Climate variability and agricultural productivity in Semi-Arid Zimbabwe: a case of the Midlands Province
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.47540/ijsei.v7i2.2892Keywords:
Agricultural Productivity, Climate-smart Agriculture, Climate Variability, Rain-fed Agriculture, Semi-arid ZimbabweAbstract
Climate variability is undermining agricultural productivity in semi-arid Zimbabwe, where rural households depend on rain-fed crop and livestock production for food, income, and livelihood security. This study examined how rainfall variability, rising temperatures, and heat stress affect agricultural productivity and rural livelihoods in the Midlands province of Zimbabwe. A qualitative approach and exploratory research design were adopted to capture farmers’ lived experiences and perceptions. Purposive sampling was used to select 30 participants involved in crop production, livestock rearing, and/or both. Data were collected through in-depth interviews and one focus group discussion conducted at participants’ homesteads. The findings reveal that rainfall variability disrupted planting calendars, caused poor germination, increased replanting costs, and reduced maize yields in the Midlands province. Although farmers adopted coping strategies such as replanting, mulching, manure use, crop diversification, and livestock management adjustments, these remained constrained by limited resources and weak institutional support. The study concludes that climate variability is weakening agricultural resilience and recommends investment in irrigation, water harvesting, drought-tolerant crops, soil fertility improvement, livestock services, and climate information.
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