Research carried out in several countries has concluded that high yielding varieties (HYV) of rice have tremendous potential compared to traditional rice varieties in alleviating poverty. On the other hand, it is argued that despite increase in yields, high yielding varieties do not benefit the poor farmers because of high costs associated with input acquisition and other operational costs. To further understand the issues related to production and economics of HYV, this study was carried out with its primary objective to assess the profitability of smallholder rice production in Mangol, Bilene district in southern Mozambique. Out of a total population of eighty farmers, sixty farmers participated in this research. Two groups of farmers, one using traditional rice varieties and the other using high yielding varieties were surveyed. The study consisted of field observations; yield measurements and interviews of the farmers using a semi-structured questionnaire. Gross margins were calculated for both traditional input users (TIU) and modem input users (MIU). Results show that an average farmer using high yielding varieties produces 4.4 tons of rice per ha, corresponding to a gross margin of 4 238 000,00 MZM. The highest yield obtained with high yielding varieties was 7.3 tons of rice per ha, producing a gross margin of 10 038 000,00 MZM. On the other hand, an average TIU farmer produces 2.5 tons per ha, realising a gross margin of 3 483 125, 00 MZM. The maximum yield attainable using traditional inputs is 2.9 tons per ha, producing a gross margin of 4 283 125, 00 MZM. The results also show that the lowest yield obtained by farmers using modern inputs was 3.1 tons per ha, producing gross margins of 1 638 000,00 MZM while the lowest attainable when using traditional inputs is 1.7 tons producing gross margins of 1 913 125,00 MZM. The main conclusion of this study was that HYV are more profitable than traditional varieties, both in financial terms, to individual farmer and in economic terms, to the society as a whole. However, due to high production costs, farmers producing HYV must attain yield levels not less than 3.4 tons per ha as yields below that level make little financial incentives and does not motivate farmers to shift from traditional varieties to modern varieties. In order to ensure high yields, farmers must be assisted to carefully implement the recommended agronomic practices because the adoption of high yielding varieties does not ensure profitable yields if the other agronomic and management practices are not observed during the production process. The study also assessed the contribution of agricultural support services such as input supply, credit and extension, on the adoption of new technologies and it was concluded that when agricultural support services are available, farmers can successfully adopt recommended technologies. / Dissertation (M Inst Agrar (Agricultural Economics))--University of Pretoria, 2006. / Agricultural Economics, Extension and Rural Development / unrestricted

The Bazaruto Archipelago National Park (BANP) is one of the two marine National Parks in Mozambique. It was established to protect marine and terrestrial resources and to provide a basis for social and economic develop of the communities associated with the park. However, after four decades of successful tourist-attracting operation, the communities are still struggling. Poverty, lack of diversified livelihoods, poor soil fertility, lack of education, unemployment and lack of income generation continue. These lead to a reduction of the very natural resources the park was established to protect. They lead also to less sustainable and more vulnerable community livelihoods and a decline in community development. This study, which is the first of its kind on Bazaruto Island, evaluated tourism revenue distribution on communities through assessing its social, economic and conservation impacts on the island. The study also investigated how tourism revenue is distributed and managed and the role of the various stakeholders. The study reveals that tourism revenue distribution has not yet demonstrated substantial tangible impacts on communities. Limited improvement was found in three areas: education, micro-finance for projects and community conservation. However, on the whole, the communities remain poor and jobless; their homes are still in poor condition and subject to weather damage. The study suggests that there are two key factors that have limited progress on Bazaruto Island. Communities have spent their tourism revenue on providing public goods (infrastructure and education) which are government responsibilities. Further, is a practical tension between conservation and livelihoods which is related to the use of tourism revenue for social infrastructure instead of expanding livelihoods. The primary message of the park is about conservation, but there is no real effort to create alternative livelihoods; communities are forced to set aside conservation in favor of basic survival. There is an urgent need to investigate alternative livelihoods for the communities and to formulate policy and programs to ensure that while the goal of conservation is met, communities also see substantial improvements to their livelihoods and general quality of life. / Thesis (M.Agric.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg, 2010.