Socio-Economic Factors Influencing Usage Ofclimate Driven Seed Maize in Zimbabwe

Abstract

The study sought to analyze the factors influencing the use of climate specific certified seeds by maize farmers in Zimbabwe. In terms of the specific objectives the study determined the level of certified seeds produced and utilized in Zimbabwe and examined the factors that influence the level of climate specific certified seeds by farmers in Zimbabwe (2010-2016) farming seasons. In terms of the research methodology, the study adopted an explanatory and gathered data from 53 participants within the maize value chain using a questionnaire. Drawing from the findings, the study revealed that the certified seed maize production increased significantly although utilization declined in the same 2010-2016 period and the surplus gap between supply and demand of certified seed was exported due to low local utilization level. The research concluded that 11.38% of the variance in certified seed maize utilized by farmers under unions are explained by the price of hybrid seed maize, quantities of fertilizer, seed maize, herbicides produced by agricultural companies as well as age differences, educational differences, backward and forward markets within the maize value chain. In order to address the gap between seedmaize produced and adopted by farmer unions, the government, must develop exist strategies which involves rural financing and lending options and prioritize a culture of investing innovations among farmer unions. Such investment strategies must provide access to climate specific certified seeds such as high analysis maize blend fertilizers, hybrid seeds, herbicides and irrigation equipment required as a package to improve maize production in Zimbabwe.