An exploration of bargaining power strategies by small scale farmers in maize marketing in Mapangazhya farming block, Chikankata district, Zambia.

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Date
2022-07-05
Authors
Ngalande, Casiano Evans
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Publisher
The University of Zambia
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to explore the bargaining power strategies used by small scale farmers in marketing of maize produce in Mapangazhya farming block of Chikankata district. The study draws from collective action theories to explain the phenomenon under observation. The target population included all small scale farmers in Mapangazhya farming block in Chikankata district. Small scale farmers were the main respondents whereas key respondents were included Agricultural Extension Officers, Civic and Traditional Leaders and the District Agricultural Coordinator (DACO). A simple random sampling method was used to select three agricultural camps in Mapangazhya farming block, while a purposeful sampling method was used to pick small scale farmers, and key informants. A sample size of 50 small scale farmers was used for the study, with an additional 10 key informants. Qualitative research design was used to collect. Both primary and secondary data was used in the study. Interview schedules were used to collect data from small scale farmers as well as key informants, Participant observation was also used. Data analysis was done thematically and by categorization. Tables were generated showing relationships between the variables. The main findings included the following; Availability of market for maize produce The study revealed that maize market availability and access among small scale farmers was still a challenge as evident from the 32 % of the respondents who said maize market was either rare or completely unavailable. However, 68% and 47.5% of the respondents acknowledged the availability and accessibility of the maize market in Mapangazhya farming block of Chikankata district. Organization of small scale farmers to bargain for marketing of maize produce The study showed that none of the small scale farmers were organized in groups to influence enhance their bargaining power in maize marketing. Instead, the small scale farmers sold their maize individually, thereby resulting weak bargaining power hence compelling them to sell their maize produce often at a none economic price. Bargaining strategies used by small scale farmers in marketing of maize produce The study revealed that 92% of the small scale farmers had weak bargaining power while 8% of them observed that their bargaining power was moderate. The study further showed that none of the small scale farmer respondents applied any bargaining strategies in the marketing of their maize produce. This was attributed to heavy reliance on maize as the main source of income, lack of crop diversification, vulnerability due to ignorance and poverty levels, pressing socioeconomic demand requiring money, such as school fees, hospital charges to mention a few. Profitability of maize price on the local market The study findings showed that generally maize marketing was rarely profitable. This perception is evident from the 88% and 92% respondents who said that maize prices were not profitable in during the most of the marketing seasons under review. Key Recommendations • Government should facilitate in establishing market linkages for maize produce both locally and internationally within the regional markets to enable small scale farmers obtain high returns on their maize produce. • Agricultural technocrats should sensitize small scale farmers and establish farmer groups to improve the bargaining power for maize marketing in Mapangazhya farming block of Chikankata. • Agricultural technocrats should teach small scale farmers on bargaining strategies in order to improve the selling price of their maize produce. • Small scale farmers should apply bargaining strategies communally to increase demand for the maize produce. • Agricultural technocrats should teach small scale farmers to practice crop diversification and grow high value crops to improve returns on their agricultural crop production investment.
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Keywords
Farm produce--Zambia--Marketing. , Farm produce--Zambia--Marketing--Research--Methodology. , Produce trade--Zambia.
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