Vol.4 No.1 (2009)
ORGANIC FARMING IN THE SMALL HOLDER FARMING SECTOR OF ZIMBABWE
Svotwa, E. , R. Baipai and J. Jiyane
Abstract: Some 20% (n = 246) organic farmers in Juru communal area were interviewed to establish their socioeconomic background, crops grown, problems encountered and the perceived advantages of organic farming. Farming was the main source of income to 86 % of the organic farmers. Only 57% considered organic farming as a less costly strategy; whereas 50% and 43% respectively regarded it as an inconvenient and disease-free technique respectively. Problems highlighted included animal manure shortage, slow organic matter decomposition and high labour requirements. Smallholder farmers considering organic farming may use these results to help them formulate effective implementation strategies.
Keywords: cattle/sheep manure, mineralisation, muskmelon, sandy soil, substrates
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Author Contact
E. Svotwa
Department of Agricultural Engineering, Chinhoyi University of Technology, P. Bag 7724, Chinhoyi, Zimbabwe
E. Baipai
Farm Manager, Odzi Farming Area, Manicaland, Zimbabwe
J. Jiyane
Agricultural Research Council-Institute for Agricultural Engineering, P/Bag x519, Silverton 0127, Pretoria, RSA