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Livelihood Effects of Smallholder Tobacco Contract Financing Schemes in Mutoko District, Zimbabwe

Author

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  • Tanaka M Mango

    (Zimbabwe Open University, Harare, Zimbabwe)

  • Tsepeso Setoboli

    (National University of Science and Technology, Bulawayo, Zimbabwe)

  • Nothando Tshuma

    (National University of Science and Technology, Bulawayo, Zimbabwe)

  • Emmanuel Sibanda

    (National University of Science and Technology, Bulawayo, Zimbabwe)

Abstract

The global tobacco production has experienced significant fluctuations over the past two decades. Consequently, tobacco farmers in Malawi, Zambia, and Zimbabwe have received stagnant or decreasing crop prices since 2013. Smallholder tobacco farmers under contract farming schemes in Zimbabwe have been consistently in debt due to unfavourable economic conditions and contractual issues. As such, concerns about the impacts of contract farming on the welfare of these farmers have risen. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the livelihood effects of contract farming schemes on tobacco farmers in Mutoko district, Zimbabwe. A questionnaire was used as the main data collection tool. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics. The study results indicated that since the farmers joined tobacco contract farming, their access to inputs, income, food security, education level, asset ownership, vulnerability, and debt increased. Therefore, the study concluded that tobacco contract farming positively affects income, food security, health, education level, asset ownership, and input access, as well as negatively affects vulnerability and debt. The study suggests that the government and tobacco contracting companies should consider enhancing extension support for tobacco farmers, focusing on women, to boost household incomes and support rural livelihoods.

Suggested Citation

  • Tanaka M Mango & Tsepeso Setoboli & Nothando Tshuma & Emmanuel Sibanda, 2025. "Livelihood Effects of Smallholder Tobacco Contract Financing Schemes in Mutoko District, Zimbabwe," International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science, International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science (IJRISS), vol. 9(2), pages 2996-3011, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:bcp:journl:v:9:y:2025:issue-2:p:2996-3011
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    References listed on IDEAS

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