Department of Agricultural Economic and Agribusiness

Permanent URI for this community

https://univendspace.univen.ac.za/handle/11602/1920

Browse

Now showing 1 - 20 of 27

Open Access
An analysis of agricultural commercialisation amongst smallholder farmers in Munyati Resettlement Area, Chikomba District, Zimbabwe
(2015-02-06) Kabiti, Hlekani Muchazotida; Raidimi, E. N; Pfumayaramba, T. K.
Smallholder farmer commercialisation has been identified as a way of increasing agricultural production, food availability, and farmers' incomes. Smallholder commercialisation can occur asa result of an increase in the production levels of "traditional" food crops or asa result ofa shift in production towards cash crops. Commercialisation occurs both on the input side and output side. Zimbabwe has been coming up with strategies to increase smallholder farmer commercialisation and participation in agricultural markets. Smallholder farmers in Munyati resettlement area in Zimbabwe are still facing challenges in commercialisation. The study analysed smallholder farmer input and output commercialisation in the study area, paying attention to the determinants, current levels, challenges and the perceptions of the smallholder farmers on commercialisation. The study was limited to crop commercialisation. The study respondents were smallholder farmers and the extension officer working in the study area. Research methodologies used include transect walk, key informant interviews, and structured questionnaires. Descriptive statistics and econometric methods were used to analyse the data on the statistical package Stata version 10.0. The Tobit Regression Model was used to analyse the determinants of input and output commercialisation. The study revealed that the farmers have an average input commercialisation index of0.42 and an average output commercialisation index of 0.41. Level of input commercialisation was found to be determined by method of cultivation, years of schooling of household head, irrigation availability, distance to input market, road access and household gross production value in the study area. Level of output commercialisation at household level was found to be determined by household labour size, irrigation availability, household gross production value, farming experience and off farm income. The farmers had positive perceptions and attitudes towards agricultural commercialisation. Various challenges were indicated as hindrances to commercialisation. Most of the indicated challenges were market related. Lack of farmer organisations was another challenge indicated. The study ends by recommending that different strategies be used to enhance input and output commercialisation as they are determined by different factors. Further studies are recommended on commodity specific levels of commercialisation so as to better understand the agricultural commodities which can be promoted for the purpose commercialisation in the study area.
Open Access
An Analysis of crop farmer's resilience to climate change in the Thulamela Local Municipality of Vhembe District, Limpopo Province, South Africa
(2022-11-24) Gwebu, Mashoma Pusheletjo Nairobi; Oluwatayo, I. B.
Climate change is a well-known phenomenon, and it affects agriculture negatively. Due to the rising impacts of climate change, this study sought to assess resilience strategies that have been adopted by farmers to mitigate against the effects of climate change in the Thulamela Local Municipality. A mixed research design was used in this study. The simple random sampling techniques was used to select a sample of 180 farmers from a population of 300 registered farmers that used resilient strategies to mitigate the effects of climate change in Thulamela Municipality. Data was collected using structured questionnaires. The Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS version 27) was used to analyse the data. The study used descriptive statistics, to analyse the socio-economic characteristics of farmers that have adopted resilience strategies and challenges faced by farmers when adopting the resilience strategies. Furthermore, the principal component analysis model was used to analyse the resilient strategies adopted by farmers and multinomial regression analysis was used to analyse the factors influencing the choice of resilient strategies by farmers. The study found that there are more females than male farmers that use resilient strategies to mitigate the effects of climate change and that farmers with more farming experience adopt better these strategies than those with fewer experience. It was also found that most farmers that participate in using resilient strategies have formal education. The resilient strategies used by farmers were crop diversification, soil conservation practice and crop management, cover crops and rainwater harvesting, fertilizer application and the use of resilient crop varieties. Again, the study revealed that the most common factors influencing the adoption of resilience strategies were educational level, extension support, farming under irrigation, having an income. The result on the challenges that farmers faced while adopting to the resilience strategies indicate that farmers are unable to access credit, they do not have enough agricultural information, they have no proper guidance in using some resilient strategies, they do not have enough water on their farms. The study recommends that extension officers should facilitate networking among farmers, wherein farmers with more farming experience could assist farmers with less experience on the best adoption of resilient strategies Also, there should be mechanisms to assist farmers to adopt resilience strategies even if they are expensive to adopt within their practices.
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
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
Assessing beneficiation of black emerging macadamia farmers from the statutory levy for transformation in Vhembe District, Limpopo Province, South Africa
(2022-11-23) Mokwite, Basetsana Christine; Oluwatayo, I. B.
In 1996, under the Marketing of Agricultural Products Act (MAP Act No. 47 of 1996), the South African government implemented statutory measures in support of the MAP Act’s objective of promoting efficiency in the agricultural sector. In 2018, Macadamia South Africa NPC (SAMAC) were approved for a second term of statutory measures that enable applicable agricultural industries to collect levy funds for the expenditure on crucial generic functions: research, transformation, and information. The transformation function is enacted to fast-track rural development of previously disadvantaged farmers towards their advancing commercialisation by funding their much-needed resources to perform daily farm operations and for human capacity empowerment. With the aim to determine the objective of the MAP Act No. 47 enacted in 1996 is being realized, the study assessed the beneficiation of black emerging macadamia farmers from the transformation programme activities funded by the statutory levies in Vhembe District Municipality. The objectives of the study were to identify and describe the socio-economic characteristics of the farmers investigate factors influencing beneficiation from the transformation programme funded by the statutory levies, evaluate the impact of the transformation programme funded by the statutory levies on beneficiaries’ skills and enterprise development and explore the beneficiaries’ views, and challenges faced by the beneficiaries of the transformation programme funded by the statutory levies. The study was carried out in the Vhembe District Municipality, Limpopo Province where data was collected from 152 black emerging macadamia growers using structured questionnaires. SPSS version 27 and Stata version 14 were used to capture and analyze the data. A binary logistic regression model was used to investigate the influence of socio-economic factors on the beneficiation towards a transformation programme funded by statutory levies. PCA and Tobit regression model was used to evaluate the impact of the transformation programme funded by the statutory levies on farmer’s enterprise and skills development. Analysis of socio-economic factors showed amongst other things, that majority of the respondents were males, with the average age of the respondents being was 56 years having a farm size of 6.38 hectares. Respondents’ farming experience was 11 years, with an average of 11 years of schooling. Farming was the main source of income for most of the beneficiaries and the majority of the respondents had permission to occupy certificates from village chiefs revealing that they own the land. The binary regression model showed that socio-economic factors that influenced beneficiation were the location of the farmers, marital status, years of schooling, agricultural qualification, years of farming and membership association. The PCA and Tobit regression model found that the significant explanatory variables are farming qualification and membership association. The descriptive results of the extent to which the farmers are benefitted from the transformation programme funded by the statutory levies on farmers’ development (skills and enterprise) revealed that most of the farmers (69%) did receive assistance either for enterprise and or skills development activities. In terms of enterprise development over 75% of the respondents indicated that they have been assisted while over 76.3% of them indicated that they have received skills development assistance from the transformation programme. The study established the main constraints that the beneficiaries are facing were lack of machinery and infrastructure, high input costs and theft/mutilation of the macadamia nuts. the beneficiaries’ views of the transformation programme. The beneficiaries of the transformation programme also listed input subsidies, machinery and payment of staff as their major needs. Based on the findings, the study recommends that farmers be encouraged to continue schooling as far as acquiring agricultural qualifications because education could enhance farmers’ farming practices. Also, stakeholders such as agricultural extension officers and transformation managers of the industry bodies to offer the enterprise and skills development activities based on the farmer’s needs, regularly monitor and evaluate the progress of the farmers that benefitted from the programmes and mentor them before assisting more individuals.
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.
Embargo
Assessment of the Effectiveness of Agricultural Extension Services in Enhancing Food Security among Smallholder Maize Farmers in Makhado Local Municipality, Limpopo Province, South Africa
(2025-09-05) Munyai, Trevor; Oluwatayo, I. B.
Food security is a pressing concern not only in South Africa, but globally. According to the National Food Security indicators, South Africa is food secure nationally, but the same cannot be said at the household level. Meanwhile, agricultural extension services (AES) play a crucial role in supporting smallholder farmers through the provision of usable information, which can enhance food production and ultimately improve food security. The services rendered by extension workers provide farmers with the knowledge, skills, and resources necessary to improve their agricultural practices and increase productivity. The study was conducted in the Makhado Local Municipality, of Limpopo province, South Africa. It involved collecting data from a random sample of 250 smallholder maize farmers which was subsequently analyzed using descriptive statistics, Freer Greer Thorbecke (FGT) index of poverty measures, and Probit model. The results show that most respondents were male (53.6%) and aged above 60 (60.0%). A sizeable number of the respondents were educated, with 50.8% having secondary education. The study highlights the significant role of AES in improving food security, with 74.8% of respondents indicating enhancement of AES as a measure to improve food security. In achieving sustainable food security, structural barriers such as inadequate land access, water scarcity, and limited training opportunities were also identified as critical constraints. Probit model results indicate that, with a coefficient of age and access to credit, it was statistically significant at the 5% significant level, and they had a negative relationship with food security status. Moreover, the study also uncovered that effective extension services and access to the market had a negative relationship with food security status, and they were significant at a 1% level. The income level and land size were statistically significant at 5% but positively related to food security status. The study, therefore, recommends strengthening AES, improving market access, and increasing access to credit for smallholder farmers. Thus, tackling food insecurity requires a comprehensive strategy that considers the interplay of demographic, economic, and institutional factors.
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
Determinants of Maize Seed Selection for Climate Change Adaptation among Emerging Farmers in Mopani District, Limpopo Province, South Africa
(2023-05-19) Baloyi, Seugnet; Tshikororo, M.; Oluwatayo, I. B.
Maize is a crucial crop in the Mopani District of South Africa, playing a vital role in food security, economic development, and alleviation of poverty. As a staple crop in the region, maize is an important source of food for the local population and a significant economic activity for farmers. Farmers tends to select seed varieties for desired benefits such as adapting to the changing climatic conditions. The main aim of the study was to investigate the determinants of maize seed selection for climate change adaptation among emerging farmers in Mopani district. The study used quantitative research method. A simple random sampling was used to select the participants of the study. Data was collected through structured questionnaire from a sample of 208 emerging maize farmers. Descriptive Statistics was used to analyze and describe socio-economic characteristics of farmers within the study area. A multinomial Logit Model was used to examine factors influencing choice of maize seed varieties among emerging farmers and to determine the influence of climate change knowledge on selection of maize seed varieties. The results of the study showed that the majority of farmers were males, with the dominating age group being between 41 to 50 years and had between 6 and 10 years of farming experience. Grading and standardization of maize during the marketing phase had a significant impact on the selection of the red seed variety, and that awareness of climate change also had a significant impact on the selection of seed varieties. It was recommended that continuous efforts be made to promote awareness of climate change among farmers.
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
The Economic analysis of the impact of COVID-19 on smallholder broiler producers in Vhembe District Municipality of Limpopo Province, South Africa
(2023-10-05) Madula, Khodani; Oluwatayo, I. B.; Tshikororo, M.
The Covid-19 pandemic has been reported to have disrupted the supply chain of broiler chickens and food systems globally and negatively affecting the production of agricultural commodities. Poultry farming is a significant source of revenue generation for smallholder producers in developing countries. It plays a vital role in fulfilling the daily protein requirements of humans through meat consumption. This study was carried out to analyse the economic impact of Covid-19 on smallholder broiler producers in Vhembe District Municipality of Limpopo province in South Africa. This study adopted a quantitative research method. A simple random sampling technique was used to select the respondents of the study. Data was collected from a sample of 180 smallholder broiler producers through a structured questionnaire. Descriptive statistics was used to analyse and describe socio-economic and demographic characteristics of the respondents. Stochastic frontier production function was employed to determine factors influencing productivity among smallholder broiler producers in Vhembe district municipality. Data analysis on the economic impact of Covid-19 on smallholder broiler producers was done by Microsoft excel. Furthermore, to assess the support services provided by the government to smallholder broiler producers, descriptive statistics was used. The results of the study showed that majority of smallholder broiler producers were females (52.2%). The dominating age group for this study accounted for 41.1% of the respondents and were between the ages of 36 and 45 years. The majority of the respondents in the study area were found to have 6 to 9 years of farming experience (49.4%). Smallholder broiler producers with secondary level of education constituted 43% of the respondents. The results on the factors influencing productivity revealed that labour and feed cost had a positive relationship with productivity both at 1% level of significance. Vaccines were found to have a negative relationship with productivity at 5% significance level. Farming experience and access to extension services was found to have a positive relationship with efficiency. Gender and age were found to be negatively associated with technical efficiency. The study also discovered that majority of smallholder broiler producers, accounting for 67.2%, were negatively affected by the Covid-19 pandemic. Although there were funds provided by the government in a form of grants to help small businesses during the pandemic, the study found that only 39.4% of the respondents benefited from the funds. About 36.7% of the respondents received support through training and information provision. Smallholder broiler producers experienced a decrease in stocking density and decreased income. Based on the findings, the study recommends a partnership between relevant stakeholders such as SAPA to come up with low-cost ingredient feeds as a way to reduce cost of feeds, as this is generally the highest cost incurred in poultry production.
Open Access
Economic 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.
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 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
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
Farmer's attitudes towards the formation of cooperatives in rural areas: A study of irrigation schemes in Makhado Local Municipality
(2019-09-20) Raselabe, Thato Vincent Lesley; Raidimi, E. N.; Anim, F. D. K.
Agricultural cooperatives are important tools for enhancing the living standards of farmers in rural areas. It is therefore very clear that cooperatives are for the benefit of the farmers. However, the development of cooperatives in the study area is not at a desired level yet; hence, it is necessary to determine the farmers’ attitudes towards forming cooperatives. The research was carried out in Makhado Local Municipality, Vhembe District in Limpopo Province. Three irrigation schemes were selected for the study, which consist of a total of 215 smallholder farmers. However, only 152 smallholder irrigation farmers were used for the study. The mixed research design method was used for this study. The sampling technique used is purposive sampling. Data was collected through a structured questionnaire. Interviews were also made using key informants (Extension Office). The Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) was used to analyse the data. Cross tabulations and the logistic regression were used to analyse the data. The study revealed that the socioeconomic characteristics smallholder irrigation farmers has an impact on their willingness to form cooperatives. The study also revealed that the attitudes of farmers have an impact on their willingness to form cooperatives. The study further revealed that the constraints such as trainings, hired service providers, costs of inputs, access to agricultural information, access to adequate land and access to markets have an impact on their willingness to form cooperatives. The study recommended that strategies can be implemented on how cooperatives can be formed and enhance their success. The study also shows that future research can be done in youth participation in agriculture and cooperatives, cooperatives partnering with agricultural companies and other organisations.
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
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.