Theses and Dissertations

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Open Access
Economic impact of HIV/AIDS on smallholder agriculture in Mopani District of Limpopo Province
(2009-09) Maponya, Matlhabjane Maria; Oni, S. 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.
See the attached abstract below
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.
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.
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.
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.
Open Access
Econonic analysis of value addition on tea a case study of the Mukumbani/Tshivhase Tea Estate, Vhembe District, Limpopo
(2015-02-02) Bokosi, James; Raidimi, E. N.; Pfumayaramba, T. K.
Open Access
An analysis of agricultural commercialisation amongst smallholder farmers in Munyati Resettlement Area, Chikomba District, Zimbabwe
(2015-02-06) Muchatozida, Kabiti Hlekani; Raidimi, E. N; Pfumayaramba, T. K.
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.
Open Access
Analysis of factors affecting proper functioning of smallholder agricultural cooperatives in the Lepelelle Nkumpi Municipality, Limpopo Province, South Africa
(2016) Thaba, Katlego; Anim, F. D. K.; Pfumayaramba, T. K.
Agricultural cooperatives have been generally promoted as a vehicle for smallholder agricultural development in South Africa. As a result, agricultural co-operative registrations in South Africa are increasing. However, research suggests that South African co-operatives have generally not been effective, successful and functional. The study determined factors affecting proper functioning of smallholder agricultural cooperatives in Lepelle Nkumpi Municipality. Simple random sampling method was used to select a sample of 140 active cooperative members from 13 registered agricultural cooperatives. A list of agricultural cooperatives was obtained from the Department of Agriculture, Limpopo Province to facilitate the process. Primary data was collected using designed questionnaires and secondary data was collected from journal articles, internet and other recorded data. All questionnaires were handed out during face to face interviews held with participants. Discriminant analysis was used to analyse the data. The model was used to identify different factors which might have positive or negative effects on the functioning of agricultural cooperatives. The discriminant analysis results revealed that functional smallholder agricultural cooperatives were characterized by high level of training of members; interaction with other stakeholder and satisfaction with the training and assistance received. On the other hand Dysfunctional smallholder agricultural cooperative were characterized by high age group, low level of meeting attendance, large cooperative size, dissatisfaction of assistance and training received and high number of females. The weighting coefficients of the standardized canonical discriminant coefficients of the independent variables showed that variables that discriminated between functional and dysfunctional cooperatives were: cooperative size (-0.852), interaction vi with stakeholders to improve the level of skill (0.579), satisfaction with assistance provided (0.516), number of females in cooperative (-0.455), years in existence of cooperative (0.452), members participation in decision making (0.407) and age group (0.446). The finding obtained in this study could be quite useful to policy makers. This study recommended that government should intensify effort on cooperative training, extension service and assistance to support functioning of agricultural cooperatives in the study area. Cooperative members should also participate in decision making and attend cooperative meetings to acquire more agricultural information
Open Access
The Role of Agricultural Cooperatives in Poverty Reduction: A Case Study of Selected Cooperatives in the Four Local Municipalities of Vhembe District Municipality, Limpopo Province, South Africa
(2016-05) Nefale, Tshimangadzo Ashley; Raidimi, E. N.; Zwane, M. E.
Poverty and unemployment are the main problems facing many people in the Vhembe District Municipality. Due to these main problems, most people turn into farming as a tool to reduce poverty, ensure food security and create employment in their rural communities. Because of high production and marketing costs, farmers often find it difficult to pool their resources together in order to raise farm income and substantially improve their living conditions. In order to deal with this problem, farmers form cooperatives to pool their resources for increased agricultural productivity, employment creation and poverty reduction. The study assessed the role of agricultural cooperatives in poverty reduction within the rural communities of the Vhembe District Municipality. The research study was a combination of both qualitative and quantitative research method. There are 70 agricultural cooperatives producing field crops and vegetables in Vhembe District. A clustered random sample of the 4 Local Municipalities within Vhembe District Municipality was employed. It involved the selection of 9 cooperatives from Thulamela, 3 cooperatives each from Makhado and Mutale respectively and 1 cooperative from Musina. Relevant data was collected from both primary and secondary sources. Descriptive and Binary logistic regression modelling was used to analyse data. The study revealed that socio-economic characteristics of respondents have an impact on the role agricultural cooperatives play in reducing poverty. The study further showed that agricultural cooperatives play a significant role in reducing poverty and ensuring food security to members’ households. The respondents showed a positive response in the effectiveness of cooperatives in poverty reduction. The study also showed that cooperatives have a significant role in creating employment opportunities. Cooperatives were also faced with various challenges which hinder their success in poverty reduction. Some of the challenges include; market access, lack of funding, conflicts within cooperatives and high electricity costs. The study concludes by recommending different strategies which will enhance the success of cooperatives in poverty reduction. Further studies concentrating on poverty reduction, food security and employment creation need to be carried-out which will help cooperatives respondents to eradicate poverty in their households and communities.
Open Access
Determining factors of support for Agricultual Co-operatives in the Vhembe District of the Limpopo Province
(2016-05) Tshikororo, Mpho; Anim, F. D. K.; Pfumayaramba, T. K.
See the attached abstract below
Open Access
Profitability of sweet potato enterprises in Limpopo Province: A case study of Vhembe District
(2017-05-18) Libago, Khuliso; Taruvinga, B.; Pfumayaramba, T. K.
This research aimed to assess the profitability of sweet potato production enterprises. The focus areas were on: determining differences in profitability of different sweet potato enterprises located in different villages; identifying factors that affect the profitability of sweet potato enterprises; determining differences in the sweet potato markets; and identifying marketing channels utilised by sweet potato enterprises. The study was carried out in 8 villages in Makhado and Thulamela local municipalities of the Vhembe district of Limpopo province. There were 78 sweet potato farmers identified and interviewed as respondents in the study. A gross margin analysis model was used to calculate the profitability of sweet potato enterprises, while a multiple regression model was adopted to analyse factors that affect profitability of sweet potato enterprises. The study revealed the domination of females in sweet potato production, wherein 69.2% of the respondents were females. Furthermore, the study revealed that 16.7% of the respondents were illiterate, 24% of the respondents had never received any form of agricultural training. The findings of the study revealed that sweet potato production is a viable and profitable enterprise in the study area. Farmers recorded an average gross margin of R11 329.94 per ha. Furthermore, labour cost and fertilizer cost accounted for the highest costs incurred in production contributing 45% and 32% respectively to total costs. The results of the study further revealed that six variables were statistically significant to profitability. Occupation status, farming experience, unpaid family members, and labour cost were statistically significant to profitability at the 1% level of significance; whereas tractor hire cost and chemical cost were statistically significant to profitability at the 5% level of significance. The study recommends that stakeholders involved in agriculture and community development should attend to issues such agro-processing trainings and extension services offered to the farmers in the Vhembe district.
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
Hedonic price analysis of tomatoes sold by hawkers in the Vhembe District of Limpopo Province, South Africa
(2017-05-18) Sigidi, Khumbudzo Zelda; Anim, F. D. K.; Pfumayaramba, T. K.
study aimed to determine factors that influenced the price of tomatoes sold by hawkers on the roadside market. The study also aimed at determining whether any socio-economic characteristics of hawkers who sold tomatoes had significant impact on the price paid my consumers. The study was conducted in the Thulamela local municipality under Vhembe District of Limpopo, South Africa. A stratified random sampling technique was used to select participants for this study. A sample size of 198 hawkers were drawn randomly. Structured questionnaires were administered through face-to-face interview. Descriptive statistics, correlation matrix, multiple linear hedonic regression and stepwise linear regression were used to analyse collected data. With regards socio-economic characteristics, only age was found to have significant impact on the market price received by hawkers. Smooth appearance, rough appearance, round shape, oval shape, and red and yellow colour tomatoes had a significant impact on the average market price. It is therefore recommended that attribute such appearances, colour, shapes and sizes of tomatoes should be considered when selling tomatoes at both retail and farm level. This will result in more purchase of tomatoes that will eventually contribute to increase in household income and reduction in poverty.
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
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
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
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.