Factors determining female farmers’ rights to land and farm entrepreneurship in Chipinge, Zimbabwe

BSc. Tafadzwa Nigel Mandevhana

Diplomová práce

Abstract:

Women play a critical role in global and household food security and contribute significantly to national economies through their participation in agriculture. Despite their substantial impact on agricultural output, many women face restricted access to land ownership, resulting in social exclusion, increased poverty, and heightened food insecurity. In Zimbabwe, although various government initiatives have aimed to promote gender equality in resource distribution, many women continue to lack secure land rights, limiting their participation in farm entrepreneurship. This study investigates the factors influencing land ownership and farm entrepreneurship among female farmers in Chipinge District, Zimbabwe. Specifically, it examines the relationship between land ownership and female engagement in farm-based entrepreneurial activities. Using a multistage sampling approach including convenience, purposive, and snowball sampling data were collected from 127 female farmers in 2024. The data were analysed using descriptive statistics and a Bivariate probit model. The findings indicate that age, marital status, and access to legal education negatively influence land ownership, while membership in farmers' associations has a positive effect. Regarding farm entrepreneurship, household size and involvement in mixed farming were positively associated with entrepreneurial activity. Conversely, access to government input schemes and higher monthly income showed a negative influence on entrepreneurship. Notably, female farmers with secure land ownership were more likely to engage in farm entrepreneurship, highlighting the economic value of land tenure security. The study recommends enhanced legal inclusion of women in land distribution processes and improved access to land title documentation. Additionally, there is a need for targeted support systems, including legal education and inclusive agricultural programs, to empower female farmers and promote sustainable rural development through entrepreneurship.

Keywords

Agribusiness, Land tenure, Gender, Women Empowerment

Jazyk práce: angličtina

Datum vytvoření / odevzdání či podání práce: 9. 4. 2026

Obhajoba závěrečné práce

• Vedoucí: Ayat Ullah, Dr.
• Oponent: Faizal Adams, externi

Česká zemědělská univerzita v Praze

Fakulta tropického zemědělství

Magisterský studijní program:
International Development and Agricultural Economics