Authors :
Michelo Mwaka; Dr. Victor Muchemwa
Volume/Issue :
Volume 7 - 2022, Issue 6 - June
Google Scholar :
https://bit.ly/3IIfn9N
Scribd :
https://bit.ly/3PJe0v8
DOI :
https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.6867653
Abstract :
The study assessed the sustainability of small -
scale farming as business financed by savings groups in
Mkushi district in Zambia.A mixed methodinvolving
quantitative and qualitative research was applied.A total
sample size of 109 participants was purposively selected
for the study. Data collection was through interviews
using semi structured questions.A linear binary logistic
regression analysis was run in SPSS to determine the
predictors of the sustainability of small-scale farming
while the Pearson Product Moment correlation was
computed to test whether a significant correlation exist
between sustainable small-scale farming as a business
and village saving groups.The findings indicated that
small scale farming practices before the introduction of
Saving Groups did not yield sustainability, while the
farming practices after formation of saving groups
yielded sustainability. Further, the results revealed that
factors including average payback period of the loan
were associated with sustainable small-scale farming as a
business served by saving groups.Finally, the findings
publicised negligible negativeor no significant
relationship between sustainable small-scale farming as a
business and belonging to village savings. The study
recommended the need for stakeholders such as Ministry
of Agriculture, Ministry of finance and private sector
(FSD IFAD, RUFEP, ZRDF) to scale up the setting up of
village savings group throughout rural Zambia in order
to provide loan facilities to small-scale farmers at
affordable interest rates in order for them to sustainably
produce far beyond subsistence for emerging and
commercial purposes.
Keywords :
Sustainable, Savings, Farming, Agriculture, Practice
The study assessed the sustainability of small -
scale farming as business financed by savings groups in
Mkushi district in Zambia.A mixed methodinvolving
quantitative and qualitative research was applied.A total
sample size of 109 participants was purposively selected
for the study. Data collection was through interviews
using semi structured questions.A linear binary logistic
regression analysis was run in SPSS to determine the
predictors of the sustainability of small-scale farming
while the Pearson Product Moment correlation was
computed to test whether a significant correlation exist
between sustainable small-scale farming as a business
and village saving groups.The findings indicated that
small scale farming practices before the introduction of
Saving Groups did not yield sustainability, while the
farming practices after formation of saving groups
yielded sustainability. Further, the results revealed that
factors including average payback period of the loan
were associated with sustainable small-scale farming as a
business served by saving groups.Finally, the findings
publicised negligible negativeor no significant
relationship between sustainable small-scale farming as a
business and belonging to village savings. The study
recommended the need for stakeholders such as Ministry
of Agriculture, Ministry of finance and private sector
(FSD IFAD, RUFEP, ZRDF) to scale up the setting up of
village savings group throughout rural Zambia in order
to provide loan facilities to small-scale farmers at
affordable interest rates in order for them to sustainably
produce far beyond subsistence for emerging and
commercial purposes.
Keywords :
Sustainable, Savings, Farming, Agriculture, Practice
