Smallholder maize varietal choice and implications on food grain supply and incomes: evidence from semi-arid areas in Southern-Eastern Zimbabwe

Abstract

In Sub-Saharan Africa, many seed varieties have been developed only to be rejected by farmers. This study examined the relationship between quantities of seed maize used, maize grain supply and household income in Bikita district, a semi-arid area in Zimbabwe. Primary data was collected using structured questionnaires and analysed using seemingly unrelated regression (SUR) method. Findings showed that Seed-co varieties, SC513 and SC411, were commonly used and were sourced from agro-dealers. Farmers’ perception of yield risk was an important choice factor determining seed quantities (p<0.05). These findings indicate the need for on-farm approaches that promote long-term maize seed use.

Keywords: maize seed, farmer choice, seeming unrelated regression, semi-arid, Zimbabwe,