Factors Afeecting Supply and Demand for Sugarcane
Clainos Chidoko, et.al., Int. J. Eco. Res., 2011 2(5), 1-13
ISSN: 2229-6158
ECONOMIC CHALLENGES OF SUGAR CANE PRODUCTION IN THE LOWVELD OF ZIMBABWE
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Clainos Chidoko and 2Ledwin Chimwai Department of Economics, 2Department of Banking and Finance Great Zimbabwe University, Faculty of Commerce Box 1235, Masvingo, Zimbabwe
1
Abstract: The study sought to investigate the economic factors affecting the productivity of small scale sugar-cane farmers in the Lowveld of Zimbabwe with particular reference to Chipiwa farmers in Mkwasine area in Chiredzi District. The main objective of the study was to bring to light the economic challenges that contribute towards the low productivity by small scale sugar cane farmers so that the relevant stakeholders can assist to rectify the situation. The research sampled 100 farmers. The descriptive survey method was used to identify and explain the economic challenges faced by sugar cane farmers. The research showed that while sugar cane industry is a critical sector to the economy, its productivity is going down. It was discovered that the low productivity is largely due to failure to plough out old cane, lack of equipment for operations, low prices paid for the harvested cane, high transport and haulage charges, limited training and unavailability of inputs. This is largely due to limited access to cheap finance and credit. The research recommends that farmers be given cheap finance and easily access credit using their crop as collateral security. Key words: Sugar Cane, Sugar Cane Productivity, Sugar Production, Economic Challenges
INTRODUCTION Sugar cane is a subtropical and tropical crop which needs lots of sun provided that its roots are not water-logged (Zimbabwe Sugar Association, 1982). According to a research carried out by Sserunkuma and Kiniera(2006) 127 countries worldwide produce sugar and 30% of it is traded internationally while the rest is consumed locally. In Zimbabwe it takes twelve months to reach
ISSN: 2229-6158
ECONOMIC CHALLENGES OF SUGAR CANE PRODUCTION IN THE LOWVELD OF ZIMBABWE
1
Clainos Chidoko and 2Ledwin Chimwai Department of Economics, 2Department of Banking and Finance Great Zimbabwe University, Faculty of Commerce Box 1235, Masvingo, Zimbabwe
1
Abstract: The study sought to investigate the economic factors affecting the productivity of small scale sugar-cane farmers in the Lowveld of Zimbabwe with particular reference to Chipiwa farmers in Mkwasine area in Chiredzi District. The main objective of the study was to bring to light the economic challenges that contribute towards the low productivity by small scale sugar cane farmers so that the relevant stakeholders can assist to rectify the situation. The research sampled 100 farmers. The descriptive survey method was used to identify and explain the economic challenges faced by sugar cane farmers. The research showed that while sugar cane industry is a critical sector to the economy, its productivity is going down. It was discovered that the low productivity is largely due to failure to plough out old cane, lack of equipment for operations, low prices paid for the harvested cane, high transport and haulage charges, limited training and unavailability of inputs. This is largely due to limited access to cheap finance and credit. The research recommends that farmers be given cheap finance and easily access credit using their crop as collateral security. Key words: Sugar Cane, Sugar Cane Productivity, Sugar Production, Economic Challenges
INTRODUCTION Sugar cane is a subtropical and tropical crop which needs lots of sun provided that its roots are not water-logged (Zimbabwe Sugar Association, 1982). According to a research carried out by Sserunkuma and Kiniera(2006) 127 countries worldwide produce sugar and 30% of it is traded internationally while the rest is consumed locally. In Zimbabwe it takes twelve months to reach
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