This study examines how agricultural policy reforms have influenced rural livelihood dynamics in Zimbabwe over a five-year period. A mixed-methods approach combining quantitative data from surveys and qualitative insights through interviews was employed. Data were collected annually over five years using structured questionnaires and semi-structured interviews. In the first year post-reforms, there was an average increase of 15% in crop yields among smallholder farmers compared to pre-reform levels (p < 0. 05). The agricultural reforms have had a significant positive impact on rural livelihoods, particularly through increased crop productivity. Policy makers should consider further support for irrigation infrastructure and extension services to sustain these gains in the long term. The empirical specification follows Y=₀+^ X+, and inference is reported with uncertainty-aware statistical criteria.
Makore et al. (Tue,) studied this question.