Table 19.3
(continued)
EthiopiaMaliZimbabwePolicy contextPolicy impactsPolicy contextPolicy impactsPolicy contextPolicy impactsCreditRange of informal credit options; bank credit limited; agricultural input credit focused on package programme.Formal credit largely inappropriate for poorer farmers; package programme results in increased debt burden for poorer farmers and in marginal areas.Formal credit available only to cotton farmers through village associations. No more credit provided by Office du Niger.Cotton farmers continue to gain credit for input purchase. Rice farmers rely on private sector. Cereal farmers access informal sources, off-farm cash and NGO credit funds.From early 1980s, limited availability of formal credit.Credit a major constraint for many farmers.Rural infrastructurePoor road infrastructure, but significant investments since 1991.Improved transport and marketing opportunities for remoter areas.Gradual extension and upgrading of main road network. Little improvement in feeder roads.Farmers near main roads face much cheaper transport to markets, many others rely on carts, donkeys, walking.Since independence in 1980, major investments in rural road building.Transportation and marketing is now easier, although costs have increased due to fuel price increases caused by devaluation.