Abstract – The study analyzed the trend and determinants of maize production in Zimbabwe for the period between 1990 and 2020. In trend analysis, the study employed descriptive statistics, which revealed a downward general trend for the period under study. Based on the findings, maize production fell by around 35 percent between 1990 to 2020 owing to a combination of factors from prices, policies, and the climatic environment. Moreover, in analyzing the extent of the influence of price and non-price determinants on maize production, a Nerlovian supply response model was employed using time series data for the period under review. The findings indicated positive elasticities for both short and long runs of +0.72 and + 1.91 respectively. The results suggest that maize production was unresponsive to price changes in the short run but more responsive in the long run. The study recommends the setting up of a functional agricultural commodity market and liberalization of the maize market to make it attractive and eliminate efficiencies in the market and production. The study further recommends an amendment of the land tenure systems by making for instance 99-year leases transferable and bankable to attract capital from final institutions and boost agriculture production.
Keywords: maize production, price, and non-price determinants, Nerlovian supply response model, Zimbabwe
[Cite as: Chigombe, J. (2023). Trend Analysis and Determinants of Maize Production in Zimbabwe: (1990-2020). Diverse Journal of Multidisciplinary Research, Vol. 5, Issue 1, Pages 1-10.]
