Comparative agricultural production constraints of a high and low rainfall communal area farming system

Abstract

Communal Areas are in general, areas of low agricultural potential. This paper discusses agricultural developments in two Communal Areas, Hangwende, a higher rainfall area, compared to the other case of Chibi Communal Area. Discussion ana findings are based on the 1981 Chibi and 1982 Mangwende "diagnostic"surveys. Major findings were that, although cropping patterns are similar in both areas, Mangwende farmers managed higher yields and incomes. In spite of this, farmers in both areas face similar production constraints which make their crop husbandry practices compromise potential yield. The shortage of draft animals, with 59% in Chibi and 54% in Mangwende of non-cattle owners, productivity is much lower for this group of farmers. Because of their lack of draft, their planting is often untimely and because of less access to kraal manure, which is a major source of attaining soil fertility, yields are depressed. Cattle owners tended to crop larger areas and to do more winter ploughing.