Improving Agricultural Efficiency in Zimbabwe: A Labor Productivity Analysis

Developed countries have witnessed agricultural production growth alongside increased global pesticide and fertilizer use. However, Sub-Saharan African nations, including Zimbabwe, face stagnant agricultural productivity, resulting in consistently low output. Over the 2008 to 2018 decade, Zimbabwe’s agricultural sector experienced a decline in its contribution to total output from 19.02% to 5.07%. To realize Zimbabwe’s vision, it is crucial for agriculture to grow and enhance productivity. This study explores how agricultural efficiency can be improved by analyzing the determinants of agricultural labor productivity. Time series data spanning from 1991 to 2018 was analyzed using the Dynamic Linear model. Findings reveal a concerning trend: agricultural labor productivity is declining. The determinants of labor productivity in agriculture include economic development, national expenditure, rainfall, fertilizer use, cropping land area, raw material imports, and reinvestment in capital. To enhance agricultural efficiency, the study recommends several efforts. First, allocate more cropping land area to farmers, allowing for increased cultivation and promote the adoption of climate smart agricultural practices such as optimal water resource utilization to the farmers who already have a significant portion of productive land in their hands. Second, consider opening borders to facilitate the importation of essential agricultural raw materials. Third, ensure consistent access to fertilizer through government schemes. Lastly, support income-generating projects that promote overall economic development. Additionally, further studies should explore and differentiate the factors influencing agricultural labor productivity among both smallholder and large-scale commercial farmers.