Determinants of Crop Insurance Uptake by Tobacco Farmers in Zimbabwe
No Thumbnail Available
Date
2024-07-05
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
RSIS
Abstract
Agriculture serves as the cornerstone of Zimbabwe’s economy, supplying more than 60% of the raw materials needed by various industries. Additionally, it constitutes 40% of the country’s total exports, making it the primary contributor to export revenue. Notably, tobacco accounts for 50% of these exports, solidifying its position as the largest contributor within the agricultural sector. The remarkable growth in tobacco production can be attributed to small-scale producers who gained empowerment through the Fast Track Land Reform Program (FTLRP).
Despite the prosperity and expansion observed in tobacco production, an inherent risk persists, particularly among new farmers. The absence of safety nets to cushion against adverse events poses a significant challenge in this critical sector. Consequently, this study aims to examine the factors influencing crop insurance adoption by tobacco farmers. We employed a concise and validated closed-ended questionnaire, collecting data from 121 farmers. Subsequently, we conducted an econometric analysis using a logistic model in STATA V 11 to explore the determinants of crop insurance uptake.
The research findings indicate that several factors significantly influence the uptake of crop insurance among tobacco farmers. These factors include tobacco farming experience, level of education (measured in school years), frequency of extension officer visits, and the farmer’s income. Despite these influential factors, the adoption of tobacco insurance remains low, with a considerable number of tobacco farmers unaware of the insurance schemes offered by insurance companies.
In summary, the study underscores the pivotal role of tobacco as a major contributor to foreign currency and employment in Zimbabwe. Recognizing the economic significance of tobacco exports, the paper recommends that Zimbabwean tobacco farmers embrace more formal risk management strategies, such as agricultural insurance, to safeguard and consolidate the gains they have achieved thus far.
Description
Keywords
Citation
Nyathi, L.D. and Tshuma, N., 2024. Determinants of Crop Insurance Uptake by Tobacco Farmers in Zimbabwe. International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science, 8(6), pp.1037-1049.