A strategic exploratory entrepreneurship study of sustainable agricultural businesses in Zimbabwe: Case studies of Mitchell and Mitchell in Mashonaland East Province and Dotito irrigation scheme in Mashonaland Central Province

Abstract

The Government of Zimbabwe introduced a holistic approach to the reduction of poverty through irrigation schemes and strategic entrepreneurship skills as a response to the general decline in agricultural production due to recurrent droughts and sanctions. This study explored the strategic entrepreneurship in agri-businesses at Dotito Irrigation Scheme in Mashonaland Central and at Mitchell and Mitchell in Mashonaland East Provinces. The overall objective of the study was to formulate comprehensive and sustainable agricultural strategies and a contemporary bottom up approach model for entrepreneurial farming businesses that would alleviate poverty in the country. Specific objectives of the study were to document opportunities, challenges and factors that inhibit agricultural growth, identify the entrepreneurial strategies employed by the farmers to increase productivity; to assess managerial capability of the local farmers to increase food security; to discuss the level of involvement and inclusion of women and youths in promoting agricultural businesses and to examine the relationship between sustainable agricultural strategies and strategic entrepreneurship. The study was guided by the Strategic Entrepreneurship Model and the findings were also linked to the Model which informed the study. The research employed qualitative and quantitative paradigms. Questionnaires, observations and key informant interviews were used to collect data. Responses were quantified, categorized and coded to show patterns, frequencies, graphs and tables for analysis and discussion of the findings. The study concluded that entrepreneurial agriculture was central to the creation of wealth for the society and the promotion of its social development. The strategic entrepreneurship skills training workshops made a momentous bearing on the success of small-holder business farmers. As a result of this, women are no longer relegated to the margins of development as they currently have equal access to inputs and resources like their male counterparts. Lack of finance and markets are the major challenges encountered by the small-holder farmers. The study also concluded that social networks help farmers in solving some of the challenges. Major recommendations to the government are that it should introduce strategic entrepreneurship skills training workshops for all farmers in the country. The government should support them adequately through the provision of infrastructure, subsidized inputs and assist them by venturing into bilateral and multilateral trade agreements with other countries. This way, the farmers enjoy diversified and sustainable markets. The study also recommended that families should make entrepreneurial practice part of their culture and that the agricultural bank be adequately funded to afford them cheap loans.