An Analysis of Market Participation Determinants among Smallholder Goat Farmers in Gwanda District, Zimbabwe

Abstract

Small ruminants, such as goats, have significant income potential if marketed effectively. However, the market participation of smallholder farmers in most Sub-Saharan African countries remains very low, despite the potential benefits. In developing countries, particularly in rural communities, poverty and poor living standards are prevalent, indicating low income and limited income sources. Therefore, enhancing market participation is crucial. This study analyses the determinants of market participation among smallholder goat farmers in Gwanda District, Zimbabwe, using primary data. A multistage sampling technique was employed to select a sample of 100 smallholder goat farmers in Gwanda District, and data were collected using questionnaires. Binary logistic regression analysis was used to identify the factors influencing goat market participation. The results revealed that most smallholder farmers producing goats were market participants. Significant factors affecting market participation included gender, marital status, household size, the number of goats owned at the beginning of the year, price, marketing experience, and the number of available markets. To enhance market participation, the study recommends that rural development projects targeting smallholder farmers should consider focusing on improving the productivity of goat enterprises so as to increase goat herd sizes, advocate for lucrative supply prices of goats, train farmers on marketing to enrich their experience, as well as linking farmers to buyers both local and in the diaspora. Future research should investigate the factors affecting the frequency of marketing and the constraints faced by smallholder goat farmers in market participation.