Department of Agricultural Economic and Agribusiness

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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
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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
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.
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.