Medium-scale commercial agriculture and its role in structural transformation, wealth creation and enhanced livelihoods in an African context: Evidence from contemporary Zimbabwe.

Chipenda, Clement

Context and background In recent years, there has been a notable resurgence of medium-scale commercial farms in Africa. However, scholarly focus on their capacity to drive structural transformation, promote inclusivity, empower communities, generate wealth, and enhance livelihoods has been limited. Specifically examining the Zimbabwean context, this article contends that medium-scale farms play pivotal roles in production, social reproduction, income generation, commercialisation, investment and capital accumulation. These contributions have been significant in facilitating structural transformation, wealth generation, and improved livelihoods. Goal and Objectives: The paper is primarily concerned with exploring the extent to which mediumscale commercial agriculture contributes to structural transformation, wealth creation and enhanced livelihoods in the Zimbabwean and wider African context. Methodology: The paper utilized a mixed methods research approach comprising of a survey and in-depth interviews which targeted 200 resettled households in two rural districts in Zimbabwe. Results: Medium-scale farms possess the ability to play a role in structural transformation, wealth generation, and improved livelihoods. Factors such as land access, a supportive macroeconomic and policy environment, robust and inclusive land governance, and efficient administrative institutions hold promise in addressing and mitigating the challenges related to poverty, disenfranchisement, marginalization, and inequalities in power and resource allocation.

AGRICULTURAL industries; WEALTH; COMMERCIALIZATION; INVESTMENTS; SAVINGS

African Journal on Land Policy & Geospatial Sciences, 2024, Vol 7, Issue 2, p439

2657-2664

Academic Journal

10.48346/IMIST.PRSM/ajlp-gs.v7i2.45835