Factors influencing groundnuts marketing in Mudzi district of Zimbabwe

Abstract Sustainable market linkages have been identified as key to the successful integration of grain legumes into the smallholder farming systems of southern Africa. The realisation of net income benefits from groundnuts production depends on the extent of market participation. Market participation has the potential to unlock the suitable opportunity sets necessary for providing better incomes and sustainable livelihoods for smallholder farmers. This article examines the determinants of groundnuts market participation by smallholder farmers in Mudzi district of Zimbabwe. Data for this article is derived from a baseline household survey. Using a sample of 120 randomly selected smallholder farmers in Mudzi district, we employed a Probit model to identify the factors affecting a farmers’ decision to participate in groundnuts marketing. Study findings show that household labour, livestock wealth, access to extension and participation in research activities have a positive influence on market participation. However, rating of road conditions has a negative influence on market participation. We conclude that leverage for improving market participation in groundnuts markets could be gained through improving access to improved seeds and fertilisers and improving access to market information. Key words: smallholder farmers; market participation; groundnuts