Policy formulation in relation to rural development requires research on rural household consumption behaviour and patterns. In this paper research implications of consumption function theory in relation to rural household expenditures are briefly outlined and results of a cross-section analysis of seven expenditure categories of food plot holders at Tyefu Irrigation Scheme are reported. Consumption function parameters are estimated by ordinary least square method of regression of farm account data. The analysis reveals that the sampled food plot holders have a marginal propensity to consume of (0.349) as well as average propensity to consume of (0.652). Family characteristics (used as explanatory variables) such as age distribution and family size vary in their ability to explain expenditure patterns depending upon types of commodity. Further research will help to rigorously assess the impact of additional forces such as education, location, farm assets, etc. upon the standard of living of farm people. ANALISE VAN VERBRUIKSBESTEDING VAN LANDELIKE HUISHOUDINGS INSUID-AFRIKA: 'N GEVALLESTUDIE VAN KLEINBOERE IN TYEFU BESPROEIINGSKEMA IN DIE OOSKAAP PROVINSIE Beleidsformulering vir landelike ontwikkeling, benodig navorsing in die verbruikersgedrag en -patrone van landelike huishouding. In hierdie artikel, word navorsingsimplikasies van verbruiksfunksieteorieë in verband met landelike huishoudelike uitgawes, kortliks geskets en uitslae van 'n deursnee analise van sewe uitgawe katogorieë van kleinboere by Tyefu Besproeiingskema gegee. Parameters van 'n verbruikerfunksie is beraam deur middel van 'n gewone kleinstekwadraat regressie van plaasrekening data. Die analise bevind dat die respondente 'n marginale neiging om te verbruik van 0.349 as ook 'n gemiddelde neiging van verbruik van 0.652 het. Familie eienskappe (gebruik as 'n verklarende veranderlike) soos ouderdomsverspreiding en familie grotes varieer in hulle vermoë om verduidelike uitgawe-

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Land evaluation is the key to sustainable agriculture. The aim of the study was to use soil survey data to assess the suitability of land for irrigated maize and potatoes. The study was based on a detailed soil survey, at scale of 1:12500, performed at the Karimba Estate in eastern Zimbabwe. On the basis of soil morphological, analytical, and terrain characteristics, land units were demarcated and a land unit map produced. Land qualities necessary to assess crop performance were selected following FAO guidelines. Crop requirements were matched with the land qualities, and suitability of land for the crop was then assessed. The diagnostic factors of each land quality were assigned a factor rating. Overall physical suitability of a land unit for a land utilization type (LUT) was computed from individual factor ratings. Rooting conditions (R) and topography (T) were land qualities identified to limit the yield of maize and potatoes. Rooting conditions, as determined by effective depth (Rd) and surface stones (Rs), were found to be the most important limiting factors to crop production in the study area. A suitability model based on depth, stoniness, and topography was developed; overall suitability = Rd × Rs × T. Results showed that 51% of the area is highly suitable (S1) or moderately suitable (S2) for maize production, and 49% is unsuitable (N). About 44% of the area is highly suitable to moderately suitable for potato production, while nearly 56% of the area is not suitable.