The contribution of small scale livestock farming to rural household income in the King William's Town area
- Authors: Mbangcolo, Nomalungisa
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Farms, Small Livestock farms Rural poor
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MAgric
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/13018 , vital:39432
- Description: The Eastern Cape Province have high numbers of livestock but high poverty rates remain very high. This study therefore, aimed to determine the contribution of smallscale livestock farming to rural household income in the King William’s Town area in five rural areas. Literature shows that the livestock sector contributes 40 percent of global value of agricultural output and supports the livelihoods and food security of almost a billion people. The data collected for this research were both quantitative and qualitative and cross-section design was employed for the research. The study used both simple random sampling and availability sampling to select 125 sample households, 25 respondents from each village. Descriptive statistics was used in the analysis of demographic and socio economic characteristics of households where graphs and tables were used to present the relevant information. Probit regression model was used to determine factors influencing the decision to practice livestock production and marginal analysis was calculated to determine the effect of changes of individual variables. For the assessment of the contribution of small-scale livestock farming to household income Propensity Score Matching (PSM) model was fitted. Results show that the highest percentage of livestock kept by households in 5 villages is 56 percent for poultry and the lowest percentage is 2 percent for pig. The main source of income for many households in the study area was the income from pensions and grants but livestock farming is also contributing to household’s income through income generated from sales of livestock for customary events such as traditional rituals and celebrations, lobola, funerals and weddings. Many of the households have secondary education and the reason might simply be that in olden days’ parents had no money to pay school fees of their children and that limited children to go further with their studies. The results of the marginal effects estimates for the probit model suggest that changes in the number of livestock sold would have important effects on household incomes. There are various challenges that livestock producers are facing in their production and the major challenge that households are facing is parasites and diseases as they decrease number of livestock kept by households. Parasites and diseases suck blood, causing the animals to become weak and sometimes resulting in high mortality rate. It is recommended that livestock producers should be made aware of the impacts of various challenges that affect livestock farming through awareness creation programmes and suggest solutions to overcome those challenges.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Mbangcolo, Nomalungisa
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Farms, Small Livestock farms Rural poor
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MAgric
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/13018 , vital:39432
- Description: The Eastern Cape Province have high numbers of livestock but high poverty rates remain very high. This study therefore, aimed to determine the contribution of smallscale livestock farming to rural household income in the King William’s Town area in five rural areas. Literature shows that the livestock sector contributes 40 percent of global value of agricultural output and supports the livelihoods and food security of almost a billion people. The data collected for this research were both quantitative and qualitative and cross-section design was employed for the research. The study used both simple random sampling and availability sampling to select 125 sample households, 25 respondents from each village. Descriptive statistics was used in the analysis of demographic and socio economic characteristics of households where graphs and tables were used to present the relevant information. Probit regression model was used to determine factors influencing the decision to practice livestock production and marginal analysis was calculated to determine the effect of changes of individual variables. For the assessment of the contribution of small-scale livestock farming to household income Propensity Score Matching (PSM) model was fitted. Results show that the highest percentage of livestock kept by households in 5 villages is 56 percent for poultry and the lowest percentage is 2 percent for pig. The main source of income for many households in the study area was the income from pensions and grants but livestock farming is also contributing to household’s income through income generated from sales of livestock for customary events such as traditional rituals and celebrations, lobola, funerals and weddings. Many of the households have secondary education and the reason might simply be that in olden days’ parents had no money to pay school fees of their children and that limited children to go further with their studies. The results of the marginal effects estimates for the probit model suggest that changes in the number of livestock sold would have important effects on household incomes. There are various challenges that livestock producers are facing in their production and the major challenge that households are facing is parasites and diseases as they decrease number of livestock kept by households. Parasites and diseases suck blood, causing the animals to become weak and sometimes resulting in high mortality rate. It is recommended that livestock producers should be made aware of the impacts of various challenges that affect livestock farming through awareness creation programmes and suggest solutions to overcome those challenges.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
Choice of market channels by smallholder vegetable farmers in King Sabata Dalindyebo Municipality in the Eastern Cape province of South Africa
- Authors: Yokwana, Aphelele Lucia
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Vegetables -- Marketing Farms, Small -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Vegetable trade -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MAgric
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/11906 , vital:39117
- Description: The study investigates the choice of market channels by smallholder vegetable farmers in King Sabatha Dalindyebo Municipality, in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. Vegetables as a group of horticultural crops are important for their contribution as an income support to a large proportion of the rural households. However, enhancing vegetable farmers to reach markets and actively engage in the markets is a key challenge influencing vegetable production in South Africa. The perishable nature of vegetables demands effective marketing channels. The main objective of the study was to investigate factors affecting vegetable farmers’ choice of market channels in King Sabata Dalindyebo Municipality in the Eastern Cape Province. The study adopted a multistage stratified sampling method. Multi-stage sampling was done in which the first stage involved selecting respondents from the different wards in the King Sabata Dalindyebo Municipality. This was done through stratification by separating vegetable smallholder farmers and homesteads within that area (different villages within the area). This was followed by employing quota sampling through the different households and smallholder farmers within those areas in order to determine households and smallholder farmers that are able to provide the needed information concerning the choice of market channels. By stratified random sampling based on village, project membership and smallholder farmers, a sample of 110 heads of households was chosen for the study in eight different wards of KSD. The sampling for this study was based on a large sampling technique of n ≥ 30 as there is no information regarding the population of the total number of homesteads and smallholder farmers that are under each traditional leader (chief) in these study sites. This sample comprises homesteads and smallholder farmers that took part in vegetable production. A structured questionnaire together with field observations and measurements were adopted for obtaining information from household respondents. Descriptive statistics (percentages, means, frequency tables and figures) and a Multinomial logistic regression model have been used to analyze the data. From the Multinomial logistic regression results, farming experience is positively related to choice of farm gate market channel at 1percent level of significance. The age of vegetable farmers was positively related to the choice of direct to consumer market channel at 5percent significance level. The level of education of the vegetable farmers was positively related to the choice of direct to consumer market channel at 5percent significance level. Moreover, the results also showed that the inputs used are positively related to the choice of farm-gate as well as direct to consumer market channels at 5percent significance level. Similarly, means of transportation used and choice of marketing channel of the vegetable farmers are positively related at 1percent significance level at the direct to consumer choice of market channel. Furthermore, access to extension services indicated a positive relationship to the choice of market channel amongst the smallholder vegetable farmers for the direct to consumer at 5percent level of significance which is insignificant for that of the farm-gate. There is therefore, need for strong extension support in assisting the farmers to diversify their production, provide market information thereby enhancing production and opening up channels for market accessibility. This is seen to enhance rural households’ livelihood outcomes in agricultural production thereby improving the choice of market channels by smallholder vegetable farmers and alleviating poverty and improving food security. More so, the government and research institutes need to organize workshops and extension programs in famer’ training for more efficiency in their vegetable production and marketing.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
- Authors: Yokwana, Aphelele Lucia
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Vegetables -- Marketing Farms, Small -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Vegetable trade -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MAgric
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/11906 , vital:39117
- Description: The study investigates the choice of market channels by smallholder vegetable farmers in King Sabatha Dalindyebo Municipality, in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. Vegetables as a group of horticultural crops are important for their contribution as an income support to a large proportion of the rural households. However, enhancing vegetable farmers to reach markets and actively engage in the markets is a key challenge influencing vegetable production in South Africa. The perishable nature of vegetables demands effective marketing channels. The main objective of the study was to investigate factors affecting vegetable farmers’ choice of market channels in King Sabata Dalindyebo Municipality in the Eastern Cape Province. The study adopted a multistage stratified sampling method. Multi-stage sampling was done in which the first stage involved selecting respondents from the different wards in the King Sabata Dalindyebo Municipality. This was done through stratification by separating vegetable smallholder farmers and homesteads within that area (different villages within the area). This was followed by employing quota sampling through the different households and smallholder farmers within those areas in order to determine households and smallholder farmers that are able to provide the needed information concerning the choice of market channels. By stratified random sampling based on village, project membership and smallholder farmers, a sample of 110 heads of households was chosen for the study in eight different wards of KSD. The sampling for this study was based on a large sampling technique of n ≥ 30 as there is no information regarding the population of the total number of homesteads and smallholder farmers that are under each traditional leader (chief) in these study sites. This sample comprises homesteads and smallholder farmers that took part in vegetable production. A structured questionnaire together with field observations and measurements were adopted for obtaining information from household respondents. Descriptive statistics (percentages, means, frequency tables and figures) and a Multinomial logistic regression model have been used to analyze the data. From the Multinomial logistic regression results, farming experience is positively related to choice of farm gate market channel at 1percent level of significance. The age of vegetable farmers was positively related to the choice of direct to consumer market channel at 5percent significance level. The level of education of the vegetable farmers was positively related to the choice of direct to consumer market channel at 5percent significance level. Moreover, the results also showed that the inputs used are positively related to the choice of farm-gate as well as direct to consumer market channels at 5percent significance level. Similarly, means of transportation used and choice of marketing channel of the vegetable farmers are positively related at 1percent significance level at the direct to consumer choice of market channel. Furthermore, access to extension services indicated a positive relationship to the choice of market channel amongst the smallholder vegetable farmers for the direct to consumer at 5percent level of significance which is insignificant for that of the farm-gate. There is therefore, need for strong extension support in assisting the farmers to diversify their production, provide market information thereby enhancing production and opening up channels for market accessibility. This is seen to enhance rural households’ livelihood outcomes in agricultural production thereby improving the choice of market channels by smallholder vegetable farmers and alleviating poverty and improving food security. More so, the government and research institutes need to organize workshops and extension programs in famer’ training for more efficiency in their vegetable production and marketing.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
Contribution of home gardens to rural household income in Raymond Mhlaba Local Municipality, Eastern Cape Province, South Africa
- Authors: Alaka, Kolawole O
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Gardens Food security Sustainable agriculture -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MAgric
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/8176 , vital:31826
- Description: For decades, home gardens have proved to be significant to rural inhabitants by providing a wide range of useful products such as fruits, vegetables and medicine, but there is lack of quantitative information on its benefits and its contributions to income of rural household. The main objective of this study is to investigate contributions of home garden to income of rural household in Raymond Mhlaba Local Municipality, formerly Nkonkobe Local Municipality of Eastern Cape Province South Africa. The stratified random sampling method was applied in order to choose a sample of 160 household that were interviewed by means of semi-structured questionnaires. The study was conducted among 80 households engaging in home gardens and 80 non- participating households in the study area. Frequencies and mean were used to describe the general characteristics of the households as well as ownership patterns of home gardens. In order to determine the factors that influence home gardens ownership binary logistic regression model was used. The overall model show that level of education, total household income and access to land significantly affects ownership of the home garden positively. Social grant has the highest contributions to total household income for both category while income generated from home garden has the second largest share to total household income, this show that the majority of rural households in the study area rely on social grant as their source of income. Cabbage, spinach, potatoes and carrots were the dominant crops in home gardens. In view of research findings, there is still a wide room for further improvement in home gardens practises in study area. Contrary to expectations, home gardens have the potential to improve livelihood significantly if the rural households take the necessary steps to make the production more sustainable. Based on research findings several policy proposals are suggested. These include investment in agricultural programmes that will empower the rural households like Massive food projects, Siyazondla and related home garden initiatives. Home garden is the major source of food and income generation in Raymond Mhlaba Municipality. Therefore, government should provide sufficient credit facilities, extension services together with marketing arrangement in the area.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
- Authors: Alaka, Kolawole O
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Gardens Food security Sustainable agriculture -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MAgric
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/8176 , vital:31826
- Description: For decades, home gardens have proved to be significant to rural inhabitants by providing a wide range of useful products such as fruits, vegetables and medicine, but there is lack of quantitative information on its benefits and its contributions to income of rural household. The main objective of this study is to investigate contributions of home garden to income of rural household in Raymond Mhlaba Local Municipality, formerly Nkonkobe Local Municipality of Eastern Cape Province South Africa. The stratified random sampling method was applied in order to choose a sample of 160 household that were interviewed by means of semi-structured questionnaires. The study was conducted among 80 households engaging in home gardens and 80 non- participating households in the study area. Frequencies and mean were used to describe the general characteristics of the households as well as ownership patterns of home gardens. In order to determine the factors that influence home gardens ownership binary logistic regression model was used. The overall model show that level of education, total household income and access to land significantly affects ownership of the home garden positively. Social grant has the highest contributions to total household income for both category while income generated from home garden has the second largest share to total household income, this show that the majority of rural households in the study area rely on social grant as their source of income. Cabbage, spinach, potatoes and carrots were the dominant crops in home gardens. In view of research findings, there is still a wide room for further improvement in home gardens practises in study area. Contrary to expectations, home gardens have the potential to improve livelihood significantly if the rural households take the necessary steps to make the production more sustainable. Based on research findings several policy proposals are suggested. These include investment in agricultural programmes that will empower the rural households like Massive food projects, Siyazondla and related home garden initiatives. Home garden is the major source of food and income generation in Raymond Mhlaba Municipality. Therefore, government should provide sufficient credit facilities, extension services together with marketing arrangement in the area.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
Cost and return analysis of smallholder organic crop farms in the Eastern Cape province of South Africa
- Authors: Akharume, Celestine Ohi
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Farms, Small -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Profit -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Organic farming -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MAgric
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/13730 , vital:39703
- Description: Agriculture remains an influential sector in South Africa in terms of its contributions to economic development and poverty reduction, notably in the rural areas. These include providing sufficient and affordable food for the constantly increasing population, providing cheap food for the developing industrial labor force, providing employment and livelihoods and supplying raw materials to the country’s rising domestic industrial sector. Despite phenomenal progress in integrating smallholder farmers into the mainstream economy since democratic reforms in the country, deteriorating soil quality through poor agricultural practices, land erosion, acidification and concerns about production and productivity and compliance with food safety standards are beginning to loom high. Hence, organic farming is identified as one of the sustainable approaches to farming. It is also believed to guarantee substantial net gains and to promote sustainable natural resource management with the possibility of enhancing overall agricultural productivity. Notwithstanding, organic farming is still being perceived negatively in South Africa and there is shortage of empirical studies which focus on cost and return of smallholder organic crop farms. It is in this regard that the study therefore seeks to analyze cost and return of smallholder organic crop farms in the Eastern Cape Province to contribute to knowledge on the relative economic advantages of organic agriculture at the smallholder sector. Specifically, the study profiled the socioeconomic characteristics of smallholder organic crop farmers, determined costs and returns, and estimated profitability and factors that constrain profitability of the smallholder organic crop farms. The research design used in this study was cross-sectional where data were collected at a single point in time. A multi- stage random sampling technique was used to obtain primary data from one hundred and sixty smallholder organic crop farmers (160) with the aid of structured questionnaires. Primary data were collected on demographic and socioeconomic characteristics, variable costs and fixed costs, and returns from the organic crop farms. Data collected were analyzed by Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) and the descriptive and inferential statistics involved were mean, frequency proportion, gross margin and net income analysis as well as OLS regression analysis. The results of the descriptive analysis showed that the proportions of women involved in organic crop farming were higher than that of men and many of the farmers cultivated on less than 1.0ha. The analysis of the data also showed that smallholder organic crop farms are undoubtedly profitable farm business, with attractive net farm income and lower production costs. The findings further affirmed that factors such as household size, gender, farming experience, number of years in school, farm size, source of labor and access to credit affect profitability and net farm income. Therefore, government is advised to encourage the practice of organic farming by giving short-term loans to smallholder farmers, to enable them invest more in their organic crop farms. There is also need for government to organize workshops and lectures, educating and enlightening individual smallholder organic crop farmers on modern organic farming techniques to enhance profitability of smallholder organic crop farms.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
- Authors: Akharume, Celestine Ohi
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Farms, Small -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Profit -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Organic farming -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MAgric
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/13730 , vital:39703
- Description: Agriculture remains an influential sector in South Africa in terms of its contributions to economic development and poverty reduction, notably in the rural areas. These include providing sufficient and affordable food for the constantly increasing population, providing cheap food for the developing industrial labor force, providing employment and livelihoods and supplying raw materials to the country’s rising domestic industrial sector. Despite phenomenal progress in integrating smallholder farmers into the mainstream economy since democratic reforms in the country, deteriorating soil quality through poor agricultural practices, land erosion, acidification and concerns about production and productivity and compliance with food safety standards are beginning to loom high. Hence, organic farming is identified as one of the sustainable approaches to farming. It is also believed to guarantee substantial net gains and to promote sustainable natural resource management with the possibility of enhancing overall agricultural productivity. Notwithstanding, organic farming is still being perceived negatively in South Africa and there is shortage of empirical studies which focus on cost and return of smallholder organic crop farms. It is in this regard that the study therefore seeks to analyze cost and return of smallholder organic crop farms in the Eastern Cape Province to contribute to knowledge on the relative economic advantages of organic agriculture at the smallholder sector. Specifically, the study profiled the socioeconomic characteristics of smallholder organic crop farmers, determined costs and returns, and estimated profitability and factors that constrain profitability of the smallholder organic crop farms. The research design used in this study was cross-sectional where data were collected at a single point in time. A multi- stage random sampling technique was used to obtain primary data from one hundred and sixty smallholder organic crop farmers (160) with the aid of structured questionnaires. Primary data were collected on demographic and socioeconomic characteristics, variable costs and fixed costs, and returns from the organic crop farms. Data collected were analyzed by Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) and the descriptive and inferential statistics involved were mean, frequency proportion, gross margin and net income analysis as well as OLS regression analysis. The results of the descriptive analysis showed that the proportions of women involved in organic crop farming were higher than that of men and many of the farmers cultivated on less than 1.0ha. The analysis of the data also showed that smallholder organic crop farms are undoubtedly profitable farm business, with attractive net farm income and lower production costs. The findings further affirmed that factors such as household size, gender, farming experience, number of years in school, farm size, source of labor and access to credit affect profitability and net farm income. Therefore, government is advised to encourage the practice of organic farming by giving short-term loans to smallholder farmers, to enable them invest more in their organic crop farms. There is also need for government to organize workshops and lectures, educating and enlightening individual smallholder organic crop farmers on modern organic farming techniques to enhance profitability of smallholder organic crop farms.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
Market participation effect on profitability of Zanyokhwe and Melani irrigation schemes in Eastern Cape province of South Africa
- Authors: Qapeshu, Sipumle
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Farms, Small -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Agriculture -- Economic aspects -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MAgric
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/15639 , vital:40493
- Description: Profit accumulation is one of the key benefits associated with market access. However, market access tend to be the major challenge to many smallholder farmers and that ends up influencing their profitability. Irrigation schemes became one of the coping mechanisms for such farmers whereby they work collectively with the aim of overcoming the various technical and institutional constraints they confront. This study examined how profitability is influenced by market participation of irrigation schemes by identifying the market structures used by irrigation schemes and describing the challenges encountered by smallholder irrigation scheme members who operate in those markets and assessing the profitability of the identified market. Primary data were collected using a comprehensive questionnaire made up of both open and closed ended questions. Data were collected from two irrigation schemes namely: Melani irrigation scheme (Alice – Raymond Mhlaba Local Municipality) and Zanyokhwe irrigation scheme (Keiskammahoek – Amahlathi Local Municipality). Multi-stage sampling procedure was employed to select 100 respondents. SPSS (version 22) and Microsoft Excel computer programmes were employed to conduct the wide range of descriptive and inferential analyses involved. Frequencies, percentages and means were used for the descriptive results to describe the general characteristics (example: gender, age, marital status and level of education) and socioeconomic features of the respondents. A regression model (Binary logistic model) was done to examine how profitability is influenced by market participation. Furthermore, Gross Margin Analysis was conducted to find out the profitability of the market structures used by these irrigation schemes. The descriptive results showed that there is a relationship between profitability and market participation of smallholder irrigation schemes in Eastern Cape Province of South Africa, by participate on markets this can improve the livelihood of farmers. The binary logistic regression model results revealed that there are five significant variables at different statistical levels. Age (10percent), years of schooling (1percent), distance to markets (1percent), farming experience (5percent) and the household income at (10percent) had a statistically significant influence on the market participation decision. These findings suggest that an improvement in each of the significant variables can significantly influence farmer market participation decisions. Furthermore, based on the results of the study, policy recommendations are suggested, including improving dissemination of market information to farmers, encouraging farmers to seek markets before production and encouraging farmers to add value to their produce. The Gross Margin Analysis that was performed showed that in Melani irrigation scheme farmers had positive gross margins and farmers in Zanyokhwe irrigation scheme had a negative gross margin. Therefore it can be concluded that the market that is available to Zanyokhwe irrigation scheme does not give good returns, suggesting a need for changing the market so as to ensure that farmers derive meaningful access. The study recommends the improvements to market participation through credit to low income farmers, formal training, market information, better price and tax policies for smallholder irrigation farming to ensure sustainable improvements in profitability of smallholder irrigation schemes.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
- Authors: Qapeshu, Sipumle
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Farms, Small -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Agriculture -- Economic aspects -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MAgric
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/15639 , vital:40493
- Description: Profit accumulation is one of the key benefits associated with market access. However, market access tend to be the major challenge to many smallholder farmers and that ends up influencing their profitability. Irrigation schemes became one of the coping mechanisms for such farmers whereby they work collectively with the aim of overcoming the various technical and institutional constraints they confront. This study examined how profitability is influenced by market participation of irrigation schemes by identifying the market structures used by irrigation schemes and describing the challenges encountered by smallholder irrigation scheme members who operate in those markets and assessing the profitability of the identified market. Primary data were collected using a comprehensive questionnaire made up of both open and closed ended questions. Data were collected from two irrigation schemes namely: Melani irrigation scheme (Alice – Raymond Mhlaba Local Municipality) and Zanyokhwe irrigation scheme (Keiskammahoek – Amahlathi Local Municipality). Multi-stage sampling procedure was employed to select 100 respondents. SPSS (version 22) and Microsoft Excel computer programmes were employed to conduct the wide range of descriptive and inferential analyses involved. Frequencies, percentages and means were used for the descriptive results to describe the general characteristics (example: gender, age, marital status and level of education) and socioeconomic features of the respondents. A regression model (Binary logistic model) was done to examine how profitability is influenced by market participation. Furthermore, Gross Margin Analysis was conducted to find out the profitability of the market structures used by these irrigation schemes. The descriptive results showed that there is a relationship between profitability and market participation of smallholder irrigation schemes in Eastern Cape Province of South Africa, by participate on markets this can improve the livelihood of farmers. The binary logistic regression model results revealed that there are five significant variables at different statistical levels. Age (10percent), years of schooling (1percent), distance to markets (1percent), farming experience (5percent) and the household income at (10percent) had a statistically significant influence on the market participation decision. These findings suggest that an improvement in each of the significant variables can significantly influence farmer market participation decisions. Furthermore, based on the results of the study, policy recommendations are suggested, including improving dissemination of market information to farmers, encouraging farmers to seek markets before production and encouraging farmers to add value to their produce. The Gross Margin Analysis that was performed showed that in Melani irrigation scheme farmers had positive gross margins and farmers in Zanyokhwe irrigation scheme had a negative gross margin. Therefore it can be concluded that the market that is available to Zanyokhwe irrigation scheme does not give good returns, suggesting a need for changing the market so as to ensure that farmers derive meaningful access. The study recommends the improvements to market participation through credit to low income farmers, formal training, market information, better price and tax policies for smallholder irrigation farming to ensure sustainable improvements in profitability of smallholder irrigation schemes.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
Seasonal variations in tick loads, coat characteristics, temperature-humidity index and blood metabolite profiles of extensively raised Boran cows
- Authors: Ntilini, Wonga John
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Boran cattle -- South Africa Ticks -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MAgric
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/13471 , vital:39672
- Description: This study sought to determine the seasonal variations in tick loads, coat characteristics, temperature-humidity index and blood metabolite profiles of Boran cows reared in arid rangelands of South Africa. A total of 20 Boran cows of different age groups were used in this study. Tick counts, hair length, coat score, average temperature and relative humidity readings were measured twice (beginning and end) in each season (post-rainy, cold-dry, hot-dry, hot-wet). Blood samples were taken seasonally (beginning and end of the season) for the analysis of creatine kinase (CK) activity and haematological parameters (HP). Ticks were observed and counted from different anatomical sites, namely anterior (neck, head, ears, and around eyes), ventral (belly, udder, and limbs) and posterior (back and under the tail). The tick species observed from the Boran cows were Rhipicephalus evertsi evertsi (34.58percent), Amblyomma hebreaum (43.35percent), Rhipicephalus simus (4.48percent) and Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) decoloratus (17.59percent). Significant differences were observed in tick burdens at various anatomical sites, with posterior position having the highest tick loads during the post-rainy, cold-dry and hot-dry season. While the ventral position recorded the highest tick loads during the hot-wet season. It was also observed that the cattle had significantly long hair lengths during the cold-dry season. Furthermore, coat score and hair length were observed to be negatively (P<0.05) correlated with tick counts, while coat scores were positively (P<0.05) correlated with hair length. Significant differences were observed in CK activity across season, with higher levels during the hot-dry and hot-wet seasons compared to the post-rainy and cold-dry seasons. Boran cows were exposed to a mild stress condition during the hot-dry and hot-wet season when the THI values were high (>70). Seasonal variations had an effect (P<0.05) on some HP (HB, HCT, MCV, MCH, EOS, and BAS). Neutrophils (-0.267) and basophils (0.268) were significantly correlated with THI. In conclusion, the Boran cows were more susceptible to tick loads during the hot seasons. Likewise, the levels of creatine kinase activity and temperature-humidity index were high during the hot-dry and hot-wet season. Therefore, seasonal variations had an effect on tick loads, coat characteristics, temperature-humidity index and blood metabolite profiles of extensively raised Boran cows.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
- Authors: Ntilini, Wonga John
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Boran cattle -- South Africa Ticks -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MAgric
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/13471 , vital:39672
- Description: This study sought to determine the seasonal variations in tick loads, coat characteristics, temperature-humidity index and blood metabolite profiles of Boran cows reared in arid rangelands of South Africa. A total of 20 Boran cows of different age groups were used in this study. Tick counts, hair length, coat score, average temperature and relative humidity readings were measured twice (beginning and end) in each season (post-rainy, cold-dry, hot-dry, hot-wet). Blood samples were taken seasonally (beginning and end of the season) for the analysis of creatine kinase (CK) activity and haematological parameters (HP). Ticks were observed and counted from different anatomical sites, namely anterior (neck, head, ears, and around eyes), ventral (belly, udder, and limbs) and posterior (back and under the tail). The tick species observed from the Boran cows were Rhipicephalus evertsi evertsi (34.58percent), Amblyomma hebreaum (43.35percent), Rhipicephalus simus (4.48percent) and Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) decoloratus (17.59percent). Significant differences were observed in tick burdens at various anatomical sites, with posterior position having the highest tick loads during the post-rainy, cold-dry and hot-dry season. While the ventral position recorded the highest tick loads during the hot-wet season. It was also observed that the cattle had significantly long hair lengths during the cold-dry season. Furthermore, coat score and hair length were observed to be negatively (P<0.05) correlated with tick counts, while coat scores were positively (P<0.05) correlated with hair length. Significant differences were observed in CK activity across season, with higher levels during the hot-dry and hot-wet seasons compared to the post-rainy and cold-dry seasons. Boran cows were exposed to a mild stress condition during the hot-dry and hot-wet season when the THI values were high (>70). Seasonal variations had an effect (P<0.05) on some HP (HB, HCT, MCV, MCH, EOS, and BAS). Neutrophils (-0.267) and basophils (0.268) were significantly correlated with THI. In conclusion, the Boran cows were more susceptible to tick loads during the hot seasons. Likewise, the levels of creatine kinase activity and temperature-humidity index were high during the hot-dry and hot-wet season. Therefore, seasonal variations had an effect on tick loads, coat characteristics, temperature-humidity index and blood metabolite profiles of extensively raised Boran cows.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
The contribution of communal sheep production to household welfare in Nyadeni local municipality under alternative extension regimes
- Authors: Ngqulana, Athenkosi
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Sheep -- Breeding -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Communal rangelands -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MAgric
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/13270 , vital:39629
- Description: Sheep farming seems to have a rich profile in the improvement of the livelihoods in the deprived parts of developing countries throughout the world. The broad objective of this study is to assess the contribution of sheep production to household welfare under alternative extension regimes. Specifically, this research investigated the methods used to deliver extension services, perceptions of communal sheep farmers towards extension delivery services and contribution of communal sheep production to household welfare. The study was conducted in Nyandeni Local Municipality in the Eastern Cape Province and employed survey data obtained from 105 households practising sheep production. Cross-sectional research design and purposive sampling technique was used. Descriptive statistics was used to examine socio-economic characteristics and extension methods used to improve sheep production. Likert scale was used to rate perceptions of sheep producers and extension services given And a T-test analyses was conducted to test its reliability. Linear multiple regression model was used to estimate the contribution of sheep production to rural household’s welfare. The descriptive statistics results show that males were dominant with a representation of 55.2 percent and 44.8 percent were females. Moreover, the majority of households were aged, being above 61 years on average. The results showed high levels of illiteracy amongst household sheep producers with 54 percent having no formal education and average number of years farmers spent in school was 7 years and less. About 62 percent of the households were married and 54 percent was found to be unemployed. Farming was found to be the major agricultural economic activity. The results also shows that there is one type of extension method used in the area which was the group method through the use of group meetings. This finding was surprising as it was different from the results that were expected given prior information obtained from the literature and extension service. Therefore the study was unable to conclude on which of the extension method was most effective since the households were not exposed to different regimes. From the Likert-scale analysis, although all households received extension services many (58 percent) of respondents were not satisfied with the services they received. In order to run the regression, diagnostic checks were done to check if multicollinearity existed in the variables. Linear multiple regression analysis results indicate that sheep production contributes to household income and welfare. However, household sheep production was influenced by a number of factors such as educational level, household size, number of sheep sold and sheep price while age was found to adversely affect sheep production in the study area. Farmers require to be trained on sheep production and necessary methods required for sheep production as to increase percent received extension services many (58 percent) of respondents were not satisfied with the services they received. In order to run the regression, diagnostic checks were done to check if multicollinearity existed in the variables. Linear multiple regression analysis results indicate that sheep production contributes to household income and welfare. However, household sheep production was influenced by a number of factors such as educational level, household size, number of sheep sold and sheep price while age was found to adversely affect sheep production in the study area. Farmers require to be trained on sheep production and necessary methods required for sheep production as to increase their household income and welfare through the improvement of the factors that affected sheep significantly. Also since the farmers were exposed on one regime there is a need for extension agents to use more than one extension regime to improve production.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
- Authors: Ngqulana, Athenkosi
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Sheep -- Breeding -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Communal rangelands -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MAgric
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/13270 , vital:39629
- Description: Sheep farming seems to have a rich profile in the improvement of the livelihoods in the deprived parts of developing countries throughout the world. The broad objective of this study is to assess the contribution of sheep production to household welfare under alternative extension regimes. Specifically, this research investigated the methods used to deliver extension services, perceptions of communal sheep farmers towards extension delivery services and contribution of communal sheep production to household welfare. The study was conducted in Nyandeni Local Municipality in the Eastern Cape Province and employed survey data obtained from 105 households practising sheep production. Cross-sectional research design and purposive sampling technique was used. Descriptive statistics was used to examine socio-economic characteristics and extension methods used to improve sheep production. Likert scale was used to rate perceptions of sheep producers and extension services given And a T-test analyses was conducted to test its reliability. Linear multiple regression model was used to estimate the contribution of sheep production to rural household’s welfare. The descriptive statistics results show that males were dominant with a representation of 55.2 percent and 44.8 percent were females. Moreover, the majority of households were aged, being above 61 years on average. The results showed high levels of illiteracy amongst household sheep producers with 54 percent having no formal education and average number of years farmers spent in school was 7 years and less. About 62 percent of the households were married and 54 percent was found to be unemployed. Farming was found to be the major agricultural economic activity. The results also shows that there is one type of extension method used in the area which was the group method through the use of group meetings. This finding was surprising as it was different from the results that were expected given prior information obtained from the literature and extension service. Therefore the study was unable to conclude on which of the extension method was most effective since the households were not exposed to different regimes. From the Likert-scale analysis, although all households received extension services many (58 percent) of respondents were not satisfied with the services they received. In order to run the regression, diagnostic checks were done to check if multicollinearity existed in the variables. Linear multiple regression analysis results indicate that sheep production contributes to household income and welfare. However, household sheep production was influenced by a number of factors such as educational level, household size, number of sheep sold and sheep price while age was found to adversely affect sheep production in the study area. Farmers require to be trained on sheep production and necessary methods required for sheep production as to increase percent received extension services many (58 percent) of respondents were not satisfied with the services they received. In order to run the regression, diagnostic checks were done to check if multicollinearity existed in the variables. Linear multiple regression analysis results indicate that sheep production contributes to household income and welfare. However, household sheep production was influenced by a number of factors such as educational level, household size, number of sheep sold and sheep price while age was found to adversely affect sheep production in the study area. Farmers require to be trained on sheep production and necessary methods required for sheep production as to increase their household income and welfare through the improvement of the factors that affected sheep significantly. Also since the farmers were exposed on one regime there is a need for extension agents to use more than one extension regime to improve production.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
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