National Wool Growers Association programme for communal farmers in Amahlathi local Municipality
- Authors: Yeki, Precious Nomantande
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Farmers -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Wool industry – South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/50676 , vital:42331
- Description: By 2030, the majority of the world's population will live in urban areas and the farming populations we see today will be less. For the foreseeable future, meeting the needs of the future means confronting the problems that small farmers face in their daily struggle. The South African experience in relation to the agricultural sector is still principally dualistic, comprising of the large-scale commercial farming dominated by white farmers as well as small-scale sectors dominated by black farmers and this is distinctive in the local context of writings on agricultural and rural development. As a result, the government has adopted various approaches to promote Transformation in the sector, with mixed results. The well-known are the agricultural development programmes and black farmer empowerment programmes which also include land reform. This paper reviews one of the agricultural development programmes which seek to empower small holder farmers. The study assesses the impact of the National Wool Growers Association (NWGA) Wool Programme on the communal farmers productivity and agricultural income in Amahlathi Local Municipality. The NWGA has been the custodian for transformation and it has been a good vehicle to represent all wool producers in South Africa. The research discovered that the programme has a positive influence on productivity and agricultural income, yet there is a room for improvement both for the NWGA and the government. It was highlighted that the programme offers extension services, infrastructure for shearing shed, wool and carcass competition, shearing training to both shearers and wool farmers. The study also found that women and youth need to be included, in the programme.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
- Authors: Yeki, Precious Nomantande
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Farmers -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Wool industry – South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/50676 , vital:42331
- Description: By 2030, the majority of the world's population will live in urban areas and the farming populations we see today will be less. For the foreseeable future, meeting the needs of the future means confronting the problems that small farmers face in their daily struggle. The South African experience in relation to the agricultural sector is still principally dualistic, comprising of the large-scale commercial farming dominated by white farmers as well as small-scale sectors dominated by black farmers and this is distinctive in the local context of writings on agricultural and rural development. As a result, the government has adopted various approaches to promote Transformation in the sector, with mixed results. The well-known are the agricultural development programmes and black farmer empowerment programmes which also include land reform. This paper reviews one of the agricultural development programmes which seek to empower small holder farmers. The study assesses the impact of the National Wool Growers Association (NWGA) Wool Programme on the communal farmers productivity and agricultural income in Amahlathi Local Municipality. The NWGA has been the custodian for transformation and it has been a good vehicle to represent all wool producers in South Africa. The research discovered that the programme has a positive influence on productivity and agricultural income, yet there is a room for improvement both for the NWGA and the government. It was highlighted that the programme offers extension services, infrastructure for shearing shed, wool and carcass competition, shearing training to both shearers and wool farmers. The study also found that women and youth need to be included, in the programme.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
Agricultural development and emerging small-scale farmers in Mbizana Local Municipality
- Authors: Nxitywa, Nosithembiso
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Farmers -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Farms, Small --South Africa -- Eastern Cape Agricultural development projects -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Agriculture -- Economic aspects -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/33726 , vital:33006
- Description: The agricultural sector is among one of the sectors that contribute to the economy of the country, in job creation and food security to mention a few aspects. The Eastern Cape Province is one of the poorest provinces in the country where most people depend on small-scale agriculture as their major source of livelihood, particularly in the rural areas. This is mainly due to the challenges of poverty and unemployment. Small-scale farming is a key activity to eliminate poverty and unemployment. However, mainly obstacles prevail and this includes access to markets, support and skills development. This research study aims to investigate the sustainability of small-scale farmers. The data was collected by means of in depth interviews from Mbizana local Municipality. A total of 12 respondents were selected as a sample for this investigation as well as ensuring that data quality is attained. Causal layered analysis was used to analyse the results. The results indicate that small-scale farmers are faced with several challenges which include, finance, skilled contractors and land ownership. Furthermore, it is evident that small-scale farmers are struggling to obtain a sustainable economic return. Farmers can participate in high-value markets by obtaining the required food safety certifications, which otherwise would be inaccessible to them individually but as groups or cooperatives to enhance them to easily access markets. In local informal markets, for instance, smallholders often find their prices undercut by produce that informal traders buy from large-scale commercial farmers. Supermarket chains, on the other hand, provide a lucrative niche market for smallholders but these downstream linkages are limited to smallholders that meet product variety and quality standards.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Nxitywa, Nosithembiso
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Farmers -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Farms, Small --South Africa -- Eastern Cape Agricultural development projects -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Agriculture -- Economic aspects -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/33726 , vital:33006
- Description: The agricultural sector is among one of the sectors that contribute to the economy of the country, in job creation and food security to mention a few aspects. The Eastern Cape Province is one of the poorest provinces in the country where most people depend on small-scale agriculture as their major source of livelihood, particularly in the rural areas. This is mainly due to the challenges of poverty and unemployment. Small-scale farming is a key activity to eliminate poverty and unemployment. However, mainly obstacles prevail and this includes access to markets, support and skills development. This research study aims to investigate the sustainability of small-scale farmers. The data was collected by means of in depth interviews from Mbizana local Municipality. A total of 12 respondents were selected as a sample for this investigation as well as ensuring that data quality is attained. Causal layered analysis was used to analyse the results. The results indicate that small-scale farmers are faced with several challenges which include, finance, skilled contractors and land ownership. Furthermore, it is evident that small-scale farmers are struggling to obtain a sustainable economic return. Farmers can participate in high-value markets by obtaining the required food safety certifications, which otherwise would be inaccessible to them individually but as groups or cooperatives to enhance them to easily access markets. In local informal markets, for instance, smallholders often find their prices undercut by produce that informal traders buy from large-scale commercial farmers. Supermarket chains, on the other hand, provide a lucrative niche market for smallholders but these downstream linkages are limited to smallholders that meet product variety and quality standards.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
Exploring interventions for participation of emerging farmers in the Eastern Cape ostrich-industry supply chain
- Authors: Pittaway, Timothy
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Farmers -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Ostrich products industry -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: vital:10596 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1021008
- Description: The changing agricultural environment (dualistic agricultural landscape, land reform programme, market liberalisation and globalisation) has caused emerging ostrich farmers to become increasingly isolated. Governmental agriculture reforms and public sector interventions have been insufficient to address all the challenges faced by rural ostrich farmers in the Eastern Cape. Participation in the ostrich supply chain for emerging farmers in the Eastern Cape is currently unsustainable as a result of avian influenza, control and registration protocols for ostriches (VPN04), structural barriers in marketing, technical constraints and a lack of market participation. People in the rural areas of the Eastern Cape are challenged by inferior infrastructure, poor site conditions, low earnings, poor access to health services and unreliable water sources. The marginal conditions and prevalent complexities in which agriculture is practised require costly resource intervention. Intensive ostrich production necessitates continuous genetic improvement, methodical record keeping, intensive egg incubation methods and highmaintenance chick rearing and ostrich handling while minimising feed costs throughout this process. Rural farmers have not embraced ostrich farming in the same way as they have done with other livestock farming because it does not offer the anthropological functions that traditional livestock farming provides. The ostrich supply chain requires a wide range of activities to bring products to the final consumer. The worth of ostrich production lies mainly in the higher returns which are achieved only through the export markets. Today the ostrich industry has become vulnerable to market cannibalism, a lack of market development, unregulated numbers of ostriches and recurring international meat bans. The deregulation of the ostrich single-channel marketing system had a substantial effect on the value chain on which farmers depended for market access and market protection. As the majority of ostrich products are being exported to the European Union, the role of intermediary agencies is becoming an important factor influencing entry into the high-end markets. This agent structure that represents the South African ostrich industry is vital for the distribution, market penetration and regulation of the ostrich products. The ostrich leather, which is today the main product line, is primarily used for luxury goods and is susceptible to economic downturn and over-supply. The ostrich meat industry has been severely influenced by outbreaks of avian influenza and processors now pre-heat the meat in order to maintain export. However, this preheating meat facility is only for export produce and available to farmers who conform to VPN04 and have officially registered farms. The relevant South African government departments played a crucial role in identifying avian influenza outbreaks and liaising with the European Union about avian influenza isolation strategies. No previous studies have been conducted on the participation of emerging farmers in the Eastern Cape ostrich-industry supply chain and on the interventions required to address the multiple constraints and forces in this sector. This led to a study with research emphasis on the required capacity for supply-chain participation and the supporting mechanisms that would be required for emerging ostrich farmers to integrate successfully into this supply chain. An exploratory research approach was chosen for the investigation, as no earlier research has been undertaken that could serve as a source of reliable data or reference. A triangulation research methodology using both the quantitative and the qualitative approach was applied. The qualitative research entailed an interpretive approach associated with using grounded theory and content analysis for interpreting data. The comparative case study design was the main qualitative research instrument for the multiple-case studies on emerging ostrich farmers in the Eastern Cape. The study was undertaken at five different sites, namely, the Peddie Ostrich Programme, the Rockhurst Ostrich Programme, the Hlumani Co-operative farm, the Zamukwanda Ostrich farm near Pearston and the Mimosadale Ostrich farm. The quantitative methods were applied to capture all the measurable components and representations of the stakeholders and participants, through interviews, questionnaires and focus group interviews. The quantitative study also included an experimental instrument to measure the capacity of emerging farmer programmes for supply chain participation. It was found that the main driver for three of the case studies pertained to land ownership and that ostrich farming was incidental and only seen as means of activity for income. These three humanitarian farming projects had limited capacity for intensive management requirements for ostrich farming. It was found that the VPN04 bio-security protocols and disease control require a higher level of record keeping for EU markets and is prohibitively expensive for poor rural emerging farmers. The study established that the emerging ostrich farming programmes contributed value to the industry and government rural development in land redistribution programmes, vehicles for reduction of poverty and job creation in the rural areas and by acting as out-grower programmes for commercial farmers. The researcher’s observation is that through strategic interventions the programmes have potential to become commercial players in the industry. The following interventions were recommended from this study: Feasibility study of programmes and review of location selection before initiation. Providing supportive interventions for programme start-ups; Improved selection of programme beneficiaries; Improved structure of emerging farmers’ co-operatives; On-going and appropriate training for emerging ostrich farmers; The role of government and mentors needs to be defined; Reducing feed costs; Establishing programmes linkages to informal markets and facilitating increased self-consumption; Developing new export markets; Alternative finance for the no-income months; Alternative marketing channels to export markets; Representation of emerging farmers in the ostrich-industry leadership structures.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
- Authors: Pittaway, Timothy
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Farmers -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Ostrich products industry -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: vital:10596 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1021008
- Description: The changing agricultural environment (dualistic agricultural landscape, land reform programme, market liberalisation and globalisation) has caused emerging ostrich farmers to become increasingly isolated. Governmental agriculture reforms and public sector interventions have been insufficient to address all the challenges faced by rural ostrich farmers in the Eastern Cape. Participation in the ostrich supply chain for emerging farmers in the Eastern Cape is currently unsustainable as a result of avian influenza, control and registration protocols for ostriches (VPN04), structural barriers in marketing, technical constraints and a lack of market participation. People in the rural areas of the Eastern Cape are challenged by inferior infrastructure, poor site conditions, low earnings, poor access to health services and unreliable water sources. The marginal conditions and prevalent complexities in which agriculture is practised require costly resource intervention. Intensive ostrich production necessitates continuous genetic improvement, methodical record keeping, intensive egg incubation methods and highmaintenance chick rearing and ostrich handling while minimising feed costs throughout this process. Rural farmers have not embraced ostrich farming in the same way as they have done with other livestock farming because it does not offer the anthropological functions that traditional livestock farming provides. The ostrich supply chain requires a wide range of activities to bring products to the final consumer. The worth of ostrich production lies mainly in the higher returns which are achieved only through the export markets. Today the ostrich industry has become vulnerable to market cannibalism, a lack of market development, unregulated numbers of ostriches and recurring international meat bans. The deregulation of the ostrich single-channel marketing system had a substantial effect on the value chain on which farmers depended for market access and market protection. As the majority of ostrich products are being exported to the European Union, the role of intermediary agencies is becoming an important factor influencing entry into the high-end markets. This agent structure that represents the South African ostrich industry is vital for the distribution, market penetration and regulation of the ostrich products. The ostrich leather, which is today the main product line, is primarily used for luxury goods and is susceptible to economic downturn and over-supply. The ostrich meat industry has been severely influenced by outbreaks of avian influenza and processors now pre-heat the meat in order to maintain export. However, this preheating meat facility is only for export produce and available to farmers who conform to VPN04 and have officially registered farms. The relevant South African government departments played a crucial role in identifying avian influenza outbreaks and liaising with the European Union about avian influenza isolation strategies. No previous studies have been conducted on the participation of emerging farmers in the Eastern Cape ostrich-industry supply chain and on the interventions required to address the multiple constraints and forces in this sector. This led to a study with research emphasis on the required capacity for supply-chain participation and the supporting mechanisms that would be required for emerging ostrich farmers to integrate successfully into this supply chain. An exploratory research approach was chosen for the investigation, as no earlier research has been undertaken that could serve as a source of reliable data or reference. A triangulation research methodology using both the quantitative and the qualitative approach was applied. The qualitative research entailed an interpretive approach associated with using grounded theory and content analysis for interpreting data. The comparative case study design was the main qualitative research instrument for the multiple-case studies on emerging ostrich farmers in the Eastern Cape. The study was undertaken at five different sites, namely, the Peddie Ostrich Programme, the Rockhurst Ostrich Programme, the Hlumani Co-operative farm, the Zamukwanda Ostrich farm near Pearston and the Mimosadale Ostrich farm. The quantitative methods were applied to capture all the measurable components and representations of the stakeholders and participants, through interviews, questionnaires and focus group interviews. The quantitative study also included an experimental instrument to measure the capacity of emerging farmer programmes for supply chain participation. It was found that the main driver for three of the case studies pertained to land ownership and that ostrich farming was incidental and only seen as means of activity for income. These three humanitarian farming projects had limited capacity for intensive management requirements for ostrich farming. It was found that the VPN04 bio-security protocols and disease control require a higher level of record keeping for EU markets and is prohibitively expensive for poor rural emerging farmers. The study established that the emerging ostrich farming programmes contributed value to the industry and government rural development in land redistribution programmes, vehicles for reduction of poverty and job creation in the rural areas and by acting as out-grower programmes for commercial farmers. The researcher’s observation is that through strategic interventions the programmes have potential to become commercial players in the industry. The following interventions were recommended from this study: Feasibility study of programmes and review of location selection before initiation. Providing supportive interventions for programme start-ups; Improved selection of programme beneficiaries; Improved structure of emerging farmers’ co-operatives; On-going and appropriate training for emerging ostrich farmers; The role of government and mentors needs to be defined; Reducing feed costs; Establishing programmes linkages to informal markets and facilitating increased self-consumption; Developing new export markets; Alternative finance for the no-income months; Alternative marketing channels to export markets; Representation of emerging farmers in the ostrich-industry leadership structures.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
The role of the state and the environment in indigenous livestock farming: a case study of Debe Marela, Middledrift area, Eastern Cape
- Authors: Hashe, Luvuyo E
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Farmers -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Livestock -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Traditional farming -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Agriculture and state -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Agriculture and politics -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPhil (Environmental Studies)
- Identifier: vital:11877 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/372 , Farmers -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Livestock -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Traditional farming -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Agriculture and state -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Agriculture and politics -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: The study focused on the role of the State and the environment in indigenous livestock farming in Debe Marela in Middledrift. Although communal farmers in the area used ethnoveterinary medicines to treat and prevent animal diseases, they also widely used conventional medicines, as these often provided a remedy to animal diseases. The livestock farmers believed in indigenous knowledge which empowered them in using herbs to a certain extent, but the latter was preferred. The Department of Agriculture has featured as a support institution and although livestock farmers in the area have participated in and benefitted from state programmes, they believe that they needed more interventions such as visits from veterinary surgeons, Extension Officers and Animal Health Technicians. The study therefore attempts to address the gaps highlighted in the work of other researchers.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
- Authors: Hashe, Luvuyo E
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Farmers -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Livestock -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Traditional farming -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Agriculture and state -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Agriculture and politics -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPhil (Environmental Studies)
- Identifier: vital:11877 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/372 , Farmers -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Livestock -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Traditional farming -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Agriculture and state -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Agriculture and politics -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: The study focused on the role of the State and the environment in indigenous livestock farming in Debe Marela in Middledrift. Although communal farmers in the area used ethnoveterinary medicines to treat and prevent animal diseases, they also widely used conventional medicines, as these often provided a remedy to animal diseases. The livestock farmers believed in indigenous knowledge which empowered them in using herbs to a certain extent, but the latter was preferred. The Department of Agriculture has featured as a support institution and although livestock farmers in the area have participated in and benefitted from state programmes, they believe that they needed more interventions such as visits from veterinary surgeons, Extension Officers and Animal Health Technicians. The study therefore attempts to address the gaps highlighted in the work of other researchers.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
- «
- ‹
- 1
- ›
- »