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A framework for communicating climate information to rural small-scale farmers in the Eastern Cape Province, South Africa using systems thinking approach

  • Authors: Pindura, Tineyi Herbert https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7233-6222
  • Date: 2022-02
  • Subjects: Farms, Small , Agriculture -- Environmental aspects , Climatic changes
  • Language: English
  • Type: Doctoral theses , text
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/22809 , vital:52784
  • Description: In the Eastern Cape of South Africa, rural small-scale farmers live in uncertain times characterized by climate change and variability, which intensify social, political and financial inequalities. Therefore, there is a need to increase the understanding and interpretation of climate information to minimize crop production risk, reduce rural small-scale farmers’ vulnerability to climate, and maximize opportunities. Increasing the resilience among rural small-scale farmers requires appropriate and viable practical approaches. By using systems thinking approach (and the Raymond Mhlaba Municipality in the Eastern Cape as a study area), this research disseminates the complex nature of current climate information frameworks. Through inputs from farmers (through a Farmers Research Group methodology) and climate data, this thesis developed a new framework for communicating climate information (herein referred as the climate information communication systems framework) to rural small-scale farmers. The proposed climate information communication systems framework successfully integrates scientific and traditional knowledge. The framework constitutes certain stages, where the farming system and crop identification is the first stage. The second stage is the requirements stage, which has two relationships: scientist to crop requirements and farmers to crop requirements. At the scientist to crop requirements level, users will examine crop requirements by combining climatic data and crop simulations, while at the farmers to crop requirement, rural small-scale farmers use the scientific information to plan for the farming season. The farmer then decides the planting and growing period as well as the harvest timing. The study suggests that building links between rural small-scale farmers, extension officers, and scientists makes sharing information easier. The proposed climate information framework design illustrates that stakeholders now have a personal relationship with climate information transmission and can influence the different actions to reduce the effect of climate change unpredictability. The study established that climate change and variability influence recent agricultural output trends. Recent temperature and rainfall trends could have resulted in low crop productivity in the study area. The study also reflected that women are a critical resource in agriculture and rural economy and that middle-aged men and youth are less interested in farming. The findings also showed that women are more receptive to climate information; hence, to promote access and use of climate information remains vital to consider gender-specific aspects for appropriate decision-making in the agriculture sector. The study also recommends enhancing the Farmers Research Group technique. In the past, the scope of this methodology has been narrowly focused, and it must be explored to incorporate additional types of climate information and more debate about how climate is related to the decisions farmers for implementation or consideration. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Science and Agriculture, 2022
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  • Date Issued: 2022-02

Learning from the Grassroots: The Case for The Consideration of Community-Based Agrarian and Food Security Reforms in South Africa

  • Authors: Hosu,Y S , Ndhleve, S , Kabiti, H M , Yusuf, S F G
  • Date: 2021-19
  • Subjects: Land reform , Farms, Small
  • Language: English
  • Type: text , article
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/11260/7452 , vital:53978 , https://doi.org/10.18697/ajfand.104.19770
  • Description: Studies of projected agro-climatic variability on the productivity of smallholding farming livelihoods have been evaluated by indirect methods using simulation models on country or regional basis but few have been done at the community level. This study explores direct observation of the impact of soil and climate factors on crop and livestock livelihood systems in the three major agro-ecological zones of the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. It also analyzed their influence on small farmers’ choices of agrarian livelihood activities and the lessons learned for the suitability of agro-ecologically integrated agriculture as part of agrarian and food security reforms needed among small farming households in rural communities of South Africa. The impact of soil and rainfall on the crop and livestock livelihood choices of smallholders in the three major agro-ecological zones were explored. A cross-sectional survey was carried out among 223 smallholding farming households during the harvesting period of rain-fed farming season. Data on household livelihood activities were processed in monetary terms and subjected to gross margin and cost/benefit analysis. Geographic information system (GIS) mapping and statistical analysis were used to determine the association of smallholder maize revenue with agro-climatic variation. The results indicated that crop-based activities performed better in the Grassland zone, while livestock activities performed better in the Savanna zone. Small farms in the Karoo can only productively engage in livestock production. The results also showed that farming activities that combined more vegetable crops yielded greater profits than other field crops. Furthermore, the results indicate that the mixed cropping method remains one of the strategies for breaking-even and risk-bearing effort used by the smallholder farmers considering its cost-sharing benefits. Geographical information system (GIS) mapping further indicates that smallholders’ farming activity was not only affected by soilclimatic factors but by their management skills as well. We recommend agroecologically adapted policies and incentives for agriculture-based livelihood activities and intensified mixing of cropping systems among the smallholder farming households in the study area.
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  • Date Issued: 2021-19

Analysis of factors affecting technical efficiency of a1 smallholder maize farmers under command agriculture scheme in Zimbabwe: the case of Chegutu and Zvimba districts.

  • Authors: Muzeza, Norman Tatenda
  • Date: 2021-09
  • Subjects: Food security , Farms, Small , Agricultural extension work
  • Language: English
  • Type: Master's theses , text
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/20826 , vital:46607
  • Description: Maize is the most essential cereal crop grown in Zimbabwe. This crop is produced across the country under different conditions and environments. The study focused on analyzing technical efficiency of A1 smallholder maize farmers in Chegutu and Zvimba districts under the Command Agriculture Scheme. Understanding technical efficiency is essential under developing agriculture, especially where resources are limited, and high population growth is quite common. In such a setting, increased output depends on efficiency improvements. The specific objectives of the study focused on estimating the level of technical efficiency, determinants of technical efficiency and the level of productivity among a randomly selected sample of 240 A1 smallholder maize farmers under the Command Agriculture Scheme. Purposive, cluster and random sampling techniques were used to collect primary data from the selected sample. The study applied the single-stage modelling stochastic frontier approach to assess technical efficiency of A1 smallholder maize farmers. The stochastic frontier results revealed that A1 smallholder farmers in Chegutu and Zvimba districts are technically efficient at 85 percent and 94 percent, respectively. The major determinants of technical efficiency varied across each district. In Chegutu district, major determinants of technical efficiency were basal fertilizer, labour and area of land cultivated for maize production, and all indicated a positive relationship with level of significance less than 10 percent and 1 percent (0.012, 0.000 and 0.000) respectively. In Zvimba district, major determinants of technical efficiency were basal fertilizer, topdressing and area of land cultivated for maize production, and all indicated a positive relationship with level of significance less than 5 percent, 10 percent and 1 percent (0.002, 0.021, 0.000) respectively. The study further estimated determinants of technical inefficiency. Main determinants of technical inefficiency in Chegutu district were age, maize farming experience and level of education. In Zvimba district, main determinants were maize farming experience, level of education, marital status, occupation status and other sources of income. The return to scale that measures the productivity level of farmers varied among the two districts in which farmers from Chegutu district had increasing returns to scale (1.43), whilst famers from Zvimba district had decreasing returns to scale (0.54). The study, therefore, argues that despite observed high technical efficiencies, Chegutu farmers could bridge their 15 percent gap between their observed output and the frontier output by focusing more on input usage with increasing returns to scale (1.43 percent). On the other hand, Zvimba farmers could bridge their 6 percent gap between their observed output and frontier output by focusing more on socio-economic drivers of technical inefficiency, given the decreasing returns to scale of their inputs (0.54 percent). , Thesis (MSc) (Agricultural Economics) -- University of Fort Hare, 2021
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  • Date Issued: 2021-09

Market participation and welfare of smallholder farmers in the Eastern Cape Province South Africa

  • Authors: Lesala, Mahali Elizabeth https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9921-2190
  • Date: 2021-06
  • Subjects: Farms, Small , Economic development -- South Africa , Agriculture -- Economic aspects -- South Africa
  • Language: English
  • Type: Doctoral theses , text
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/20916 , vital:46745
  • Description: The low market participation of smallholder farmers in markets has received enormous attention from scholars, both in the country and the Eastern Cape Province. However, it is not clear how low their market participation is including its implications on farmer’s welfare. The purpose of the study was to determine the extent to which smallholder farmers in the homelands of the Eastern Cape participate in output markets and assess how their participation in markets has affected wellbeing of their households. This information will have important practical implications for policy regarding appropriate pathways for poverty alleviation and livelihoods improvements in the rural areas of the Eastern Cape Province. Three irrigation schemes; Qamata, Zanyokwe and Tyefu irrigation schemes were selected for this study. A sample of 210 smallholder irrigators were interviewed by means of a close-ended questionnaire. The data were analysed by means of descriptive statistical tools, the multiple-level choice models and the Propensity Score Matching (PSM) technique. SPSS and STATA computer programmes were used to carry out all the estimations. The analysis established that, although agriculture is the primary activity for rural livelihoods, it is not the main contributor to family income. Rather, remittances and social grants were the dominant sources of household income in the Qamata, Zanyokwe and Tyefu areas. From the standpoint of market, maize and potatoes are the most popular crops, but potatoes dominate the market. This result confirms that maize is the staple crop and therefore mostly grown for home consumption while production of potatoes is market-oriented. The Market Participation Index (MPI) revealed that farmers sell at least 55 percent of their farm produce, implying that farmers have made some transition from subsistence to semi-commercial farming. However, farmers’ priority still remains food self-sufficiency and market participation only takes place after satisfying their home food needs. The results revealed that the significant factors influencing the farmers’ decisions and their extent of participation in output markets were the age, gender, marital status of the household head, primary occupation of household head, size of farm cultivated, government financial support, access to extension services and farmer’s membership of cooperatives. Concerning the impact of output market participation on welfare of smallholders, the Average Treatment on the Treated (ATT) as the measure of change revealed that participation in output markets has a positive impact on welfare of the smallholder farmers through increased incomes. Farmers who participated in output market were at least R838.44 better off than those who did not participate in markets although social grants and remittances made significantly higher contribution to household welfare. The study suggests that despite some improvements in income of market participants, the standards of living of the rural households are still far from what would be considered optimal. Crop farming evidently contributes less than desired, hence the persistence of the widespread poverty. It is urgent to focus interventions on improving agricultural productivity while widening strategies for improving rural livelihoods beyond agriculture to diversify the choices open to rural dwellers. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Science and Agriculture, 2021
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  • Date Issued: 2021-06

Smallholder farmers’ perception in the adoption of in-field rainwater harvesting techniques in Raymond Mhlaba Local Municipality, Eastern Cape, South Africa

  • Authors: Mtyelwa, Chuma https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0696-4340
  • Date: 2021-04
  • Subjects: Farms, Small , Water harvesting
  • Language: English
  • Type: Master's theses , text
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/21367 , vital:48499
  • Description: Dissemination, adoption and continued use of adopted technologies are key requirements for improved smallholder farmers’ productivity. In an attempt to improve smallholder agricultural production and creating a resilient smallholder agricultural sector, many technologies such as the in-field rainwater harvesting technique (IRWHT) have been put in place. IRWHT has a tremendous potential for improving livelihoods of rural smallholder farmers, thus decreasing their vulnerability to vagaries of climate change. However, though IRWHT was promoted for agricultural crop production improvement, smallholder farmers discontinued its adoption. This study critically assessed the perception of smallholder farmers in Raymond Mhlaba Local Municipality (RMLM) on the use of the in-field rainwater harvesting technique to assess the underlying factors that led to IRWHT dis-adoption. This study adopted a descriptive study design; purposive sampling was used to select a sample of 120 smallholder farmers that initially adopted IRWHT. Data was gathered through a face-to-face interview and with a pre-tested semi-structured questionnaire. Descriptive statistical analysis frequency count, percentages, means and standard deviation were used for quantitative data analysis. The findings revealed that 96percent of smallholder farmers dis-adopted IRWHT after initial adoption. Moreover, IRWHT was dis-adopted 5-8 years post adoption. Critical reasons behind discontinuity include small land size (23percent), lack of reliable water source (18percent), complexity of IRWHT, continual extension support (17percent) and IRWHT taking up much space (13percent), amongst others. This study also revealed that farmers’ perception towards the innovation attributes of IRWHT, in relative advantage over economic returns such as profitability, had an impact on dis-adoption of IRWHT, with a negative farmers’ perception (𝑥̅ = 2.95). Complexity of IRWHT was associated with discontinuity of IRWHT by smallholder farmers in RMLM, with the majority (60percent) of smallholder farmers indicating that IRWHT was labour intensive. Some (39.9percent) stated that implementation of IRWHT was time consuming. Innovation attributes that led to a high rate of initial adoption were relative advantage with better yield (𝑥̅ = 4. 38) and compatibility. Smallholder farmers indicated that IRWHT can be implemented with cheaper and available working tools (𝑥̅ = 3.54). On trialability, smallholder farmers indicated that IRWHT was triable in different seasons and on observability smallholder farmers had a positive perception (𝑥̅ = 3.81) towards observable improved crop yield. Smallholder farmers had a positive perception (𝑥̅ = 4.14) of extension service support during the scaling-up of IRWHT although they indicated that the extension service support had ceased. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science and Agriculture, 2021
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  • Date Issued: 2021-04

Accessibility of agricultural information by smallholder farmers in Amatole District Municipality: Nexus between agricultural extension services and the library

  • Authors: Sigigaba, Masimthembe
  • Date: 2020
  • Subjects: Farms, Small
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , M Agric (Agric Extension)
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/18849 , vital:42870
  • Description: Accessibility to relevant, accurate and timely information remains vital in farming. For farmers to improve their productivity they depend on access to pertinent agricultural information. Such information updated them about new agricultural technologies, climate change, new cultivars, access to market and access to financial assistance. These types of information help farmers in decision making regarding their farming. Agricultural extension officers remain a reliable source where farmers could obtain relevant agricultural information. Community libraries are also channels that could be used by agricultural extension officers to complement their work of providing farmers with information. Thus, the study sought to assess linkage between these two institutions to provide farmers with information. A positivism paradigm with quantitative research approach were adopted in the study. Smallholder farmers (169), agricultural extension officers (5) and librarians (15) were the unit of analysis. A semi-structured questionnaire was used for data collection and SPSS software for analysis. Findings revealed that, agricultural extension officers mostly utilise interpersonal channels that include demonstrations, group meetings and face-to-face interaction to provide farmers with information. Community libraries were found to be non-utilised by extension services and also by farmers. Farmers were of the perception that libraries are meant for educated people. It was also discovered that community libraries have information on agriculture that only targets learners who are taking agriculture in school as a subject. There was no existing linkage between agricultural extension services and community libraries working together to provide farmers with pertinent agricultural information that can help them improve productivity
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  • Date Issued: 2020

Smallholder farmers’ adaptation strategies to mitigate the effect of drought on maize production in O.R Tambo District Municipality

  • Authors: Masinda, Nasiphi
  • Date: 2020
  • Subjects: Farms, Small
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc (Agricultural Economics)
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/18709 , vital:42726
  • Description: Drought is a normal periodical event that influences the livelihoods of millions of people around the world and it is considered one of the most devastating natural disasters in economic, social and environmental terms. South Africa is considered a semi-arid country vulnerable to water stress, particularly drought. Drought is expected to affect maize production in South Africa in the coming years. Although drought cannot be controlled, producers can adopt adaptation practices to reduce yield loss caused by drought. Maize is a staple crop in South Africa, which makes it the most important grain crop, being both the major feed grain and the staple food of the majority of the South African population. Literature has identified and presented several adaptation strategies that farmers can use however, it has not been conclusively investigated whether vulnerable smallholder farmers affected by drought are able to use or benefit from them. The study examined drought adaptation strategies employed by smallholder farmers and factors affecting adoption and intensity of adoption of drought mitigation strategies. This study determined smallholder farmer’s adoption of adaptation strategies to mitigate the effects of drought on maize production in O.R Tambo district municipality. The study was carried in ORTDM in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. A mixed methods approach utilizing qualitative and quantitative data was employed. Both primary and secondary data sources were used for this study. The study gathered data from ORTDM in the Eastern Cape from 200 smallholder maize producers. Primary data was collected through a structured questionnaire and was complemented by secondary data on maize production, yield and area planted sourced from the Department of Agriculture Forestry and Fisheries. The data collected were analysed using descriptive statistics, the adaptation strategy index in the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) software and double hurdle model used Statistical package called STATA (version 12. Results from descriptive analysis identified separate livelihood adoptions which were, increase fertilizer, use savings, indigenous knowledge, sell livestock, off-farm income (salary) and reduction of production. The adaptation strategies adopted by maize farmers are mostly shifting planting date, reduction of maize cultivated area and intercropping. The double hurdle model was used to estimate the factors affecting the farmers’ adoption of drought mitigation strategies and factors which were found to be statistically significant were gender of the household head, level of education of the household head, household size, extension services and land ownership. The Adaptation Strategy Index was used in order to establish the relationship between adopting adaptation strategies and maize production. The farmers ranked the adaptation strategies in terms of their useful in adapting with drought and successfully alleviating decline in maize production. Shifting of planting date, reduction of maize cultivated area, planting drought resistant varieties, crop diversification and intercropping were ranked as the most useful respectively. The findings of this study have a number of policy implications since a number of farmers did nothing to adapt to the effects of drought hence supporting smallholder farmers through training on climate change adaption and adapting options is necessary. Training targeting female headed and poor farmers can have significant positive impacts for increasing the implementation of drought adaptation strategies.
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  • Date Issued: 2020

Understanding the links between smallholder farmers and retailers of meat and vegetables in Mthatha, Mqanduli, Port St Johns and Tsolo, Eastern Cape, South Africa

  • Authors: Qaula, Nyaniso
  • Date: 2020
  • Subjects: Farms, Small
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , M Agric
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/18823 , vital:42811
  • Description: It is commonly accepted that one of the challenges faced by smallholder farmers is lack of ‘access to markets’. This is especially so against the backdrop of the supermarket revolution, which is widely understood to give advantage to large-scale farmers at the expense of smallholder farmers. Given that supermarkets are now well established even within South Africa’s former homelands, it would seem that even smallholders based in these areas are at a disadvantage. The purpose of this study is to delve deeply into the market access of smallholder farmers, and to do so specifically across a large area of the former Transkei where supermarkets are well established and where there are also a range of other types of retailers. The study seeks to understand the links between smallholder farmers and diverse kinds of food retailers of meat and vegetables in and around the towns of Mthatha, Mqanduli, Port St Johns and Tsolo in the Eastern Cape Province, South Africa. For each of these sites, the study estimates the share of purchased fresh vegetables and meat that ultimately originates from smallholder farmers within the former Transkei, as opposed to large-scale farmers further afield. The findings suggest that smallholder farmers account for about 24% to 40% of fresh vegetables, and 3% to 13% of meat. The difference between vegetables and meat seems to relate to the fact that smallholder farmers account for a reasonably large share of the fresh vegetables sold by at least some supermarkets, whereas smallholder livestock farmers are largely unable to sell to abattoirs, whether because of the standards imposed by these abattoirs (including the one in Mthatha), or because of the cost of transport. The differences between sites appear to be a function of several factors, including differential market size and resource endowments. The study further sought to identify the advantages and disadvantages that the different types of retailers experience in procuring from smallholder farmers, and also identify the advantages and disadvantages that smallholder farmers experience in supplying different types of retailers. The advantage of working with smallholder farmers is that smallholder farmers can even deliver on Sundays, unlike other suppliers that refuse to work during weekends. The disadvantage is that smallholder farmers are not producing consistently therefore it is hard to rely on smallholder farmers for supply of produce. The advantage that smallholder farmers experience in supplying different types of retailers is that they get their cash right away after delivering the produce. The challenge that smallholder farmers experience when supplying food retailers is that some of the supermarkets will see the sample and order large quantity, however on the day of delivery they will complain and say it is not the good quality so the farmers must reduce the selling price. The study suggests the strategy that could be used by farmers to access the market, which is to enhance knowledge of market skills and negotiation skills.
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  • Date Issued: 2020

Profitability and technical efficiency of small-scale organic crop farmers’ in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa

  • Authors: Eyinade, Gabriel A https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8851-7255
  • Date: 2019-08
  • Subjects: Organic farming , Farms, Small
  • Language: English
  • Type: Doctoral theses , text
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/23633 , vital:58229
  • Description: Organic farming is growing gradually in South Africa. Its contribution to economic growth and poverty mitigation is notably in the pastoral areas in terms of providing adequate and affordable food for the incessantly growing population. Organic farming is also known for provision of employment and source of livelihoods for the rural populace as well as supply of raw materials to the country’s agro-allied industrial sector. For the purposes of this research, focus was only on profitability and technical efficiency because it is an essential subject in developing agriculture where resources are limited, but high population growth is very common. As a result, increased output will rely more on efficiency enhancements which will further intensify farmers’ income. As such, evaluating the extent for such efficiency enhancements within the system is a crucial prerequisite. The objective of the study was to assess the profitability and technical efficiency; and to identify socio-economic, institutional and farm characteristics that influence profitability and the technical efficiency of the small-scale organic crop farmers in the Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality (BCMM). A purposive sampling technique was used to collect primary data from 160 small-scale organic crop farmers in BCMM. The gross margin estimation was used to estimate profitability, while multivariate Ordinary Least Square (OLS) was used to assess socio-demographic factors influencing profitability. The stochastic frontier model was used to determine the level of technical efficiency as well as the determinants of technical inefficiency of the farmers. The results of the gross margin estimation show that the small-scale organic maize (GM= R392 417.00) and cabbage (R196 489.00) farms were profitable. Similarly, the results of the OLS showed that one out of the eight variables namely, farming experience influences organic maize producers’ profitability, while factors such as gender, household size, and educational level emerged as the major significant factors influencing organic cabbage producers’ profitability. The stochastic results revealed that small-scale organic crop farmers in the study area are technically efficient at 86percent in maize production and 93percent in cabbage production respectively; and experienced unity return to scale (1.0) in maize and increasing return to scale (1.2) in cabbage. The results suggested that an increase in the use of input, would also intensify their productivity and efficiency. The results from the inefficiecncy model of the stochastic frontier further show that age and farming experience are the major determinants of organic maize producers’ technical inefficiency, while, factors such as age, years of schooling, farming experience, and household size were the significant determinants of organic cabbage producers’ technical inefficiency. To enhance the farming potential of these farmers, it is recommended that government and other several stakeholders such as researchers, entrepreneurs should invest more in organic crop farms since it is profitable and efficient in improving farmers’ livelihoods. There is also need for government to organise on-going workshops and extension training through the help of extension officers on how farmers can improve their production which will further enhance their income. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Science and Agriculture, 2019
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  • Date Issued: 2019-08

Effect of social capital and information acquisition on the adoption and benefits of conservation agriculture among cassava and maize smallholder farmers in South-West Nigeria

  • Authors: Olawuyi, Seyi Olalekan
  • Date: 2019
  • Subjects: Agricultural conservation , Sustainable agriculture , Farms, Small
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/15200 , vital:40200
  • Description: Sustainable economic growth and development in developing economy like Nigeria is achievable through the agricultural sector and sub-sectors which are concentrated in rural areas. Rural areas represent a home to majority (about 75%) of the households practicing farming for family sustenance and/or to earn income from the sales of agricultural products (Oyakhilomen and Zibah, 2014). In addition to the persistent use of traditional farming practices, these rural farming households cultivate crops varieties that are low-yielding on small and scattered farmland holdings (smallholder farmers) (Oyakhilomen and Zibah, 2014). This act depletes the soil organic matter with devastating consequences on production output, income generation as well as the ecosystem. Similarly, non-access to agricultural credit and limited technical knowhow are parts of the challenges that are facing the development of farming activities in subSaharan Africa, including Nigeria (Kassie, Pender, Yesuf, Köhlin, Bluffstone and Mulugeta, 2008). These challenges call for holistic interventions such as conservative agricultural practices; which are sustainable, promote safe environment and ultimately increase production output.
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  • Date Issued: 2019

Records management by the Wesley community small-scale farmers in the Ngqushwa Municipality of the Eastern Cape

  • Authors: Ncanywa, Ziyanda https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5075-7448
  • Date: 2018-05
  • Subjects: Records -- Management , Farms, Small
  • Language: English
  • Type: Master's theses , text
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/25305 , vital:64142
  • Description: The study sought to investigate records management programmes by small-scale farmers, focussing on small-scale farmers in Wesley Community in Eastern Cape South Africa. The objectives of the study were to: Determine the types of records kept by small-scale farmers in Wesley Community; Assess records the records management practices used by small-scale farmers in Wesley Community; Find out the benefits of managing farm records by small-scale farmers in Wesley Community; and Identify the constraints small-scale farmers in Wesley Community encounter in the management of their farm records. This study adopted both qualitative and quantitative research approaches. The researcher followed a methodological path that began with a thorough literature review and a careful and thoughtful posing of research questions and objectives. A sample of Wesley Community small-scale farmers was chosen using both convenience and snowball sampling where available and willing farmers were interviewed using questionnaires and in-depth interviews. Collected data were analysed using Microsoft Excel 2010. The study found that an encouraging number of small-scale farmers keep records. The records kept by small-scale farmers, however, some of them are not organised or being kept in a systematic way. Small-scale farmers do find record keeping very beneficial and are interested in keeping more records. Illiteracy and low self-esteem proved to be constraints when it comes to small-scale farmers’ records keeping and management. It was concluded that small-scale farmers do keep records. The manner in which the records are kept is mostly systematic. There a benefits of keeping records for farmers even though small-scale farmers face a few constrains when it comes to record keeping. From the findings it is recommended that: the government offer basic education classes for small-scale farmers, records management awards to motivate small-scale farmers and records management training for small-scale farmers. , Thesis (MLIS) -- Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, 2018
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  • Date Issued: 2018-05

Entrepreneurial development paths and livelihood strategies in smallholder irrigation schemes in the Eastern Cape province, South Africa

  • Authors: Gidi, Lungile Sivuyile https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2896-2709
  • Date: 2016-07
  • Subjects: Farms, Small , Irrigation farming -- Economic aspects
  • Language: English
  • Type: Doctoral theses , text
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/24906 , vital:63670
  • Description: South Africa has implemented several successful rural poverty relief initiatives; however, poverty continues to strain rural development efforts. The aim of the study was to analyse the entrepreneurial development paths and livelihood strategies in smallholder irrigation schemes in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. The study has outlined five hypothesizes for the basis of concrete scientific research. Initially the study hypothesizes that a smallholder’s socio-cultural contexts such as village level institutions especially village governance as well as household circumstances including age, education and gender compositions of the household membership as well as household income can determine a smallholder’s transformation ability. The second hypothesis was that alternative economic activities especially farming activities such as livestock and crop production as well as off-farm economic opportunities which were open to a household could influence a smallholder’s willingness to change from homestead gardening to food crop production under government irrigation programme. The third hypothesis was on the smallholder’s assessment of available market for the products of his or her food crop irrigation farming which could be an important consideration in his or her willingness to change. The fourth assumption was that entrepreneurial skills are lacking, in particular the ability to search for opportunities and willingness to do something different than the masses and take risks in that process. Finally, the study hypothesized that the government irrigation scheme governance could determine the attractiveness of the scheme and thereby influencing the willingness of a smallholder to participate. Specifically, the legal and regulatory environments are very restrictive and they are not conducive to effective value and job creation in the villages and for the principal crop and livestock enterprises. The study used cross-sectional data collected from both scheme farmers and non-scheme farmers. There were 107 smallholder farmers administered. Cobb-Douglass production and Multiple Regression Models were used. The results indicated 62 percent were male household head and 38 percent were female household head. The majority of the farmers were above middle age for both men and women households head. Specifically, about 80percent were above 51 years of age. Wage employment on the other hand contributed 8percent for both scheme and non-scheme farmers. The majority of the family members were dominated by students and pensioners indicating 27percent of the respondents who were unemployed, among them students were included and pensioners were indicated by 9percent. The overall findings were that there are important differences in behavior regarding the transition from homestead gardening to irrigation farming. Smallholder farmers of Mnquma and Mbhashe municipalities have a great potential in maize, beans, potatoes, pumpkin, butternut production, as well as cattle, sheep, goats, pigs and poultry production. Lastly, the study has highlighted various factors affecting livelihoods sources. Therefore, there is a need for these smallholder farmers to engage consistently with the market to enhance information flow. Extension officers must play a role using the recent extension approach of participatory rural appraisal through discussions with farmers and empower them for marketing problems and solutions. Smallholder farmers must ensure frequent consultation with extension or agricultural advisors for financial and production input support. Government need to strengthen agricultural activities in the rural areas in order to sustain rural livelihoods for rural dwellers. Once the rural economy becomes transformed through agricultural activities then rural dwellers can achieve good standard of living in line with a key macroeconomic objective the South African government. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Science and Agriculture, 2016
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  • Date Issued: 2016-07

Smallholder tobacco production and sustainable agriculture: A case of the Karoi district, Zimbabwe

  • Authors: Serima, Joseph
  • Date: 2015-02
  • Subjects: Agriculture -- Economic aspects -- Zimbabwe , Sustainable development -- Zimbabwe , Farms, Small
  • Language: English
  • Type: Master's theses , text
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/25370 , vital:64233
  • Description: Over the past decades, cash cropping had been dominant in many developing economies. In Zimbabwe, tobacco has been an important cash crop for the majority of smallholder farmers. The crop generates large profits as compared to the next best alternative cash crop and it is an important source of government revenue. Many smallholder farmers have thus resorted into tobacco farming because of accrue benefits attached to the crop. In addition to large profits, the availability of incentives which support production of this crop has also been a motive for many smallholder farmers in Zimbabwe. Contrary to the availability of incentives to support tobacco production, the lack of government subsidies has discouraged smallholder farmers to engage into food crop productions. However, despite their increased interest in tobacco farming, many smallholder farmers have remained poor. They continue to live in poverty, even though they produce an important cash crop for export. Food security in the country has been deteriorated because of concentrations in cash cropping. Therefore, this study has been undertaken to investigate whether the commercialization of the peasant farmer has been responsible for the food crisis that the country is experiencing at present. The study utilized the neo-classical theory of farm production to clarify the reasons why peasant producers engage into certain types of production. However, to balance this study with an attempt of promoting sustainable agriculture, the study also employed the sustainable development approach. , Thesis (MSoc) -- Faculty of Management and Commerce, 2015
  • Full Text:
  • Date Issued: 2015-02

The impact of beliefs and values on agricultural change: a case of Murombedzi Irrigation Scheme, Zimbabwe

  • Authors: Nyika, Emery
  • Date: 2013-01
  • Subjects: Agriculture -- Environmental aspects , Farms, Small , Agricultural productivity
  • Language: English
  • Type: text
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/25698 , vital:64469
  • Description: Since the mid 1970s there has been an increasing effort to raise the level of adoption of agricultural innovations in small-scale farming for improved production. NGOs and governments have engaged in a participatory approach not only to empower local people, but also to give them an opportunity to learn, access, and utilize innovations that have been introduced in the agriculture sector. However due to several factors small-scale farmers in Zimbabwe have failed to fully adopt these changes that would enhance their farming activities. Most of these farmers have rather preferred maintaining and practising their preliterate farming methods. Like most irrigation schemes Murombedzi Irrigation Scheme is self funded due to the fact that the government has failed to fund most of such projects. This has subsequently left projects such as the Murombedzi Irrigation Scheme to provide for their own agricultural needs. NGOs have in the past provided assistance to these small-scale farmers but mostly in cases of drought. This study is an assessment of the impact of beliefs and values on the adoption of agricultural change in Murombedzi Irrigation Scheme. The study investigates the extent to which beliefs and values have an effect on small-scale farmer’s access and utilization to adopting innovations. Research findings reveal that farming production in Murombedzi is low and the local farmers have been passive participants in gaining training and education that can assist them in gaining knowledge on the effectiveness of implementing innovations. However; the farmers prefer to maintain their traditional methods that have been effectively used by their fore fathers. It is a common belief among the informants that their ancestors are to be kept pleased at all times and this means practicing traditional farming which, for them, has proved to be effective in the past. As a result, this calls for an empirical research to be carried out at the grass roots level to explore the dynamics that influence the status quo on the ground. This study was conducted to help agricultural change to be implemented in small-scale farming for the benefit of agricultural production. The focus was on a local irrigation scheme that is self funded. Data was gathered using an ethnographic research design. , Thesis (MSoc) -- Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, 2013
  • Full Text:
  • Date Issued: 2013-01
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