Department of Agricultural Economic and Agribusiness

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Open Access
Analysis of the constraints faced by small-scale farmers in achieving household food security a case study of Masholomoshe and Makwe Irrigation Schemes in Gwanda District, Matabeleland South Province
(2015-01-30) Ndlovu, Langelihle; Chauke, P. K.; Pfumayaramba, T. K.
The study analysed the constraints faced by small-scale irrigation farmers on household food security in drought prone agro-ecological region 5, Gwanda district. The study conducted a case study of Masholomoshe and Makwe irrigation schemes in Gwanda district of Matabeleland south province in Zimbabwe. The main objective was to analyse the impact of the constraints faced by small-scale irrigation farmers on household food security. The study looked at the socio-economic factors, production levels, role of supporting institutions and the constraints faced by farmers. Primary data was collected using interview questionnaires with open and closed ended questions. Questionnaires were designed based on objectives and research questions. Key informant interviews were also carried out with the extension officers. The data was captured and analyzed using statistical package for social scientist (SPSS). Descriptive statistics, gross margin, multiple linear and binary logistic regression models were all used to analyse the data. The study established the dominance of women and the elderly who are less educated farmers, use of rented land and farming as the main source of income. The study also revealed that farmers were not able to grow crops throughout the year and they obtained very small net farm incomes. The main supporting service that the farmers were getting was the assistance from the extension workers and their main constraints were high water costs, shortage of water, lack of access to credit, lack of inputs and output markets, lack of relevant training and information and damage to irrigation infrastructure. Inferential statistical analyses detected a negative impact of household size, area cultivated, total yield, and quantity sold to household food security while total income, land tenure, access to credit and extension services had a positive impact. Amongst others the study recommended financial assistance to farmers in form of subsidies on input prices, low interest loans, and skills transfers. Farmers could also be assisted to construct water storage facilities such as dams and water tanks.
Open Access
Assessment of access and use of credit amongst smallholder farmers in the Capricorn District Municipality, of Limpopo Province in South Africa
(2013-12-10) Motlhatlhana, Moloko Lovedelia; Chauke, P. K.; Pfumayaramba, T. K.
Open Access
An assessment of coping strategies in the marketing of produce by street vendors
(2015-01-30) Munzhelele, R; Chauke, P. K.; Pfumayaramba, T. K.
This study was aimed to investigate patterns and causes of changes of terrestrial small mammal species diversity, richness and abundance with increasing elevation in the Soutpanberg Mountains. Capture mark recapture method was conducted at five altitudinal sites ranging from 1000-174 7m above sea level in the southern slopes of the western Soutpansberg. Data on different environmental variables (Microhabitat and climate) were collected. Twelve small mammal species was recorded, of these two species of shrew, nine rodents and one species of Sengi. Three rodent species e.g. Micaelamys namaquensis, Aethomys ineptus and Rhabdomys pumilio were the most abundant species occurring in almost all altitudinal sites. Six models were built to test influence of different environmental variables on small mammal. Akaike's information criterion (AIC) was used to assess the best model that explained variation in species richness, diversity and abundance. Model has shown that variation small mammal species richness and diversity was attributed to rockiness of the area. Small mammal species richness significantly increase with increase in altitude, species diversity also increase with altitude but it was not statistically significant dominance of R. pumilio at high altitude. Rock cover significantly influences the variation of three small mammal species (Rhabdomys pumilio, Aethomys ineptus and Elephantulus myurus). Analysis of variance (ANOVA) was performed to test if there any significant difference of four small mammal (A. ineptus, M namaquensis, R. pumilio and E. myurus) body mass with changes in altitude. Altitude significalty influences variation of A. ineptus body mass but not in way predicted by Bergmanns' Rule. The results have shown that all four small mammals tested did not conform to Bergmann rule.
Open Access
An assessment of the Extent of Small-scale business venturing in Rural areas: A case study of Molemole Local Municipality in Capricorn District of Limpopo Province
(2017-09-18) Padi, Mokibelo Deborah; Chauke, P. K.; Maiwashe, A.M.
The study was premised on anticipation for the existence of small businesses that `seemed to be widespread within households in the traditional authorities of Molemole local municipality. The observation prompted the researcher to investigate two aspects related to these ventures; how these small-scale businesses and other income generating opportunities impact livelihoods of members of the communities. The study was conducted in rural communities of Molemole Local municipality of Limpopo Province. Data was collected using a structured pre-tested questionnaire from members of the community. Additional data was collected from traditional leaders of the four traditional authorities namely: Machaka, Makgato, Ramokgopa and Manthata through focus group discussions. Multi-stage clustered proportional random sampling technique was used to select the sample for this study of 150 individuals from the four traditional authorities. SPSS computer software was used to analyse data from the structured questionnaires while Likert scale was used to analyse the data collected from the focus group discussion. Descriptive statistics was used to summarize the data while Binary logistics regression model was used to analyse the influence of socio economic factors on the income levels of the respondents (from both businesses and other sources). The findings of the study show that biographic characteristics proved to have a great effect/impact on how rural community members generate their livelihoods (through income generation). Most of the respondents were found to be females, and this had a positive impact on their level of income. Majority of the respondents had secondary education as their highest level of education which caused them to have limited access to external employment. Services rendered by the few small businesses were found to be unsatisfactory by the community members. Traditional leaders stated that it was important for residents in their communities to own businesses as this will provide them with good income and services to the communities. The study concluded that income did improve the livelihoods of community members. Amongst others the study recommended for increased women empowerment, educational opportunities and encouragement to communities to initiate business ventures.
Open Access
Determinants of access to farm credit by emerging farmers of Thulamela Local Municipality, South Africa
(2015-02-02) Chivenge, Wilson; Chauke, P. K.; Pfumayaramba, T. K.
This study seeks to determine the costs and benefits associated with the value addition process at Tshivhase/ Mukumbani tea estate, Vhembe District, Limpopo province of South Africa. Tshivhase/ Mukumbani tea estate was under precarious economic conditions and in its endeavour to revamp its operations; the estate adopted the value-addition process. The major aim of this study is to determine whether the value-addition activity is a sound investment decision by reviewing the costs incurred and the benefits accrued when the activity was adopted. Cost benefit analysis is a strategy or formula for evaluating the potential for any type of operation or project within the confines of the company or organisation. The main purpose of a cost benefit analysis is to ascertain if conducting a project, activity or operation is feasible, given the current circumstances of the organisation. With regard to tea, manufacturers may add value by blending, branding or packaging the tea before selling it to consumers. To assess the viability of the initiative, the Net Present Value (NPV) and the benefit cost ratio (BCR) were used. The time series primary data used for the analysis were obtained during 2005-2012 period. The results show that the value addition initiative was not viable for the period under review. Using a 10% discount rate, the NPV and BCR were found to be -69281681.19 and 0.380647627 respectively. This entails that the initiative is not viable and therefore there is need for the tea estate to revise its strategies. The identified challenges include high input costs, high minimum wages and stiff competition. One of the strategies could be investing on capital than on human capital since labour contributes 60% of its total costs.
Open Access
Economic impact of the composition of public expenditure on agricultural growth: case studies from selected SADC
(2015-02-12) Manyise, Timothy; Chauke, P. K.; Pfumayaramba, T. K.
Diabetes mellitus is a chronic disease affecting millions of people worldwide. Over 140 million people worldwide were estimated to have type 2 diabetes mellitus in the year 2000 and this prevalence is projected to rise to over 280 million by the year 2025. Diabetes mellitus is a progressive disease that can lead to debilitating complications and premature death if not effectively controlled. The study sought to assess the level of knowledge that diabetic patients have regarding diabetes mellitus and to describe beliefs and practices for diabetes management among such patients. A quantitative descriptive design was used to collect data. A self administered questionnaire was designed and translated into local spoken language (Tshivenda) by experts from the department of African Languages at the University of Venda. Data were analysed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS). Content validity and reliability of the instrument were ensured. As many as 51 (51.0%) of the respondents reported that they knew what diabetes mellitus was, whereas 49 (49.0%) did not know. Knowledge of the role of obesity and physical inactivity in producing diabetes was very low, with only 4 (8.9%) and 7 (15.5%) of the respondents reporting these as risk factors for diabetes mellitus, as compared to 34 (75.5%) of the respondents who had the knowledge that heredity is also associated with being predisposed to diabetes mellitus. Almost 62 (62.0%) of the respondents believed that diabetes could cause complications. A majority of 93 (93%) of the respondents reported that they were able to monitor blood sugar levels regularly. Findings of this study revealed that the level of diabetes knowledge among the respondents was very good. However, knowledge of signs and symptoms of diabetes mellitus was very low, while the danger of blindness was also very low, since the respondents were never examined by eye specialists in order to rule out eye complications. A comprehensive diabetes education programme is necessary to improve the knowledge of diabetes mellitus.
Open Access
Factors contributing to the transformation of smallholder farming to commercial farming in Mutale Local Municipality of Limpopo Province, South Africa
(2017-05-18) Nekhavhambe, Elekanyani; Chauke, P. K.; Raidimi, E. N.
The study was conducted in the Mutale Local Municipality, Vhembe District of South Africa on a proportionally randomly selected sample of 153 smallholder farmers after clustering them into agricultural zones and commodity groupings (vegetables under irrigation, dryland maize and citrus fruit farming). Data were collected through a structured qualitative and quantitative questionnaire that was administered face-to-face to respondents and captured into the SPSS Version 24 computer program. The same program was used to analyse data through cross tabulations and logistic regression modelling. In particular, the study focussed on the impact of socio-economic characteristics, challenges that farmers face and views of extension officers on transforming subsistence farmers towards commercialization. The most critical findings of the study were dominance of women, lower youth participation, poor training and educational achievements, non-membership to agricultural organizations, low income levels and dependence on social grants and lack of credit as factors that could impact on farmers’ transformation process. Farmers’ challenges that could impact on transformation were identified as lack of production inputs, water, access to market and supportive infrastructure such as mechanization. However, the views of extension officers regarding transformation centred mostly around insufficient land holdings, climate change and financial support. In contrast to farmers, extension officers viewed market access as a minor challenge. The study recommended for development of strategies that could increase youth participation in farming such as start-up credit, reduction of dependence on social grants by adopting strategies that could increase productivity and thus income, exposure to funding opportunities through training and increased involvement of institutions of higher learning into smallholder farming activities.
Open Access
The impact of monetary compensation as a land restitution redress mechanism in the Vhembe District, South Africa
(2015-02-02) Ramaswiela, Humbulani; Chauke, P. K.; Pfumayaramba, T. K.
This study was conducted to assess the use of financial compensation, within household claimants of two restitution communities in Vhembe District, South Africa. It involved a simple random sampling of 183 claimants from Phaphazela and Ribungwani communities. Collected data were captured into Excel spread sheets and the SPSS version 21 IBM programmes and analysed through descriptive and logistic regression statistical techniques. The major findings were that the majority of claimants of compensated restitution grant were female adults who never went to school. Most of the respondents were the original dispossessed, dissatisfied with their grant because it was insufficient. The majority of claimants utilised the grant for building or renovating their houses and great number of them also shared the money with their siblings. Results from regression analysis revealed that most claimants were dissatisfied with the different projects to which the compensation was applied. The study recommended that future claimants whose initial properties cannot be restored to be provided with alternate land rather than cash as an option or other redress strategies such as establishment of trusts that could focus on the provision of bursaries to their deserving children, continued support from relevant stakeholders and reassessment of funding model.
Open Access
Perceptions of members of households regarding the production and marketing of Moringa (Moringa Oleifera) in Thulamela Local Municipality
(2019-06-18) Maila, Matume Maxwell; Anim, F. D. K.; Chauke, P. K.
ABSTRACT This study was carried out to determine how members of households perceive economic benefits of production and marketing of Moringa in the Thulamela Local Municipality. The study adopted the snowball sampling procedure to identify the population of members of households who produce and market Moringa. Simple random sampling procedure was adopted to select 146 participants from the identified population. The Cross tabulations and Probit regression model were used as the analytical tools for this study. The results of the study revealed amongst others, that majority of members of households who were producing Moringa had no access to Moringa markets, and most of them were aware of the economic benefits of Moringa. The statistical significant variables which influenced the perceptions of members of households regarding economic benefits of production and marketing of Moringa were level of education (p < 0.01), Moringa farming experience (p < 0.05), access to market (p < 0.05), as well as the access to information (p < 0.05) about the production and the demand of Moringa produce. The study concluded that majority of respondents perceived that the production and marketing of Moringa would help to achieve sustainable livelihood for people living in Thulamela Local Municipality, while others were of the view that Moringa has the potential to improve nutrition, boost food security and foster rural development. The study recommended that establishment of Moringa markets, formation of Moringa cooperatives and promotional campaigns to educate members of households about the economic benefits of Moringa should be enhanced.
Open Access
Small Scale Business Ventures in Rural Areas: A Case of Molemole Local Municipality in Capricorn District of the Limpopo Province
(2017-09-18) Padi, Mokibelo Deborah; Chauke, P. K.; Maiwashe, A.
See the attached abstract below
Open Access
Socio-economic assessment of starter packs in poverty alleviation at Makhado Local Municipality
(2010-08) Maluleke, Magezi Daniel; Oni, S. A.; Chauke, P. K.
The study was initiated to assess how the starter packs distributed under the Comprehensive Agricultural Support Programme (CASP) by the Limpopo Department of Agriculture have been able to sustain home food production and improve the liveliho9ds of the rural recipients. The assessment involved a focus on the recipients' households, in terms of demographics, household income and expenditure, the challenges faced by households, household agricultural production and the perceptions by the extension officers regarding the CASP which was designed to alleviate poverty among the rural poor. The methods used for data collection for the study were purposive and systematic sampling methods. The purposive sampling was used to select the extension officers who were involved in the distribution of CASP inputs in their respective areas of operation while systematic sampling was used to select 100 household recipients of the starter packs. The survey results showed that the majority of the beneficiaries were female while the average recipients were middle aged although youth and elderly people were also involved. About 71% of the gardeners were found to be operational; while 29% were not operational. The challenges facing the beneficiaries include fencing, water shortage, lack of technical skills and market constraints. The sources of income among recipients were mainly from external sources (73%) as compared with internal sources (27%). The study further revealed that about 72% of the sampled households were found to be living below poverty level while 28% of the beneficiaries were found to be living above poverty level. This implies that start packs were able to alleviate the poverty of about 28% of the beneficiaries.
Open Access
Towards a framework for effective performance of smallholder agricultural cooperatives in Limpopo Province, South Africa
(2017-09-18) Maiwashe, Aluwani; Chauke, P. K.; Anim, F. D. K.
The high attrition rate of cooperatives in Limpopo Province is a great concern considering that cooperatives globally and in South Africa have been esteemed to play a role in rural development and poverty reduction. The problem of attrition is a threat in the development of our societies. In response to this, the study investigated the formation of cooperatives, influence of social, human capital and household characteristics. The study also assessed the differences that can be used to discriminate cooperatives earning monthly income and those without a monthly income. The main aim of the study was to develop a framework that could be used to create sustainable cooperatives in the future in Limpopo Province. The study was conducted in five districts of Limpopo Province namely: Sekhukhune, Waterberg, Mopani, Capricorn and Vhembe. Data was collected using a structured questionnaire from 146 cooperatives. Key respondents were cooperatives leaders. Focus group data from Mopani district cooperatives was used to provide a background to the researcher in the development of the framework. Focus group discussion information was only used by the researcher in order to understand the cooperative member’s views. Purposive sampling was used to select a sample of 146 cooperatives due to the availability and accessibility of the cooperatives. SPSS analytical tool was used to analyse the data. Models used in the study were Binary logistic, Multinomial and Discriminant analysis. The findings of the study revealed that household characteristics such as gender, member affiliation affected the formation of legitimate cooperatives. Social capital indicators such as access to information and benefits derived by relatives encouraged the need for funding. However human capital indicators were found not to influence the need for external funding. The study also discovered that there were major differences between cooperatives earning a monthly income and those without the income. There were various benefits derived from the cooperatives by members. The study concluded that for cooperatives to be sustainable, focus should be on human capital, extension services and improvement of the level of education. The notion is that an informed, trained and educated cooperative society is the future.
Open Access
Towards a model development for adaptive strategies that will enhance adaptation to climate change for emerging farmers in Limpopo province, South Africa
(2020-09-03) Tshikororo, Mpho; Kilonzo, B. M.; Zuwarimwe, J.; Chauke, P. K.; Zuwarimwe, J.
Climate change is a global phenomenon that has been of great concern and its tackle is of outmost importance for food security among other things. In response to climate change adaptation, the study intended to determine awareness of climate change, its critical determinants and impacts among farmers, particularly emerging farmers. The study also investigated socio-economic characteristics of farmers that play a vital role in selection of various adaptive strategies, furthermore, institutional factors that contributed in emerging farmers’ decision to either adapt or not to climate change were also investigated. The main aim of the study was to develop a model that could be used in future to enhance adaptation to climate change through various identified adaptive strategies in Limpopo province of South Africa. The study was conducted in five districts of Limpopo province, namely: Capricorn, Mopani, Sekhukhune, Vhembe and Waterberg. The study made use of structured questionnaire to collect data from 206 emerging farmers. A two-stage cluster sampling technique was employed to select participants of the study. Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS; version 25, 2017) was used to analyse the data; cross-tabulation, multinomial and binary logistic models were used for analysis. Preliminary descriptive statistics results from cross-tabulation indicated that farmers were aware of climate change; had noted various critical determinants of climate change and were aware of impacts of climate change during production seasons between 2014 and 2018. Using Multinomial Logit model, further analysis indicated that there are socio-economic characteristics that significantly influenced selection of various adaptive strategies among farmers. Variables that significantly influenced selection of various adaptive strategies were household size, farming experience, formal education, occupation, gender and monthly on-farm income. The study also discovered that institutional factors such as accessing different kinds of extension services, securing source of support and accessing climate change information such as weather forecast, positively and significantly influence farmers’ decision to adapt to climate change. Recommendations of the study were that there should be capacity building in a form of training programmes that promote climate change awareness as farmers need to be capacitated to enable them to take strategic decisions on a daily basis. Furthermore, it was also recommended that training of farmers should target illiterate farmers and farmer without off-farm occupation and specific needs of farmers should be taken into consideration when initiating adaptation initiatives as adaptation to climate change is best monitored at farm level. The study also recommended that various stakeholders such as community of practice, climatologists, and agro-meteorologists should provide various support to emerging farmers to improve farmers’ resilience towards climate change through adaptation.

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