Determinants of Financial Inclusion among Smallholder Farmers in Zimbabwe

Effective agricultural policies and institutional frameworks are essential for promoting vegetable commercialization, increasing smallholder incomes, and ensuring food security. However, policy gaps, weak institutional coordination, and capacity limitations hinder commercialization efforts. This study analyses the policy and institutional landscape governing vegetable commercialization in Sabbata Hawas Woreda, Oromia Region, Ethiopia. Qualitative data were gathered through key informant interviews (KIIs) at national, regional, and local levels, alongside a review of relevant policy documents. The findings indicate the existence of policies, strategies, and institutional mechanisms that support commercialization. Nevertheless, major challenges persist, including limited bottom-up policy-making, weak inter-institutional coordination, and inadequate implementation capacity. This study concludes that strengthening policy frameworks, improving institutional capacity, and enhancing stakeholder collaboration are essential to advancing vegetable commercialization. To this end, the Ethiopian government and development partners should prioritize policy reforms, strengthen institutions, and enhance cross-sector integration to build a more efficient, resilient and sustainable commercialization ecosystem.