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An assessment of the impact of intercropping on food security in Maramani communal area: the case of Shashe Irrigation Scheme: Beitbridge District: Zimbabwe

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Author Affiliations

  • 1Department of Geography and Environmental Studies, Zimbabwe Open University, Matebeleland South Regional Campus, Box 346, Gwanda, Zimbabwe
  • 2Mapane Secondary School, P.O. Box 221, Gwanda, Zimbabwe

Int. Res. J. Environment Sci., Volume 10, Issue (3), Pages 50-54, July,22 (2021)

Abstract

The purpose of the study was to determine the impacts of intercropping of food security in the Maramani Ward. A case study research design was adopted for this research because it is appropriate to the problem and the advantages it possess. The population of this study was confined to one hundred and eighty three villagers ward councilor, CESVI manager, irrigation committee member, agricultural extension worker and the Beitbridge District Council officer. The sample consisted of forty villagers, ward councilor, CESVI manager, irrigation committee member, agricultural extension worker and Beitbridge District Council officer. 89% of the respondents were of the opinion that intercropping had a positive impact on food security. However some respondents (8.9%) pointed out that the intercropping has led to some misunderstanding within family members. 2.2% of the respondents were undecided on the impact of intercropping on food security. The majority of the respondents (86.7%) indicated that intercropping had actually improved their standard of living as they were now producing a surplus which they could sale and purchased a number of necessities. They had now ventured into cash crops instead of depending on the traditional crops like maize and sorghum. The major factors affecting intercroppig were identified as being availability of labour and access to capital to buy inputs. The majority of respondents (67%) were women and most of whom were afraid to guard their crops against wildlife at night. As a result most of their crops were destroyed by wildlife especially elephants at night.

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