Agricultural transformation in zambia’s Chibombo, Kapiri Mposhi and Mumbwa districts, during the periods 1980-1990 and 1997-2008
Date
2019
Authors
Malambo, Augrey Hicigaali
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
University of Zambia
Abstract
The governance philosophies of the UNIP and MMD governments were very different. These were
expected to drastically influence economic performance and livelihoods. The study was undertaken to
compare how agricultural crop production among smallholder farmers changed in time and space. The main
objective of this study was to establish the patterns of smallholder crop farming and agricultural
transformation of Chibombo, Kapiri Mposhi and Mumbwa districts in Central Province of Zambia between
the1980-1990 and 1997-2008 periods. An institutional theoretical framework and a household conceptual
approach were used to guide the conduct of this study at the institutional and household levels. The neoliberal
theory framework of the 1990s was the basis of the emergence of post-1997 agricultural institutions
while the dependency theory of the 1980s guided the agricultural institutions of the 1980s. The Institutional
theory guided analysis of institutional changes while the Household Economic Approach was used to
analyze effects of policies on families. The establishment of changes which had taken place in smallholder
crop farming after 1997 and emerging transformations justified the study.
Secondary data was obtained through an extensive review of literature. Primary data was obtained through
questionnaires distributed to various agricultural officers and 1,367 smallholder farmers in 226
cooperatives. Other pieces of primary data were obtained through Group and personal interviews and
observations. Maps were used in the comparison of agricultural patterns existing between 1980-1990 and
1997-2008 periods. Data was analyzed using quantitative and qualitative methods.
The study established that the main crops grown during the 1980-1990 period included maize, cotton and
groundnuts. After 1997 only maize and cotton continued to dominate while solanum macrocarpon (impwa),
sweet potatoes and other crops emerged. The mono cropping system of the 1980s gave way to multicropping,
crop rotation and conservation farming practices. Furthermore, after 1997 maize and cotton
production remained relatively stable while production of other crops not prominent during the 1980-1990
period increased. Agricultural support institutions of the 1980s collapsed and their places were taken by
new privately owned and more sustainable but less spatially distributed institutions. The quality of transport
infrastructure deteriorated while two short roads were tarred in Chibombo District. Liberalization became
more entrenched especially around market centres and in easily accessible areas of the study districts. In
parts of farming areas where government improved and/or up-scaled its policy implementation, sustainable,
rewarding and growing agricultural development emerged while in areas where policies were not well
implemented or were not followed or not followed correctly, only marginal and declining agricultural
development occurred. It is concluded that maize and cotton were widely grown in both study periods;
Sunflower production declined after 1997 while new crops such as solanum macrocarpon became common
after 1997. The government supported agricultural institutions of the 1980-1990 period collapsed at the
end of the 1980s and, new privately and more sustainable institutions emerged. The state of road
infrastructure declined after 1997 while positive agricultural transformations characteristic of liberalization
emerged near accessible farming areas and market centres. The study concluded that after 1997 changes
occurred in cropping systems, the type of crops they grew and crop production; agricultural support
institutions; transport infrastructure and new transformations emerged.
Key Words: Agricultural Liberalization, Agricultural Support Institutions, Agricultural Transformation,
Farmer Response, Smallholder Crop Farming, Transport Infrastructure.
Description
Keywords
Agricultural Transformation , Agricultural--Zambia , Agricultural policies--Zambia