Sugar production dynamics in Zimbabwe: an analysis of contract farming at Hippo Valley

ABSTRACT

This article examines the nature of contractual relations between sugar outgrowers (contract farmers) and Tongaat Hulett Zimbabwe (THZ). Drawing from a research study conducted at Hippo Valley Estate, using a mixed-methods approach, findings reveal asymmetrical power relations in favour of THZ as reflected by its domination in price determination, monopsony control and risk sharing. Despite radicalisation and attempts by the state to curb the powers of international finance, the article argues that monopoly capital continues to wield significant control in Zimbabwe, leading to growing farmer indebtedness. Thus, the state–capital alliance presents a stumbling block for accumulation by sugar outgrowers.

RÉSUMÉ

Cet article examine la nature des relations contractuelles entre les producteurs de sucre (« outgrowers », ou agriculteurs contractuels) et le Tongaat Hulett Zimbabwe (THZ). S’inspirant d’une recherche menée à Hippo Valley Estate, selon une méthode mixte, les résultats révèlent des relations de pouvoir asymétriques en faveur de THZ, comme en témoigne sa domination dans la détermination des prix, le contrôle de la monopsone et le partage des risques. Malgré la radicalisation et les tentatives de l’État de réduire les pouvoirs de la finance internationale, l’article soutient que le capital monopolistique continue à exercer un contrôle important au Zimbabwe, ce qui entraîne un endettement croissant des agriculteurs. Ainsi, l’alliance entre l’État et le capital constitue une pierre d’achoppement pour l’accumulation par les petits producteurs de sucre.

KEYWORDS:

• Sugar
• contract farming
• SusCo
• indebtedness
• outgrowers
• Tongaat Hulett Zimbabwe (THZ)

MOTS-CLÉS:

• Sucre
• agriculture contractuelle
• SusCo
• endettement
• planteurs
• Tongaat Hulett Zimbabwe (THZ)

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author.

Note on contributor

Freedom Mazwi is a postdoctoral researcher with Rhodes University’s Department of Sociology and is also affiliated to the Sam Moyo African Institute for Agrarian Studies, Harare, Zimbabwe. His research and publications over the last 10 years largely focus on the political economy of land reform, tenure systems and agricultural financing. Freedom has contributed articles to a number of journals, international newspapers and books.

Additional information

Funding

The author gratefully acknowledges the support of Rhodes University through the award of a Postdoctoral Fellowship.