The Situation Of Zimbabwe's Large Commercial Farmers In A Period Of Structural Change

This study was undertaken as part of the research programme of the Department of Agricultural Economics and Extension of the University of Zimbabwe in 1990/91. Preparations and pretests for the interview were carried out in 1990. The actual field work with interviews of a sample of 52 large commercial farmers took place from February to April 1991 in four selected areas: Wedza, Marondera, Glendale north of Harare, Masvingo East , and Manila near Plumtree in Matabeleland. These areas, representing various important farm systems of Zimbabwe, were selected after consultation with the Head Office of the Commercial Farmers Union, Harare. In each area between 10 to 16 farmers were interviewed using a formal questionnaire. The interview took between 90 and 120 minutes. The selection of the sub-samples was done together with the Chairman of-the respective Farmers Association, using as criteria the main production system, size of farm, age of farmer.

An AEE Working Paper.