects of trade liberalisation on technical efficiency taking Zimbabwe cropping sector as a case study. The study was a time series analysis with 30 observations being reviewed from 1985 to 2015. The motive of the study was basically to investigate whether an association exists between trade liberalisation and technical efficiency. The main objectives of the study were to estimate the level of technical efficiency and to evacuate is a positive/negative relationship exists between trade openness and technical efficiency. The study employed 8 variables including production variables and trade openness variables taking output as the dependant variable. A Stochastic frontier analysis model was adopted in the study using Stata. Stochastic frontier analysis was chosen against other models such as data envelopment analysis because of its capacity to estimate statistical hypothesis. The study produced a mixed bag of results initially illustrating that trade openness as a variable has no effects on technical efficiency. A further analysis of export intensity as a trade openness variable illustrated on a positive relationship with technical efficiency. The study discovered that an increase in import restrictions on the other hand will lead to improvements in technical efficiency. The study recommends further research on the relationship that exists on technical efficiency and trade liberalisation in order to yield conclusive relationships. Mon, 01 Jan 2018 00:00:00 GMT https://cris.library.msu.ac.zw//handle/11408/3350 2018-01-01T00:00:00Z Ncube, Buhlebenkosi A. https://cris.library.msu.ac.zw//handle/11408/2574 Title: The nexus between trade reforms and export diversification Authors: Maramba, Knowledge Abstract: The current trade literature highlights the importance of trade reforms and export diversification as a major economic trajectory towards a sustained economic growth. A concentrated export basket is at risk of price volatility and small market size. The purpose of this study was to expose the connection that exists between trade reforms and export diversification. The objective was to determine the impact of tariff preferences and bilateral trade agreements (dummy variable) on export diversity. The study used secondary data covering South Africa, Zambia and Zimbabwe from 2000 to 2013. The data used was reported at the Standard International Trade Classification (SITC) one-digit level. The data was accessed from world-integrated trade solutions (WITS) database and World Bank’s world development indicators (WDI) database. A gravity model was estimated to analyze the relationship between trade reforms and export diversification. A positive relationship between trade reforms and export diversification was observed. A liberal economy has diverse active export lines compared to a closed economy and bilateral trade agreements also promoted export diversification. It was also found out that, the reduction in transaction costs as proxied by geographical distance increased the number and quality of exported products. In this study, it is suggests that Zimbabwe should consider policies that increase market access and confidence to other market players by signing bilateral trade agreements. Trade reforms should promote diversification of exports through increasing the market size and the range of products that are being exported. This will stabilize the terms of trade, make exports more competitive on the international market, and improve the countries balance of payment. Sat, 01 Nov 2014 00:00:00 GMT https://cris.library.msu.ac.zw//handle/11408/2574 2014-11-01T00:00:00Z Maramba, Knowledge