Abstract:
The conflict between Russia and Ukraine created economic impacts felt across
the whole world and has high potential to derail the economic outlook for
Zimbabwe among many other countries that heavily depend on imports. Starting
in early 2022, fertiliser prices rose almost 30% due to the Russian invasion of
Ukraine. In this study, the effect of the RussiaUkraine conflict on the cost of
maize inputs, maize productivity and profitability of maize production was
evaluated in Chikomba District, located within Mashonaland East Province for
the 2021-2022 and
20222023
maize
growing seasons. Simple random sampling was used to
obtain a sample size of 385 participants derived from the conversion of a
standard deviation of 0.5 at a 95% confidence level into a z-score.
Questionnaires were used to obtain primary data from the participants. Benefit
cost ratio (BCR) and gross margin budget analysis were used to evaluate the
profitability of maize production. Out of the five explanatory variables that had
a significant impact on maize productivity, AN use had the most significant effect
in both seasons, 2021/22 and 2022/23, with (B=0.575, p=0.025) and (B=0544,
p=0.025), respectively. Given that the Russia-Ukraine conflict period was
characterised by exorbitant AN price increases that reduced affordability by
many smallholder farmers across Zimbabwe, it therefore, means that the conflict has had a negative impact on maize productivity by farmers. This is due to the
use of a lower fertiliser rate in response to the 57% and 71% price hike in basal
and top-dressing fertiliser, respectively, lowering the yield/productivity of maize,
meaning that there will be less maize to sell for covering costs and making a
profit. The reduction in input levels lowered both the cost of production and the
potential yield that could be produced for the market. There is need for further
study aimed at developing solutions that enhance the farmers‟ resilience to the
effects of conflict on input prices, productivity and profitability of maize
production.
Description:
The purpose of the Review of Rural Resilience Praxis is to provide a forum for
disaster risk mitigation, adaptation, and preparedness.
