A framework for agribusiness diversification to enhance smallholder farmer resilience against climate change impacts in Vungu Rural District

Abstract

This study aimed to develop a practical and localized framework to support smallholder farmers in adapting to climate change through diversified agribusiness strategies. The research was driven by the increasing vulnerability of smallholder farmers in Vungu, Zimbabwe, to climate-related disruptions such as droughts and erratic rainfall due to their heavy reliance on rain-fed agriculture and limited income diversification. The study had three main objectives: to assess current agribusiness practices for climate resilience, to explore the challenges faced in diversification, and to develop a sustainable framework suited to the local context. The literature review integrated the Sustainable Livelihoods Framework, Resilience Theory, and the Agricultural Innovation Systems approach, and identified critical gaps in existing models that often overlook localized barriers such as access to capital, infrastructure, and institutional support. A qualitative research approach was adopted using an interpretative philosophy and a case study design. The research population consisted of smallholder farmers, agricultural extension officers, and local authorities, with a purposive and snowball sample of 25 participants (15 farmers, 5 extension officers, and 5 local leaders). Data collection tools included semi-structured interviews, focus group discussions, and direct field observations, while thematic analysis was used to process the qualitative data. The findings revealed that current practices were limited in scope and effectiveness due to inadequate resources and fragmented support systems. Farmers cited challenges such as lack of access to finance, market limitations, climate unpredictability, and weak policy support. A significant insight was the farmers' willingness to diversify if given appropriate tools and institutional backing. Based on these findings, a comprehensive framework was proposed, combining technical training, cooperative development, infrastructure investment, and supportive policy reforms. The study concluded that localized agribusiness diversification, when well-structured and supported, can significantly enhance farmer resilience. Key recommendations include government-led capacity building, financially inclusive strategies, and stronger integration of local knowledge into policy design, thereby aligning rural agricultural development with national climate adaptation goals and SDG targets