Challenges and constraints to agricultural mechanization in Zimbabwe: A dealers’ and manufacturers’ perspective

Abstract

Sustainability of agricultural mechanization programs in Zimbabwe, as elsewhere, hinges significantly on the performance of agricultural machinery dealers and manufacturers. Understanding the challenges and constraints faced by these entities will thus shade light on the weaknesses of current mechanization programs. In this study data was collected using focus group discussions and key informant personal interviews to investigate the challenges and constraints faced by agricultural machinery dealers and manufacturers in Zimbabwe. The results of the study reveal that the actions of the government of Zimbabwe are viewed as most significant in hampering the contribution of dealers and manufacturers to the mechanization of Zimbabwean agriculture. In addition to the government withdrawing from active participation in the agricultural machinery supply chain, the study recommends for dealers and manufacturers to invest more in research and development of lowly priced, high quality machinery that is compatible with small land holdings.