A socio-economic impact assessment (SEIA) of the best management practices (BMP) project of the Zanyokwe irrigation scheme at farm level
- Authors: Tshuma, Mengezi Chancellor
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Irrigation farming -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape--Zanyokwe , Irrigation projects -- Economic aspects -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Zanyokwe , Irrigation -- Economic aspects -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Zanyokwe , Poverty -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Zanyokwe
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc Agric (Agricultural Economics)
- Identifier: vital:11190 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/139 , Irrigation farming -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape--Zanyokwe , Irrigation projects -- Economic aspects -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Zanyokwe , Irrigation -- Economic aspects -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Zanyokwe , Poverty -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Zanyokwe
- Description: The main aim of this study was to assess the impact of the Best Management Practices (BMP) project on social and economic wellbeing at Zanyokwe Irrigation Scheme (ZIS) in central Eastern Cape Province. The BMP project is a knowledge-based initiative aimed at introducing management practices (mainly soft skills) in order to improve production and livelihoods in the study area. The study employed a survey to collect socio-economic data amongst farming households. The 2005 situation analysis, which was conducted amongst the same respondents before the introduction of the new practices allowed for comparisons in order to track changes or impacts after the implementation of the project. Also, the social and economic impact assessment (SEIA) framework was used to assess the impacts. The results of the impact assessment showed the BMP project to have an impact on social and economic well being of households. The skills introduced were in the areas of water management, agronomic practices, marketing and institutional arrangements. More than 90% indicated that there was improvement in agronomic practices and water management and 68% in marketing. More than half of farmers worked in their farms on a daily basis, which is a big change as none of the farmers worked during weekends in 2005. The average time spent on the farms also increased from four (in 2005) to seven hours (this investigation) on average per day. The BMP project also had a positive impact on social relationships and networks between farmers and the BMP project team as well as well as farmers and non-farmers. Land use intensity improved due to increases in acreage of main crops as well as cultivating at both seasons. More than 40% of farmers cropped their land at both seasons (winter and summer). In 2005, most of the land was fallow in winter. While some of the new practices introduced had a negative impact on input expenditures, the returns were positive. These extra efforts and expenditures resulted in improvement in incomes. Agricultural contribution to household income increased from 71% in 2005 to 81% in 2007. The increase in household incomes had a positive effect on poverty and food security status of households. The proportion of households earning incomes that are below poverty line dropped from 61% in 2005 to 38% in 2007. Changes in the diet of the households were noticed. In addition to the consumption of staples such as samp, maize meal and rice, people added a variety of vegetables. Own production was the main source of these vegetables as was indicated by 66% of respondents compared to only 25% in 2005. Food remained the main expenditure category though, as was the case in 2005. Improvements in marketing such as performing extra marketing functions and adopting a marketing strategy (collective action) also led to improvements in economic wellbeing.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
- Authors: Tshuma, Mengezi Chancellor
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Irrigation farming -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape--Zanyokwe , Irrigation projects -- Economic aspects -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Zanyokwe , Irrigation -- Economic aspects -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Zanyokwe , Poverty -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Zanyokwe
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc Agric (Agricultural Economics)
- Identifier: vital:11190 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/139 , Irrigation farming -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape--Zanyokwe , Irrigation projects -- Economic aspects -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Zanyokwe , Irrigation -- Economic aspects -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Zanyokwe , Poverty -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Zanyokwe
- Description: The main aim of this study was to assess the impact of the Best Management Practices (BMP) project on social and economic wellbeing at Zanyokwe Irrigation Scheme (ZIS) in central Eastern Cape Province. The BMP project is a knowledge-based initiative aimed at introducing management practices (mainly soft skills) in order to improve production and livelihoods in the study area. The study employed a survey to collect socio-economic data amongst farming households. The 2005 situation analysis, which was conducted amongst the same respondents before the introduction of the new practices allowed for comparisons in order to track changes or impacts after the implementation of the project. Also, the social and economic impact assessment (SEIA) framework was used to assess the impacts. The results of the impact assessment showed the BMP project to have an impact on social and economic well being of households. The skills introduced were in the areas of water management, agronomic practices, marketing and institutional arrangements. More than 90% indicated that there was improvement in agronomic practices and water management and 68% in marketing. More than half of farmers worked in their farms on a daily basis, which is a big change as none of the farmers worked during weekends in 2005. The average time spent on the farms also increased from four (in 2005) to seven hours (this investigation) on average per day. The BMP project also had a positive impact on social relationships and networks between farmers and the BMP project team as well as well as farmers and non-farmers. Land use intensity improved due to increases in acreage of main crops as well as cultivating at both seasons. More than 40% of farmers cropped their land at both seasons (winter and summer). In 2005, most of the land was fallow in winter. While some of the new practices introduced had a negative impact on input expenditures, the returns were positive. These extra efforts and expenditures resulted in improvement in incomes. Agricultural contribution to household income increased from 71% in 2005 to 81% in 2007. The increase in household incomes had a positive effect on poverty and food security status of households. The proportion of households earning incomes that are below poverty line dropped from 61% in 2005 to 38% in 2007. Changes in the diet of the households were noticed. In addition to the consumption of staples such as samp, maize meal and rice, people added a variety of vegetables. Own production was the main source of these vegetables as was indicated by 66% of respondents compared to only 25% in 2005. Food remained the main expenditure category though, as was the case in 2005. Improvements in marketing such as performing extra marketing functions and adopting a marketing strategy (collective action) also led to improvements in economic wellbeing.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
Economic evaluation of possible loss of Prosopis pods as a result of biological control in the Northern Cape Province, South Africa
- Authors: Nqobizitha, Dube
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Trees -- South Africa , Mimosaceae , Forests and forestry -- South Africa , Forest conservation -- Economic aspects -- South Africa , Mimosaceae -- Biological control -- South Africa , Mesquite -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc Agric (Agricultural Economics)
- Identifier: vital:11165 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/394 , Trees -- South Africa , Mimosaceae , Forests and forestry -- South Africa , Forest conservation -- Economic aspects -- South Africa , Mimosaceae -- Biological control -- South Africa , Mesquite -- South Africa
- Description: Species of Prosopis (Mimosaceae), or mesquite, are native to the Americas and introduced in South Africa as agro forestry trees to provide wood, fodder and shade in the late 1800s. In the Northern Cape Province, these trees have been particularly used for their pods by local farmers and local industry. However due to Prosopis’ ability to spread rapidly there has been increasing pressure to step up control of the tree. Due to the costs associated with most control methods biological control has been singled out as the most viable control method worth pursuing. This thesis attempts to explain and shed light on the effects that increased biological control of Prosopis would have on the farming community and Prosopis based businesses in the area. Two hypothetical scenarios were used, the first being a possible 50% reduction in available pods and the other a possible 100% reduction. In an effort to explain these effects data was collected from a series of collection activities in the form of a pilot study and two unique questionnaire surveys. Twenty-seven farmers and one Prosopis based business were interviewed at random with the data analysed and documented. Results showed that the business community is the main user of pods incurring crippling losses in the event of a 50% or 100% decrease in available pods. Using control costs from working for water De Aar long term costs of the presence of Prosopis were estimated and compared to the estimated provincial cost of losing pods giving a cost comparison ratio of (α)270 million : Y(N(15.7million)). Only 48% of the respondents valued pods and 11% had traded in pods, the top concern resulting from the invasion was the loss of underground water. With a 50% decline in available pods, all respondents indicated unchanged effects. However empirical results showed that with a 100% decline in pods estimate losses of R 5 818 per farm are expected. The cost comparison ratio showing the losses farmers bore with Prosopis in the area and the losses they would suffer with a 100% decline in pods was R11 389 + (K): R5 818. In light of the empirical results, policy recommendations that support the introduction of more effective biological control agents have been made with areas for further research identified and discussed.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
- Authors: Nqobizitha, Dube
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Trees -- South Africa , Mimosaceae , Forests and forestry -- South Africa , Forest conservation -- Economic aspects -- South Africa , Mimosaceae -- Biological control -- South Africa , Mesquite -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc Agric (Agricultural Economics)
- Identifier: vital:11165 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/394 , Trees -- South Africa , Mimosaceae , Forests and forestry -- South Africa , Forest conservation -- Economic aspects -- South Africa , Mimosaceae -- Biological control -- South Africa , Mesquite -- South Africa
- Description: Species of Prosopis (Mimosaceae), or mesquite, are native to the Americas and introduced in South Africa as agro forestry trees to provide wood, fodder and shade in the late 1800s. In the Northern Cape Province, these trees have been particularly used for their pods by local farmers and local industry. However due to Prosopis’ ability to spread rapidly there has been increasing pressure to step up control of the tree. Due to the costs associated with most control methods biological control has been singled out as the most viable control method worth pursuing. This thesis attempts to explain and shed light on the effects that increased biological control of Prosopis would have on the farming community and Prosopis based businesses in the area. Two hypothetical scenarios were used, the first being a possible 50% reduction in available pods and the other a possible 100% reduction. In an effort to explain these effects data was collected from a series of collection activities in the form of a pilot study and two unique questionnaire surveys. Twenty-seven farmers and one Prosopis based business were interviewed at random with the data analysed and documented. Results showed that the business community is the main user of pods incurring crippling losses in the event of a 50% or 100% decrease in available pods. Using control costs from working for water De Aar long term costs of the presence of Prosopis were estimated and compared to the estimated provincial cost of losing pods giving a cost comparison ratio of (α)270 million : Y(N(15.7million)). Only 48% of the respondents valued pods and 11% had traded in pods, the top concern resulting from the invasion was the loss of underground water. With a 50% decline in available pods, all respondents indicated unchanged effects. However empirical results showed that with a 100% decline in pods estimate losses of R 5 818 per farm are expected. The cost comparison ratio showing the losses farmers bore with Prosopis in the area and the losses they would suffer with a 100% decline in pods was R11 389 + (K): R5 818. In light of the empirical results, policy recommendations that support the introduction of more effective biological control agents have been made with areas for further research identified and discussed.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
Economics of wetland cultivation in Zimbabwe: case study of Mashonaland East Province
- Authors: Taruvinga, Amon
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Wetland management -- Zimbabwe Case studies , Wetland ecology -- Zimbabwe , Sustainable agriculture -- Zimbabwe , Rural development -- Zimbabwe , Wetland restoration -- Zimbabwe , Nature conservation -- Government policy -- Zimbabwe
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc Agric (Agricultural Economics)
- Identifier: vital:11169 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1001002 , Wetland management -- Zimbabwe Case studies , Wetland ecology -- Zimbabwe , Sustainable agriculture -- Zimbabwe , Rural development -- Zimbabwe , Wetland restoration -- Zimbabwe , Nature conservation -- Government policy -- Zimbabwe
- Description: Wetlands are stocks of natural resources limited in supply, in the middle of unlimited human wants with multiple uses to society, presenting an economic problem in as far as their rational and sustainable use is concerned. To that end, conflicting recommendations have been forwarded regarding wetland cultivation as a possible land use across the globe and from within the same regions. On one extreme, wetland cultivation has been linked to degradation of wetlands with pure wetland conservation as the prescribed viable and sustainable land use option to society. Closer to reality, partial wetland conversion to crop land has been found compatible with wetland bio-diversity; implying that partial wetland cultivation is the prescribed wetland use option viable and sustainable to societies, a dictum mainly claimed by rural communities. With that conflicting background and based on the “Safe Minimum Standard” approach, a ban on wetland cultivation was maintained in several early environmental policies in Zimbabwe as a basis for legislative protection of wetlands, a position that is still legally binding in current statutes. Contrary to that, rural communities have responded by invading wetlands as a coping strategy in pursuit of the claimed values of wetland cultivation, further conflicting with standing policies. This scenario has managed to “lock” and is currently locking the claimed 1,28 million hectares of wetlands in Zimbabwe in a “legal-operational impasse”, at a cost to the entire nation since no meaningful investment is possible in wetlands when there is a legal conflict.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
- Authors: Taruvinga, Amon
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Wetland management -- Zimbabwe Case studies , Wetland ecology -- Zimbabwe , Sustainable agriculture -- Zimbabwe , Rural development -- Zimbabwe , Wetland restoration -- Zimbabwe , Nature conservation -- Government policy -- Zimbabwe
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc Agric (Agricultural Economics)
- Identifier: vital:11169 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1001002 , Wetland management -- Zimbabwe Case studies , Wetland ecology -- Zimbabwe , Sustainable agriculture -- Zimbabwe , Rural development -- Zimbabwe , Wetland restoration -- Zimbabwe , Nature conservation -- Government policy -- Zimbabwe
- Description: Wetlands are stocks of natural resources limited in supply, in the middle of unlimited human wants with multiple uses to society, presenting an economic problem in as far as their rational and sustainable use is concerned. To that end, conflicting recommendations have been forwarded regarding wetland cultivation as a possible land use across the globe and from within the same regions. On one extreme, wetland cultivation has been linked to degradation of wetlands with pure wetland conservation as the prescribed viable and sustainable land use option to society. Closer to reality, partial wetland conversion to crop land has been found compatible with wetland bio-diversity; implying that partial wetland cultivation is the prescribed wetland use option viable and sustainable to societies, a dictum mainly claimed by rural communities. With that conflicting background and based on the “Safe Minimum Standard” approach, a ban on wetland cultivation was maintained in several early environmental policies in Zimbabwe as a basis for legislative protection of wetlands, a position that is still legally binding in current statutes. Contrary to that, rural communities have responded by invading wetlands as a coping strategy in pursuit of the claimed values of wetland cultivation, further conflicting with standing policies. This scenario has managed to “lock” and is currently locking the claimed 1,28 million hectares of wetlands in Zimbabwe in a “legal-operational impasse”, at a cost to the entire nation since no meaningful investment is possible in wetlands when there is a legal conflict.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
Potential of sorghum and finger millet to enhance household food security in Zimbabwe's semi-arid regions: a case study of communal areas in Masvingo Province
- Authors: Mukarumbwa, Peter
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Food security -- Zimbabwe Case studies , Food supply -- Zimbabwe Case studies , Crops -- Zimbabwe Case studies , Sorghum -- Zimbabwe , Poverty -- Zimbabwe , Millets -- Economic aspects -- Zimbabwe
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc Agric (Agricultural Economics)
- Identifier: vital:11186 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/368 , Food security -- Zimbabwe Case studies , Food supply -- Zimbabwe Case studies , Crops -- Zimbabwe Case studies , Sorghum -- Zimbabwe , Poverty -- Zimbabwe , Millets -- Economic aspects -- Zimbabwe
- Description: Successive droughts, in Zimbabwe compounded by other economic shocks in recent years have resulted in decreased maize productivity amongst the communal farmers most of whom reside in regions IV and V which are considered semi-arid. This has given rise to the need to find alternative food crops, which may be suitable for these areas. Generally, research in the world indicates that sorghum and millet have the potential to end chronic food insecurity in semi-arid areas because of their drought tolerance. Whilst this might be the case, research, government policy and assistance from non-governmental organizations on food crop production in Zimbabwe have shown a continual inclination to maize production in semi-arid areas. However, maize is regarded as a high risk crop in these regions. The main objective of the study was to investigate major factors affecting smallholder farmers in semi-arid areas, from increased production of small grains, specifically sorghum and finger millet. The study was conducted in two rural districts of Masvingo and Gutu, which lie in natural region IV in Masvingo Province. The questionnaire was used as the main tool of inquiry to gather data from households in selected villages within these districts. Questionnaires were administered through face-to-face interviews. The total sample size was 120. The logistic regression model was used to analyze data. The results revealed that, at the 5% level, labour, cattle ownership, farm size, age, extension, yields and access to credit significantly influence sorghum and finger millet production. These findings suggest that an adjustment in each one of the significant variables can significantly influence the probability of participation in small grain production. In view of these research findings, a policy shift that encourages increased production of finger millet and sorghum in Zimbabwe‟s semi-arid regions is proposed. It is suggested that this may increase household food security in these regions.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
- Authors: Mukarumbwa, Peter
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Food security -- Zimbabwe Case studies , Food supply -- Zimbabwe Case studies , Crops -- Zimbabwe Case studies , Sorghum -- Zimbabwe , Poverty -- Zimbabwe , Millets -- Economic aspects -- Zimbabwe
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc Agric (Agricultural Economics)
- Identifier: vital:11186 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/368 , Food security -- Zimbabwe Case studies , Food supply -- Zimbabwe Case studies , Crops -- Zimbabwe Case studies , Sorghum -- Zimbabwe , Poverty -- Zimbabwe , Millets -- Economic aspects -- Zimbabwe
- Description: Successive droughts, in Zimbabwe compounded by other economic shocks in recent years have resulted in decreased maize productivity amongst the communal farmers most of whom reside in regions IV and V which are considered semi-arid. This has given rise to the need to find alternative food crops, which may be suitable for these areas. Generally, research in the world indicates that sorghum and millet have the potential to end chronic food insecurity in semi-arid areas because of their drought tolerance. Whilst this might be the case, research, government policy and assistance from non-governmental organizations on food crop production in Zimbabwe have shown a continual inclination to maize production in semi-arid areas. However, maize is regarded as a high risk crop in these regions. The main objective of the study was to investigate major factors affecting smallholder farmers in semi-arid areas, from increased production of small grains, specifically sorghum and finger millet. The study was conducted in two rural districts of Masvingo and Gutu, which lie in natural region IV in Masvingo Province. The questionnaire was used as the main tool of inquiry to gather data from households in selected villages within these districts. Questionnaires were administered through face-to-face interviews. The total sample size was 120. The logistic regression model was used to analyze data. The results revealed that, at the 5% level, labour, cattle ownership, farm size, age, extension, yields and access to credit significantly influence sorghum and finger millet production. These findings suggest that an adjustment in each one of the significant variables can significantly influence the probability of participation in small grain production. In view of these research findings, a policy shift that encourages increased production of finger millet and sorghum in Zimbabwe‟s semi-arid regions is proposed. It is suggested that this may increase household food security in these regions.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
The role of property rights to land and water resources in smallholder development: the case of Kat River Valley
- Authors: Rantlo, Montoeli
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Farms, Small -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Human rights -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Right of property -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Sustainable development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Rivers -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Land tenure -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Land use -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc Agric (Agricultural Economics)
- Identifier: vital:11189 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/386 , Farms, Small -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Human rights -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Right of property -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Sustainable development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Rivers -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Land tenure -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Land use -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: Property rights are social institutions that define and delimit the range of privileges granted to individuals of specific resources, such as land and water. They are the authority to determine different forms of control over resources thus determining the use, benefits and costs resulting from resource use. That is, they clearly specify who can use the resources, who can capture the benefits from the resources, and who should incur costs of any socially harmful impact resulting from the use of a resource. In order to be efficient property rights must be clearly defined by the administering institution whether formal or informal and must be accepted, understood and respected by all the involved individuals and should be enforceable. These institutions influence the behaviour of individuals hence the impact on economic performance and development. The thesis has attempted to determine how the situation of property rights to land and water affects the development of smallholders in the Kat River Valley. Data was collected from 96 households who were selected using random sampling. To capture data, a questionnaire was administered through face-to-face interviews. Institutional analysis and ANOVA were used for descriptive analysis to describe the property rights situation, security of property rights and the impact of property rights on the development of smallholder farming. The results show that individual land rights holders have secure rights to land and water resources while communal smallholders and farmers on the invaded state land have insecure rights to land and water resources. The results from institutional analysis show that the situation of property rights negatively affects development of all smallholder farmers in the Kat River Valley. There are various institutional factors that negatively affect development of smallholder farmers in the Kat River Valley. Based on the research findings, some policy recommendations are made. These include consideration of the local context and strengthening of the protection of property rights.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
- Authors: Rantlo, Montoeli
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Farms, Small -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Human rights -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Right of property -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Sustainable development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Rivers -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Land tenure -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Land use -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc Agric (Agricultural Economics)
- Identifier: vital:11189 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/386 , Farms, Small -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Human rights -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Right of property -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Sustainable development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Rivers -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Land tenure -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Land use -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: Property rights are social institutions that define and delimit the range of privileges granted to individuals of specific resources, such as land and water. They are the authority to determine different forms of control over resources thus determining the use, benefits and costs resulting from resource use. That is, they clearly specify who can use the resources, who can capture the benefits from the resources, and who should incur costs of any socially harmful impact resulting from the use of a resource. In order to be efficient property rights must be clearly defined by the administering institution whether formal or informal and must be accepted, understood and respected by all the involved individuals and should be enforceable. These institutions influence the behaviour of individuals hence the impact on economic performance and development. The thesis has attempted to determine how the situation of property rights to land and water affects the development of smallholders in the Kat River Valley. Data was collected from 96 households who were selected using random sampling. To capture data, a questionnaire was administered through face-to-face interviews. Institutional analysis and ANOVA were used for descriptive analysis to describe the property rights situation, security of property rights and the impact of property rights on the development of smallholder farming. The results show that individual land rights holders have secure rights to land and water resources while communal smallholders and farmers on the invaded state land have insecure rights to land and water resources. The results from institutional analysis show that the situation of property rights negatively affects development of all smallholder farmers in the Kat River Valley. There are various institutional factors that negatively affect development of smallholder farmers in the Kat River Valley. Based on the research findings, some policy recommendations are made. These include consideration of the local context and strengthening of the protection of property rights.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
- «
- ‹
- 1
- ›
- »