Mechanization in Zimbabwe's Smallholder Agriculture: Challenges, Opportunities, and Policy Pathways Since Land Reform

Articles in Press

Document Type : Review Article-en

Authors

• B. Chisadza ¹
• A. Mugoti ²
• S. Chinomona ¹
• D. Nyathi ³

¹ Department of Crop and Soil Science, Faculty of Agricultural Sciences, Lupane State University, Lupane, Zimbabwe

² Department of Animal Science and Rangeland Management, Faculty of Agricultural Sciences, Lupane State University, Lupane, Zimbabwe

³ School of Public Management, Governance and Public Policy, University of Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa

https://doi.org/10.22067/jam.2025.92819.1362

Abstract

Agricultural mechanization is a vital driver of productivity, food security, and sustainable farming in Zimbabwe and worldwide. Its transformative potential is increasingly recognized as essential for meeting food demand and fostering resilient rural economies. Yet, smallholder farmers face persistent barriers that limit access to modern technologies. Since the land reform era, systemic inefficiencies, inequalities, and weak institutional support have exacerbated these challenges. This study employed a narrative literature review, complemented by scoping techniques, to synthesize data from peer-reviewed publications, policy reports, and institutional documents (2000–2024). Thematic analysis revealed that only 12% of Zimbabwean smallholders use tractors, compared to 80% of large-scale farmers. Mechanization can double yields, as seen in Zimbabwe (100% increase) and up to 150% in comparable countries. However, regional disparities remain stark, ranging from 5–15% in arid provinces to over 50% in more productive areas. Opportunities lie in localized manufacturing hubs, climate-resilient technologies, and new financing models. Drawing on lessons from other African nations, this study highlights strategies such as improving policy coherence, expanding financing, and fostering public-private partnerships.

Keywords

• Agricultural productivity
• Climate-resilient technologies
• Conservation agriculture
• Food security
• Small-scale farmers

Main Subjects

• Precision Farming

©2025 The author(s). This is an open access article distributed under Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (CC BY 4.0)

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