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Impacts of Cash Crop Production on Household Food Security for Smallholder Farmers: A Case of Shamva District, Zimbabwe

Author

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  • Theresa Tendai Rubhara

    (Department of Agriculture and Animal Health, University of South Africa, Roodepoort 1709, South Africa)

  • Maxwell Mudhara

    (Department of Agricultural Economics, University of KwaZulu Natal, Durban 4041, South Africa)

  • Oluwaseun Samuel Oduniyi

    (Department of Agriculture and Animal Health, University of South Africa, Roodepoort 1709, South Africa)

  • Michael Akwasi Antwi

    (Department of Agriculture and Animal Health, University of South Africa, Roodepoort 1709, South Africa)

Abstract

Zimbabwe has recently experienced a considerable shift towards the production of more cash crops, such as tobacco, at the expense of food crops. Although cash cropping has been associated with increased income, the question is whether the income gained from cash crops would be enough to provide the food needs of farming households. This research was conducted to analyse the impact of cash crops on household food security. A cross-sectional survey consisting of 281 randomly selected smallholder farmers in Shamva District was used for primary data collection. Data were analysed using the Tobit regression model and Propensity score matching (PSM). The household dietary diversity score (HDDS) was used to measure food security. The PSM results showed a positive impact of cash crop production on the HDDS. This could be attributed to the income effect of cash cropping. Furthermore, Tobit regression results showed that cash crop production ( p < 0.1), non-farm income ( p < 0.01), total arable land ( p < 0.05) and access to draft power ( p < 0.05) positively influenced household food security. Household size negatively impacted food security ( p < 0.05). While the results from this study suggest the need to promote cash crop production, it should not be regarded as the panacea for addressing food insecurity. There is a need for further research to derive optimum combinations of cash and food crops in the crop mixture for smallholder farmers to achieve food security. Furthermore, opportunities for off-farm livelihood options should be developed, since non-farm income had a positive effect on food security.

Suggested Citation

  • Theresa Tendai Rubhara & Maxwell Mudhara & Oluwaseun Samuel Oduniyi & Michael Akwasi Antwi, 2020. "Impacts of Cash Crop Production on Household Food Security for Smallholder Farmers: A Case of Shamva District, Zimbabwe," Agriculture, MDPI, vol. 10(5), pages 1-11, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jagris:v:10:y:2020:i:5:p:188-:d:362463
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    2. Maanda Rambauli & Michael Akwasi Antwi & Phumudzo Patrick Tshikhudo & Fhatuwani Nixwell Mudau, 2023. "The Determinants of Smallholder Farmers on the Functionality of Plant Health Clinics in the Vhembe District, South Africa," Agriculture, MDPI, vol. 13(2), pages 1-20, February.
    3. Ankrah Twumasi, Martinson & Jiang, Yuansheng & Asante, Dennis & Addai, Bismark & Akuamoah-Boateng, Samuel & Fosu, Prince, 2021. "Internet use and farm households food and nutrition security nexus: The case of rural Ghana," Technology in Society, Elsevier, vol. 65(C).
    4. OS Oduniyi & MA Antwi & AN Mukwevho, 2021. "Assessing emerging beef farmers participation in high-value market and its impact on cattle sales in South Africa," International Journal of Agricultural Research, Innovation and Technology (IJARIT), IJARIT Research Foundation, vol. 11(2), December.

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