Supply response of communal cotton producers in Zimbabwe: 1965-1986 by J T Kutoka

Communal farmers in Zimbabwe have generated much debate in policy making issues in trying to determine where and how they can participate in the development of the nation. Two hypotheses are tested, namely that communal farmers in Zimbabwe are: (a) rational farmers who are responsive to economic opportunities; and (b) that their agricultural production activities can therefore be predicted and therefore influenced regarding participation in the desired national development goals. The hypotheses are evaluated with respect to cotton, which is an important export crop and also a local input into the textile and oil industries. The supply response of communal cotton producers over the years 1965-86 is examined. Conclusions are that cotton producers in the communal sector are rational farmers, who irrespective of the constraints under which they operate, are responsive in the expected direction to economic and non-economic opportunities. Furthermore, their production can be predicted fairly accurately from any quantified policy package and they can be mobilized to meet national development goals. Recommendations as regards government policy are outlined in terms of producer pricing, improved agricultural infrastructure, increased land availability and early warning systems against climatic catastrophies. The policy of increasing land availability is strongly supported in line with findings supporting cotton producers' rational behaviour.