Access to agricultural extension, credit and markets among small-scale farmers in southern Zambia
Kalinda, T.H.; Shute, J.C.; Filson, G.C.
Development Southern Africa 15(4): 589-608
1998
ISSN/ISBN: 0376-835X DOI: 10.1080/03768359808440033Document Number: 322666
Survey data are used to determine the extent to which small-scale farm households in the Choma district of Zambia's southern province have access to agricultural extension services, credit and markets. The data were gathered from 150 heads of farm households between May-August 1996, and some officials. The findings show that the majority of the sample households had access to extension and credit services. They also showed that the resource base or wealth of the households - as manifested by farm size, livestock ownership and human capital or management capacity (the household head's training in agriculture) - is a significant factor when accounting for differential access to extension and credit. On the other hand, study findings suggest that farm households are facing problems with marketing their produce under the liberalized agricultural marketing system. Based on these findings, the paper discusses recommendations for providing solutions to some of the problems affecting small-scale farmers in accessing production services.