Public-private-community partnerships for enhanced adoption of traditional grains in Zimbabwe: A case study of Hurungwe district

Abstract

In the wake of climate change-induced droughts, it is feasible for the smallholder farmers in Hurungwe District of Zimbabwe to adopt traditional grains. However, there is a lukewarm response to climate change, necessitating the establishment of Public-Private-Community Partnerships (PPCPs) to enhance the adoption of traditional grains. The study examines the role of public institutions, the private sector, and the smallholder farmers (the community) in the adoption of traditional grains. The factors that could compromise the functioning of PPCPs in the traditional grains value chain are examined. The research proposes pathways for strengthening PPCPs in the traditional grains value chain. The Governance Network Theory, complemented by Systems Theory, informs this study. The research employs a participatory mixed-methods approach to integrate data from different data-gathering methods. The study respondents and participants include diverse stakeholders partaking in agricultural and livelihood interventions in Hurungwe District. Sampling is through purposive, quota, and snowball or chain techniques. This study concludes that PPCPs enhance participation, resulting in mutual understanding, empowerment, transparency, accountability, and leading to inclusive solutions. The study proposes a system-oriented PPCP model for ensuring active participation of key actors throughout the traditional grains value chain.