Contextualising smallholder organic agriculture in Zimbabwe and other sub-Saharan African countries: a review of challenges and opportunities

Tumbure, Akinson; Dera, J.; Kunjeku, T. C.; Nyamangara, Justice

doi:10.1080/09064710.2022.2142657

Cited by 5 publications

(14 citation statements)

References 72 publications

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“…The relatively older age of farmers practising OA would be surprising if you consider that generally older farmers are reported to be more reluctant to pick up new innovative technologies (Jiri et al, 2015). However, organic management practices are not new to Zimbabwe smallholder farmers as they employ these practices (though not exclusively nor optimised) due to necessity (Tumbure et al, 2022). The continuation of such farmer practices can be viewed as intrinsically motivated due to tradition according to the self-perception theory.…”

Section: Farmer Demographicsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…The argument that organic residues could be insu cient for smallholder organic farmers (Tumbure et al, 2022) is based on estimations done on large land areas. However, survey results from MOFA farmers show that organic agriculture is more practical when optimised to organic resource availability.…”

Section: Resource Availabilitymentioning

confidence: 99%

“…This can be the case for inherently infertile soils which are characterised by low soil organic matter (SOM) content, poor soil structure, low water holding capacity and multiple nutrient de ciencies, all which severely limit agricultural production. Some researchers have therefore argued that OA is not suitable for poor quality soils in most African farming areas that also have insu cient quantities of high-quality organic materials (Tumbure et al, 2022). However, a counter agreement for OA is that sole addition of synthetic fertilisers cannot improve the productivity of such degraded soils and organic material addition has potential to condition such soils and improve their productivity.…”

mentioning

confidence: 99%

“…The process of conditioning the soil takes time and is depended upon the soil fertility status, quantity and quality of organic materials applied, and other soil management practices employed (which include cropping and tillage type) (Tumbure et al, 2022). These variables are responsible for greater variations in crop yield responses observed after organic material addition in sub-Saharan Africa (Tumbure et al, 2023).…”

mentioning

confidence: 99%

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Bio-physical and socio-economic challenges, farmers’ perception of success and 14- year soil fertility trajectories in smallholder organic market gardens of North-East Zimbabwe

Tumbure,

Chiduwa,

Mazuruse

et al. 2024

Preprint

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Some researchers have argued that organic agriculture does not yield intended benefits in African smallholder settings because of degraded soils and lack of organic resources. A multidisciplinary case study analysis of selected organic farming gardens in Makoni, Zimbabwe was done to explore farmer resources, perceptions, market access, preferences, and soil fertility status using survey and interview tools and soil analysis. Lack of agricultural water was identified as a major production challenge by 75% of respondents. Unavailable and unreliable transport and low income from sales were identified as the two main challenges (84 % of respondents) in selling organic produce. Roughly 95% of interviewed farmers currently sell their organic produce not marked as organic in the local district. We also reveal that 14-year organic management of soil fertility at MOFA has resulted in increased on average pH (range 0.6 – 2.1 units), and available P (range x6 – x26) compared to adjacent uncultivated areas. Soil organic matter either stayed the same or increased at 5 out of 6 sites and exchangeable Ca, Mg, and K increased by at least 157%, 21%, and 10%, respectively, all compared to uncultivated land. These improvements are likely the reason why 64% of farmers said they had observed yield increases. We conclude that 14 years of organic agriculture has led to the improvement of soil fertility in the initially low-fertility gardens as measured by pH, organic matter, and nutrient content. However, we recommend strengthening the market access to organic produce to sustain organic farming for smallholder farmers in Zimbabwe.

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Section: Farmer Demographicsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Resource Availabilitymentioning

confidence: 99%

mentioning

confidence: 99%

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confidence: 99%

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Bio-physical and socio-economic challenges, farmers’ perception of success and 14- year soil fertility trajectories in smallholder organic market gardens of North-East Zimbabwe

Tumbure,

Chiduwa,

Mazuruse

et al. 2024

Preprint

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“…Firstly, the inadequate or fluctuating premium for organic products directly impacts the income of smallholder farmers [25,26]. Secondly, the sales market proves unstable or challenging to expand, making it difficult to sell organic agricultural products [20,27,28]. Lastly, smallholder farmers face relatively high costs for seeds, organic fertilizers, transportation, and other expenses in the organic production process [29,30], which hinder their ability to attain significant incomes.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Collaboration to Address the Challenges Faced by Smallholders in Practicing Organic Agriculture: A Case Study of the Organic Sorghum Industry in Zunyi City, China

Wu,

2024

Agriculture

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In many developing countries, organic agriculture is increasingly recognized as a key strategy for promoting rural economic development and improving farmer welfare. It is primarily smallholders who form the foundation of organic production in these areas. However, these farmers face significant challenges in adopting organic farming methods. The aim of this paper is to investigate solutions to the challenges encountered by smallholders. This research utilizes an integrated approach and includes a case study of the organic sorghum sector in Zunyi, China. The findings indicate that (1) a robust partnership has been established between enterprises, government, and farmers in the organic sorghum industry in Zunyi. Enterprises purchase the sorghum, cover organic certification costs, and partially fund material inputs, while local government facilitates organization, coordination, and technical support, with farmers responsible for production. (2) This collaboration has catalyzed high-quality development in the industry, benefiting all stakeholders. (3) Through this collaborative model, common challenges faced by smallholders, such as obstacles in obtaining certification, income fluctuations, and unfair market conditions, have been mitigated. Consequently, smallholders secure stable and reliable income as they benefit from favorable contract prices for organic sorghum and the assumption by enterprises of most material input costs. This study offers valuable empirical evidence that can guide the expansion of organic agriculture in similar regions and countries.

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Insights of Microbial Inoculants in Complementing Organic Soil Fertility Management in African Smallholder Farming Systems

Tumbure

Dube

Tauro

2023

Sustainability Sciences in Asia and Africa

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Contextualising smallholder organic agriculture in Zimbabwe and other sub-Saharan African countries: a review of challenges and opportunities

Cited by 5 publications

References 72 publications

Bio-physical and socio-economic challenges, farmers’ perception of success and 14- year soil fertility trajectories in smallholder organic market gardens of North-East Zimbabwe

Bio-physical and socio-economic challenges, farmers’ perception of success and 14- year soil fertility trajectories in smallholder organic market gardens of North-East Zimbabwe

Collaboration to Address the Challenges Faced by Smallholders in Practicing Organic Agriculture: A Case Study of the Organic Sorghum Industry in Zunyi City, China

Insights of Microbial Inoculants in Complementing Organic Soil Fertility Management in African Smallholder Farming Systems

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