ROAD TRANSPORT INFRASTRUCTURE AND AGRICULTURAL COMPETITIVENESS FOR TOBACCO SMALL HOLDER FARMERS IN THE NORTHERN REGION OF ZIMBABWE
Abstract
This study assessed the influence of road transportation infrastructure on tobacco smallholder competitiveness in the Northern Region of Zimbabwe. The study was guided by the agricultural marketing theory and a post positivist philosophy. A cross-sectional descriptive survey research of a purposive sample of 30 rural communities was conducted in the region. A stratified random sample of 387 farmer households and 84 drivers responded to structured questionnaires. Data were augmented by secondary sources. Descriptive statistics technique including percentages, standard deviations, frequencies, means and chi square were used to highlight the socio-economic characteristics of the farmers in the study area. Reliability of data was checked using Cronbach’s alpha (α). Five Hypothesis were tested using structural equation modelling having satistified the validity and normality tests. SPSS® version 21 and AMOS® version 21 was used for data analysis. The study revealed a significant statistical relationship between transport price, trip distance and transport cost. Transport price per ton-km decreases as the trip distance increases, reflecting factors such as economies of distance. Very high transport price over short distances were attributed to the poor condition of rural roads and low vehicle utilisation. Farmers who have access to the bigger markets are associated with higher crop yield. The study also revealed that agricultural benefits were roughly three times higher than the road user cost savings. The study recommended the development and expansion of road infrastructure in Northern Region making use of local resources and technology to boost agricultural development which will further augment farmers’ income and general well-being.
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