Climate change vulnerability and drivers of low maize yields under smallholder farming systems in semi-arid area of Marange in Zimbabwe

In Zimbabwe’s semi-arid Marange region, smallholder farmers continue to grow maize under rain-fed conditions despite high vulnerability to climate change and extremely low yields. This study, based on data from 107 households, found that maize yields averaged just 355 kg/ha, with wide variation linked to agronomic practices and access to information. Techniques such as planting basins, mulching, and strategic field placement improved yields, while socio-economic factors like access to extension services and weather data also played a role. However, overall productivity remains critically low. The findings highlight the urgent need for integrated interventions—improved agronomy, land management, and climate information access—to sustainably enhance maize production in vulnerable farming systems.

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