Avaliação dos determinantes do sucesso do financiamento rural aos agricultores da baixa de Marracuene Sede

Abstract

Rural finance is a key instrument for enhancing agricultural productivity and promoting sustainable rural development. This study aimed to analyse the determinants of successful rural financing among farmers in Marracuene Lowlands, Headquarters Locality, during the period from 2020 to 2023. The research adopted a mixed-methods approach of an applied, descriptive, and exploratory nature, integrating both qualitative and quantitative techniques. Data were collected through questionnaires, semi-structured interviews, direct observation, and documentary analysis. The study sample comprised 56 farmers from the Gwaza Muthini, 7 de Abril, and Popular farmers' associations, selected based on accessibility and production diversity criteria. Data were processed and analysed using STATA 16.1 statistical software. The findings revealed that 61% of the farmers had access to rural financing, while 68% of those who received credit reported increased agricultural production, compared with only 14% of farmers without access to financing, demonstrating a positive association between rural credit and agricultural performance. The study further identified bureaucracy (25%), limited access to information (21%), collateral requirements (20%), and restricted access to credit (16%) as the main constraints affecting the success of rural financing. It is concluded that rural financing makes a significant contribution to increasing agricultural production; however, its effectiveness depends on reducing barriers to credit access, strengthening farmers' financial literacy, and implementing public policies that foster financial inclusion and technical support.