Government agricultural policy and rural poverty in Gwembe district of Southern province of Zambia, 1964 - 2011.
Date
2021
Authors
Mulenga, Mwansa
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
The University of Zambia
Abstract
The main focus of this study is on the interplay between government’s agro strategies and
programmes on the one hand and Gwembe District’s ecology, poor road network, rocky and
hilly terrain on the other. The study explores the national agro strategies and programmes that
were formulated, modified and implemented by successive Zambian Governments from 1964
to 2011, with the aim of alleviating high poverty levels especially in rural areas. Further, it
examines the performance and progression of such agricultural strategies and programmes
which resulted in the continuation, modification and discontinuation of some. The study
thereafter examines the reaction of Gwembe small scale farmers towards the agro strategies
and programmes. It shows that the reaction of Gwembe’s small scale farmers was
circumstantial and was dependent on the dictates of the policy, prevailing conditions at the
time of implementation and benefits attached to the policy or programme. Depending on the
above factors, Gwembe small scale farmers welcomed some policies and programmes while
resenting others. There were times when the latter cooperated to get what they desired. At
times they acted aggressively to show despondence over government intentions but also
showed apathy to policies and programmes they deemed unbeneficial. The study also
assesses the impact of agro strategies and programmes on small scale farmers of Gwembe. It
notes that despite the various agro strategies and programmes implemented in the district, the
impact was negligible due to persistence crop failure resulting from droughts and other
ecological factors, failure of parastatals tasked with disbursement of credit and other services
as well as inadequate agro storage facilities.
Keywords: Agricultural strategies and programmes, Ecology, Terrain, Road network
Description
Thesis
Keywords
Agricultural strategies and programmes. , Agricultural strategies --Zambia.