TITLE:
Effectiveness and Efficiency of Public Procurement Processes for IFAD-Funded Agricultural Projects in Zimbabwe: Lessons from the Smallholder Agriculture Cluster Project
AUTHORS:
Takesure Kudai
KEYWORDS:
Transparency, Efficiency, Corruption, Procurement, Technology
JOURNAL NAME:
Open Access Library Journal,
Vol.13 No.1,
January
27,
2026
ABSTRACT: This study examines the effectiveness and efficiency of public procurement processes in IFAD-supported agricultural projects in Zimbabwe, namely the Smallholder Agriculture Cluster Project (SACP). Zimbabwe allocates around 60% of its national budget to public procurement, but institutional weaknesses such as corruption, political meddling, incapability, and insufficient transparency undermine its success. Through a mixed-methods approach, consisting of surveys and interviews across five of the more diverse provinces, the research assesses buying behavior, attitudes among stakeholders, and business chokepoints. Findings reveal moderate perceptions of transparency, high issues related to delays, limited awareness of policy, and bureaucratic inefficiency. Despite improvements in compliance and supplier quality, issues of long cycle times and capacity shortcomings persist. The research highlights systemic vulnerabilities such as weak institutional controls, weak digital infrastructure, and misdirected priorities that seem to erode value for money and project success. Drawing on institutional, principal-agent, and transaction cost theories, the research elucidates internal and external drivers influencing procurement performance. The research advocates for better regulation systems, capacity building, and the adoption of technologies such as e-procurement systems to enhance transparency and accountability. Recommendations emphasize tailored training, policy reforms, and digital innovations to optimize resource utilization, reduce delays, and foster sustainable development outcomes in Zimbabwe’s rural agricultural sector.