THE “IT DOESN’T WORK” QUAGMIRE

THE DILEMMA OF A FARMER (DAMBUDZIKO REMURIMI)- THE “IT DOESN’T WORK” QUAGMIRE
BY AGRONOMIST TANAKA MURAHWA (+263775989115, tanakamurahwa44@gmail.com)

One of the most common statements heard in agricultural communities is: Hazvishande. Zvekurima izvi hazvibhadhare .The project doesn’t work. Yet when one investigates deeper, the problem is rarely the agricultural enterprise itself. The real issue is that many farmers enter projects without sufficient knowledge, technical understanding, or proper information about the enterprise they want to pursue. Agriculture is a science-driven industry that demands preparation, learning and informed decision-making. The “it doesn’t work” quagmire arises when farmers rush into projects simply because they saw someone else succeed, heard about profits from a neighbour, or were motivated by temporary market prices. Without proper knowledge, the project becomes difficult to manage, mistakes accumulate, and failure occurs within a few years. Many long-term agricultural projects collapse within the first five years not because the enterprise is inherently unprofitable, but because the farmer started the venture without fully understanding its biological, financial, technical, and market requirements. Starting an agricultural project without knowledge hazvina kusiyana nekuvaka imba usingazivi kuvaka. The structure may stand for a short time, but eventually it will collapse because the foundation was weak.
1. THE KNOWLEDGE-FIRST PRINCIPLE IN AGRICULTURE
Before committing land, money and labour into any agricultural enterprise, the farmer must first seek knowledge. Knowledge reduces uncertainty and allows the farmer to anticipate challenges before they occur.
Agricultural knowledge includes understanding:
• The biological requirements of the crop or livestock
• Climate suitability and soil requirements
• Capital requirements
• Production cycles and timelines
• Input costs and availability
• Disease and pest risks
• Market requirements
• Post-harvest handling and storage
Without this information, the farmer operates blindly. For example, a farmer may decide to establish a citrus orchard because oranges are popular in urban markets. However, if the farmer does not understand irrigation requirements, pest management, pruning techniques, and nutrient management, the orchard may perform poorly despite the potential market demand.
2. WHY MANY AGRICULTURAL PROJECTS FAIL EARLY
Agricultural enterprises are long-term investments. Some projects take years before producing meaningful returns.
Examples include:
• Citrus orchards – 4 to 6 years before full production
• Macadamia – 5 to 7 years before stable yields
• Dairy farming – several years to build a productive herd
Yet many farmers abandon such projects within the first five years. The major causes are usually linked to lack of knowledge.
a) Entering Projects Through Imitation
Many farmers copy others without understanding the system behind the success. If one farmer makes profit from tomatoes, several others immediately plant tomatoes the following season. Unfortunately, they may not know:
• The correct variety
• Optimal planting times
• Pest management requirements
• Irrigation schedules
• Post-harvest handling
When problems arise, the conclusion becomes tomato farming doesn’t work. In reality, the issue was not tomatoes, it was the lack of knowledge about tomato production.
b) Underestimating Technical Complexity
Agriculture involves biological systems which are sensitive to environmental conditions.
For example:
Broiler production may appear simple. However, successful broiler production requires understanding:
• Feed conversion ratios
• Vaccination schedules
• Temperature control
• Ventilation management
• Disease prevention
• Market timing
A farmer who ignores these technical aspects will experience high mortality rates and financial losses.
c) Poor Financial Planning
Another contributor to the “it doesn’t work” dilemma is inadequate financial preparation. Some projects require sustained investment before returns are realised.
For example:
Establishing a citrus orchard requires:
• Land preparation
• Irrigation installation
• Quality seedlings
• Fertiliser programs
• Pest control
• Labour
If the farmer starts the project without budgeting for the full establishment period, the orchard may be abandoned midway. The project did not fail, it was underfunded.
3. THE COST OF IGNORANCE IN AGRICULTURE
Ignorance in agriculture is extremely expensive. Unlike many other industries, agricultural mistakes cannot always be corrected immediately because biological processes take time.
Examples include:
• Planting the wrong crop variety
• Missing a fertiliser application stage
• Delaying pest control
• Incorrect stocking density in livestock
• Poor irrigation management
Such mistakes affect productivity for an entire season. A farmer may realise the mistake months later when yields are already compromised.
4. INFORMATION SOURCES FARMERS MUST UTILISE
To avoid the “it doesn’t work” trap, farmers must actively seek information before starting projects. Important sources of agricultural knowledge include:
Agricultural extension services: Government extension officers provide technical guidance on crop and livestock production.
Research institutions: Agricultural research stations develop improved varieties and production technologies suited to specific regions.
Experienced farmers: Learning from farmers who have successfully operated similar enterprises can provide practical insights.
Agricultural consultants and agronomists: Professional advisors assist with technical planning, enterprise feasibility analysis, and management strategies.
Agricultural training and workshops: Training programs expose farmers to best practices and modern production techniques.
A farmer who continuously learns becomes more resilient to agricultural challenges.
5. THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN FARMING AND AGRIBUSINESS
Traditional farming often relies on experience and routine practices. Modern agriculture, however, is knowledge-intensive and business-oriented.
Successful agribusiness operators:
• Conduct research before investing
• Understand production economics
• Track costs and revenues
• Study market demand
• Invest in technical training
• Adopt improved technologies
This approach transforms agriculture from subsistence activity into a profitable enterprise.
6. BREAKING THE “IT DOESN’T WORK” MINDSET
The belief that agriculture does not work is often a symptom of poorly planned projects rather than an inherent flaw in the sector. Across the world, agriculture remains one of the most viable economic sectors when approached with knowledge and proper planning. The farmer who invests time in learning before investing money dramatically increases the chances of success. Knowledge transforms uncertainty into opportunity. Before starting any agricultural project, the most important question is not How much land do I have? but rather: “How much do I know about this enterprise?” In agriculture, knowledge is not optional, it is the foundation of sustainable success.