Demand assessment study of resource conserving technologies in Chivi and Zimuto communal areas in Masvingo province, Zimbabwe.

Abstract

This study was carried out in two sites, Chivi and Zimuto. It had three major objectives: to characterise adopters and non-adopters of on-farm resource management technologies related to soil and water conservation, soil nutrient management and plant genetic resources; to identify the major production constraints faced by both adopters and non-adopters; and finally to assess potential demand for these and similar technologies. Research methods and findings are described. The major recommendations were (a) that there is need for widespread promotion of the technologies if adoption rates are to be increased, rather than concentrating promotion on selected villages; and (b) that there is need for in-depth research on more options from which all farmers either rich or poor could choose so as to increase the adoption rates for the various technologies. The option of providing material benefits to encourage adoption of the technologies is not sustainable.

Citation

Mutimukuru, T., Mudimu, G.D., Siziba, S., Harford, N. and Garforth, C. 2000. Demand assessment study of resource conserving technologies in Chivi and Zimuto communal areas in Masvingo province, Zimbabwe. Annex B of the Final Technical Report of project R7537. Harare, Zimbabwe: Department of Agricultural Economics and Extension, University of Zimbabwe. 91pp.

Demand assessment study of resource conserving technologies in Chivi and Zimuto communal areas in Masvingo province, Zimbabwe.

Published 1 January 2000