Resource information
This study uses the Ricardian approach
to examine the economic impact of climate change on
agriculture in Zimbabwe. Net farm revenue is regressed
against various climate, soil, hydrological and
socio-economic variables to help determine the factors that
influence variability in net farm revenues. The study is
based on data from a survey of 700 smallholder farming
households interviewed across the country. The empirical
results show that climatic variables (temperature and
precipitation) have significant effects on net farm revenues
in Zimbabwe. In addition to the analysis of all farms, the
study also analyzes the effects on dryland farms and farms
with irrigation. The analysis indicates that net farm
revenues are affected negatively by increases in temperature
and positively by increases in precipitation. The results
from sensitivity analysis suggest that agricultural
production in Zimbabwe's smallholder farming system is
significantly constrained by climatic factors (high
temperature and low rainfall). The elasticity results show
that the changes in net revenue are high for dryland farming
compared to farms with irrigation. The results show that
farms with irrigation are more resistant to changes in
climate, indicating that irrigation is an important
adaptation option to help reduce the impact of further
changes in climate. An overview of farmer adaptation to
changing climate indicates that farmers are already using
some adaptation strategies-such as dry and early planting,
growing drought resistant crops, changing planting dates,
and using irrigation-to cushion themselves against further
anticipated adverse climatic conditions. An important policy
message from the empirical findings is that there is a need
to provide adequate extension information services to ensure
that farmers receive up-to-date information about rainfall
patterns in the forthcoming season so that they make
well-informed decisions on their planting dates. Policies
that increase farmer training and access to credit and aid
facilities and help farmers acquire livestock and other
important farm assets can help improve net farm performance.
Ensuring the availability and accessibility of fertilizers
and crop seeds before the onset of the next cropping season
can also significantly improve net farm performance across households.
