Small grain markets in Zimbabwe: the food security implications of national market policy

Over 60% of Zimbabwe’s farmland lies in drought prone regions receiving an average of less than 650 mm annual rainfall. This includes 75% of the nation’s smallholder farming areas. Yet, only 15% of Zimbabwe’s cereal supplies are provided by the relatively more drought tolerant small grains: red and white sorghum, bulrush millet, and finger millet. Roughly 70% of national cereal calories are provided by maize. Consumption of wheat, 10-20% of which is normally imported, holds secondary importance. This paper argues that the construction of a market policy more attuned to Zimbabwe’s agroclimatic comparative advantage requires an improved understanding of the determinants of small grains supply and demand. The different production opportunities facing large- and small-scale farmers must be considered. Producer pricing strategies must be balanced against consumer market requirements. The opportunities for expanding small grain utilization by industry require consideration.

A research paper on the need to formulate an agricultural policy more attuned to Zimbabwe’s agroclimatic comparative advantage that requires an improved understanding of the determinants of small grains supply and demand.