Road Transport Infrastructure And Agricultural Competitiveness For Tobacco Small-Holder Farmers In The Northern Region Of Zimbabwe

Abstract

This study assessed the influence of road transportation infrastructure on tobacco smallholder competitiveness in the Northern Region of Zimbabwe. The study was guided by the agricultural marketing theory and a post positivist philosophy. A cross-sectional descriptive survey was utilized. Data was gathered from respondents using structured questionnaires. Reliability of data was checked using Cronbach’s alpha (α). Five Hypotheses were tested using structural equation modelling having satisfied the validity and normality tests. SPSS® version 21 and AMOS® version 21 was used for data analysis. The research found a statistically significant correlation between transport cost, travel distance, and transport price. As the distance of the trip grows, the cost of transportation per ton-km lowers due to considerations like economies of distance. The poor quality of rural roads and limited vehicle utilisation were blamed for the extremely high transportation costs over small distances. Crop yields tend to be greater for farmers that have access to larger markets. The analysis also showed that the reductions in road user costs were nearly three times larger than the benefits to agriculture. In order to promote agricultural growth, the research suggested building and expanding road infrastructure in the Northern Region using local resources and technology.