ISSN 2375-0693
African Journal of Agricultural Economics and Rural Development ISSN 2375-0693 Vol. 13 (4), pp. 001-004, April, 2025. Available online at www.internationalscholarsjournals.org © International Scholars Journals
Full Length Research Paper
Market Channel Choices in Communal Vegetable Production: A Logistic Analysis of Determinants in Zimbabwe's Chinamhora District
Emmanuel Zivenge* and Charles Karavina
Department of Agricultural Science, Faculty of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences, Bindura University of Science Education, Bindura, Zimbabwe.
Accepted 8 March, 2025
Communal vegetable production is a key activity in Zimbabwe, contributing significantly towards food security and rural development. A study carried out in Chinamhora District determined factors influencing tomato market channel choices. Primary data were collected through formal interviews and questionnaires included household and production characteristics, markets information and social capital. Interviews with buyers provided information on prices and farmer-market relations. The logistic model was used to analyse determinants of market choices. The study revealed that informal markets are more accessible than formal markets and produce price was the major determinant of market channel choice. Thus, informal markets offer great prospects for the development of communal farmers. The study recommended that farmers should develop effective mechanisms for collaboration and linkages and invest in market intelligence for them to improve their livelihoods.
Key words: Communal, horticulture, formal, informal, market choice, typology.