ANALYZING FARMING SYSTEMS

DETERMINANTS
BY
ADMIRE CHAWARIKA 14461596

PRESENTATION OUTLINE
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND
PROBLEM STATEMENT
OBJECTIVES
JUSTIFICATION
LITERATURE REVIEW
METHODOLOGY
CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

ABSTRACT

Understanding the determinants of farming

systems is a critical aspect to know the nature and

extent of interaction.
This interaction determines the success or failure
of the farming systems to fully operate.
The study initially presents the background to the
nature of the interaction of these determinants and
the farming systems.
In the process of this interaction it is acknowledged
that there are exogenous and endogenous factors
which affect the farming systems.
The methodology guiding the study was then
presented. In this case it was based on presenting
the theoretical and empirical evidence on the
determinants of farming systems.

BACKGROUND

According to FAO (2001) farming system is the

household, its resources and the resource flows

and interactions at the individual farm level.
It is however important to note that the
farming system is influenced by various factors
which include political, economic, institutional
and social forces.
The environment itself is divided into the
technical and human elements, where the
technical element consists of the physical and
biological concepts.
It now becomes imperative to study these
farming systems to ensure that there is a clear
understanding of these determinants for policy
formulation.

CONT.

Empirical evidence of the importance of the

determinants can be shown in countries like China.

Chinas agricultural sector transformed more rapidly
than its neighbours like India mostly because of the
technology and institutions involved.
Heavy investment in technology and the role of
government provided reprieve for the farmers.
It therefore becomes important to understand the
nature and extent of this interaction to specifically
craft policies which are well targeted.
It is important to note that the green revolution did
not benefit African countries because of the lack of
understanding of the interaction of the
determinants and farming systems in this case
technological aspect.

PROBLEM STATEMENT
Farming systems particularly in Africa have not

taken the full advantage of the technological

changes in the agricultural sector.
This means the issue of adoption of these
technological aspects is a challenge which the
farming systems in the developing countries have
to grapple with.
Furthermore well targeted technological systems
have not been forthcoming particularly considering
the unique nature of the African environment.
Another aspect to consider is the determinant of
natural resources and climate.
There has been a growth of information technology
and trade liberalization issues recently but has not
translated to the upliftment of Africans due to
existing institutions

OBJECTIVES
To examine the determinants affecting farming

systems.
To analyse the interaction between the
determinants and farming systems.
JUSTIFICATION
Understanding the nature and extent of interaction
between determinants and farming systems
provide the knowledge to deal with some
challenges which are being noted.
Therefore the knowledge of some of the exogenous
factors can provide farmers with the ability to
adapt to these changes and take full advantage .
Understanding the interaction of determinants and
farming systems helps the farmers reduce the
chances of risks which frequently affect them

LITERATURE REVIEW
Determinants of Farming Systems
Recently global climate change has increased the

vulnerability and risks which the farming systems are

experiencing.
This can be shown in Zimbabwe where some southern
parts of the country like Masvingo are beginning to
experience incessant dry spells, negatively affecting the
existing farming systems.
Leemans and Bonn (1994) noted that biological factors and
geo-physical factors like soil fertility, drought and floods
have an influence on the productivity of farming systems.
Science and technology has become an important
determinant in the way the farming systems are set up.
However the African smallholder farmers have not fully
benefited from this renaissance because of lack of
facilitating structures and institutions for this technology

Policies and institutions create an enabling

environment which farming systems are based.

There is a move towards great participation by the
communities as governments try to decentralise the
management of the components of farming systems.
The CAMPFIRE in Zimbabwe is another example where
the communities with the help of civic society manage
the wildlife and its conservation.
Markets are an important determinant of farming
systems which are critical in promoting the
productivity of farming systems.
This is mainly to the fact that as the economies opens
up the existing farming systems will not be able to
compete with those which are highly subsidised.
As farming systems evolve, this means there is need
to be up to date with the current information which
might affect how the farming systems operate.

Methodology

SCIENCE
AND
TECHNOLOG
Y

NATURAL
RESOURCES
AND CLIMATE

TRADE
LIBERALIZATI
ON AND
MARKET
DEVELOPMEN
T

FARMING
SYSTEMS

INFORMATIO
N AND
HUMAN
CAPITAL

POLICIES
AND
INSTITUTION
S

CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS

The analysis showed that farming systems is a

multi-faceted aspect which is affected by many

determinants.
Understanding the nature and extent of these
determinants will give them leverage to make
informed decisions.
It is important to note that the institutions and
policies should involve the communities in
crafting policies which directly affect them.
Decentralisation and giving the communities
more power over the resources also improves
household farming systems, as there will be a
sense of ownership.
Technological advancements should be

THANK YOU