Browsing by Author "Dlamini, Daniel Kutu"

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    Maize supply response on Swazi Nation Land (SNL)
    (University of Dar es Salaam, 1997) Dlamini, Daniel Kutu
    There is no doubt that Swaziland has been facing serious economic and social challenge since independence. The deepening impact of low level of economic growth, uncertain revenue prospects, rapid population growth and the uncertain regional environment pose a threat to the nation more than one could ever imagine. There is a need therefore to plan the economy effectively so as to ensure that it survives these uncertainties. Agriculture remains the main prospective area for growth but its rate of growth has stagnated over the past years. To revitalize the situation the government is confronted with the need to urgently review her agricultural policies and to find ways of stimulating agricultural growth. This study aims at identifying and estimating the impact of the important factors influencing maize supply in Swaziland’s smallholder agriculture. Maize is a primary source of starch for the Swazi people. For a long time the Government has encouraged maize production in order to archive self-sufficiency but no significant progress has been recorded. There has been increasing maize inflows in the from of imports and food aid. This situation puts to doubt the efficacy of the present government policy environment in stimulating agricultural production. For example it is now apparent that the maize pricing policy has done very little to influence production and change farmers’ attitudes towards commercial agriculture. Furthermore, an observation was made about the need to strengthen other policy incentives other than price. The role of extension and education, agricultural credit, mechanization support, agricultural research and development are emphasized.