Abstract

The study explores centralized contract farming sustainability among tobacco smallholder farmers in Zimbabwe. Despite studies on centralized contract farming to date, little has been theorized with regard to its sustainability. Using mixed-method research, questionnaires, key informant interviews, document review and focus group discussions were employed in gathering data from farmers, Extension Officers and field officers of the contracting firms. Using Pearson Correlation Coefficient and thematic analysis findings revealed that centralized contract tobacco farming is unsustainable. Institutional contract arrangements are manipulative and are unwelcome to farmers. Economically, contracting firms find it viable as they obtain more profit at the expense of smallholder farmers. Although farmers are assured of inputs, extension service and market for the product, the contract terms are characterized by transaction cost, uncertainty and information asymmetry. Moreso, although financial and physical assets ownership have been increased, human, natural and social capital are a challenge. Shocks, stresses and seasonality still characterize the vulnerability context of the farmers as society has been exposed to women and child abuses, food insecurity, and social decay. The study therefore recommends an increased participatory action and learning in crafting and implementing contract terms by farmers, state and non-state actors for sustainability to be realized.

摘要

该研究探索了津巴布韦烟草小农户集中式合同农业的可持续性。尽管迄今为止已对集中式合同农业进行了研究，但关于其可持续性的理论很少。使用混合方法研究，问卷调查，关键线人访谈，文件审阅和焦点小组讨论，从农民，承包公司的推广人员和现场官员那里收集数据。使用皮尔森相关系数和主题分析结果表明，集中式合同烟草种植是不可持续的。机构合同安排具有操纵性，不欢迎农民。从经济上讲，承包公司发现可行，因为它们以牺牲小农的利益为代价获得了更多的利润。尽管向农民保证了投入，产品的扩展服务和市场，合同条款以交易成本，不确定性和信息不对称为特征。此外，尽管增加了金融和实物资产所有权，但人力，自然和社会资本仍然是一个挑战。冲击，压力和季节性仍然是农民脆弱环境的特征，因为社会已经遭受了妇女和儿童的虐待，粮食不安全和社会衰败。因此，研究建议农民，州和非州行为者在制定和执行合同条款时增加参与性行动和学习，以实现可持续性。自然和社会资本是一个挑战。冲击，压力和季节性仍然是农民脆弱环境的特征，因为社会已经遭受了妇女和儿童的虐待，粮食不安全和社会衰败。因此，研究建议农民，州和非州行为者在制定和执行合同条款时增加参与性行动和学习，以实现可持续性。自然和社会资本是一个挑战。冲击，压力和季节性仍然是农民脆弱环境的特征，因为社会已经遭受了妇女和儿童的虐待，粮食不安全和社会衰败。因此，研究建议农民，州和非州行为者在制定和执行合同条款时增加参与性行动和学习，以实现可持续性。