Working Document Series Open Access 2010 RUF-35021

Financial viability and acceptability of specific packages of dairy production and marketing innovations in Wedza, Zimbabwe

R. T. ManoN. T. NgongoniP. I. Zvinorova

Download Read online

Abstract

88 words

Low viability indicators and high operating ratios indicated poor viability in the smallholder sector, with the exception of rich farmers. Variations in gross margins were associated with heterogeneity of farmers in resource endowments, allocation of resources and management. It was also shown by positive the relationship between returns per cow with the number of milking cows owned by farmers. Improved technologies also had positive effects on gross margins. Family labour and feed costs were the major expenses; hence the use of cost feeding strategies could potentially improve viability.

Subjects

4 categories