Impediments to the Growth of Agrarian Small and Medium Enterprises in Zimbabwe

Abstract

— Governments are seeking ways to address a plethora of critical reengineering impediments being
faced by SMEs, so that they increase their sustainable growth. Thus, this study was undertaken to highlight
the issues inhibiting the sustainable growth of SMEs in Zimbabwe. A quantitative approach was adopted
where 40 questionnaires were distributed to agrarian SMEs in Vumba, Zimbabwe using purposive sampling.
The findings revealed that the impediments to sustainable growth are lack of land tenure, drought, transport,
lack of finance and collateral. Furthermore, lack of formalization of SMEs also stifles agriculture
development. It became apparent that the impediments can be addressed by policy simulation, proper
management, improved skills and government support programs. The study concludes with some
recommendations to help SMEs turn their impediments into opportunities to ensure sustainable growth.