Agricultural policy, production status, and trade volumes nexus in Zimbabwe: the case of selected cereal crops

Abstract

Zimbabwe is predominantly an agrarian country. Farming is the major source of livelihood and
income for over 50% of all the country’s citizens. Agriculture also contributes 18% to the Gross
Domestic Product (GDP) of the country. It contributes significantly as a source of raw materials,
food security, employment, foreign exchange earnings, and human and capital formation. This
research aims to provide an overview of the nexus between agricultural policy, status of
production, and trade volumes, with a focus on cereal crops (wheat and sorghum) in Zimbabwe.
It is informed by the Diffusion and Innovation Theory, the Marginal Zone Theory, Planned
Behaviour Theory, and Social Cognitive Theory, which link with agricultural development in the
country. The study follows a descriptive qualitative methodology, where the researchers made use
of published data from local and international data sources to conduct an analysis of the nexus
between agricultural policy, status of production, and the trade volumes in the country. The study
draws from secondary literature in both grey and academic formats. It also utilizes government
reports and documents. The study shows that among the small grain category, the selected cereals
are increasingly becoming important as they form part of the staple food basket in the country.
The recent government focus on small grains is making a significant impact on their production.
The study identifies leading agricultural policies in the country and infers their effect on
production and trade volumes. The study further shows that due to the lack of resources to develop
its economy in other sectors, Zimbabwe has focused on agriculture to develop itself. It concludes
that farming with a focus on cereal production will continue to dominate the economy for many
years to come.