Theses and Dissertations

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Determinants of commercialization among smallholder vegetable cash crop farmers in Thulamela Municipality of Limpopo Province, South Africa
(2025-09-05) Khorombi, Takalani Isaac; Oluwatayo, I. B.; Tshikororo, M.
Smallholder farmers in developing countries play a crucial role in meeting the future food demand and improving the welfare of households. Commercial vegetable farming involves growing vegetables for market and personal use. Vegetables offer a unique market for South African growers because they are a necessity for everyone and are essential to address food security and satisfy people's requirements for additional nutrients. The study examined factors influencing the commercialisation of smallholder vegetable cash crop farmers in the Thulamela Municipality of Vhembe district, Limpopo province, South Africa. A simple random sampling technique was used to select a sample of 207 vegetable farmers. A structured questionnaire was used to collect data. Descriptive statistics were employed to analyse the socioeconomic characteristics of smallholder vegetable farmers, while the Market Orientation Index (MOI) was used to examine the intensity of commercialisation. A Tobit regression model was employed to analyse factors influencing the intensity of commercialisation. The study uncovered that women were the dominant group, with an average age of 45 years. Furthermore, 85% of the farmers were full-time farmers, with the majority of them dependent on social grants as a source of off-farm income. The study also uncovered that females were only leading at medium and weak CI, whereas males were dominant at higher CI. The study revealed that the revenue, transactional arrangements, farming experience, land size, educational level, and availability of labour were statistically significant and positively influenced the intensity of commercialisation. However, credit access, production cost, gender and household size were also statistically significant but negatively influenced commercialisation intensity. The study also found that technical challenges such as land ownership, production inputs, and farm management practices were the most dominant challenges that smallholder vegetable farmers faced in the study area. Therefore, the study recommends improved overall financial inclusion and simpler and faster loan processing as being necessary to assist farmers with credit. The study also recommends input hubs where farmers can buy inputs at a lower price. And for a policy that will enable the government to regulate the price of inputs.
Embargo
Determinants of Post-Harvest Handling Practices and Technologies Harnessed by Smallholder Fruit Crop Farmers in Vhembe District, Limpopo Province, South Africa
(2025-09-05) Belemu, Vhahangwele; Oluwatayo, I. B.
Post-harvest losses pose a significant challenge to smallholder fruit crop farmers in South Africa's Vhembe District, affecting their economic livelihoods and food security. The study, which was designed with a comprehensive approach, investigates the post-harvest handling practices and technologies (PHHPT) harnessed by smallholder fruit crop farmers in the region. The research objectives include profiling the socio-economic characteristics of farmers, identifying available post-harvest practices and technologies, determining factors influencing their adoption, identifying, and identifying and assessing associated challenges faced by these farmers. The study utilised a quantitative research design in its approach, ensuring a robust and reliable analysis. The research employed a multistage sampling technique to select participants, ensuring a representative sample. Primary data were collected through administration of the administration of a structured questionnaire, which covered various aspects, including demographics, farming details, post-harvest practices and technologies harnessed, and challenges faced. A total of 224 farmers were selected comprising 114 farmers from Thulamela, 88 farmers from Makhado, 16 farmers from Musina and 5 farmers from Collins Chabane municipality. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and the Tobit regression model. The data analysis results, with direct implications for policymakers and organisations, reveal a predominance of male farmers (63.8%), with significant engagement in agriculture (84.4%) and high land ownership (95.5%). However, there is limited access to credit (5.4%), storage facilities (96.4% lacking), and market access (62.1% facing difficulties). The most common fruits grown include avocados, mangoes, macadamias, and bananas. The main selling channels are farmers' markets and roadside stands, influenced by factors such as market demand and transportation efficiency. Postharvest losses are prevalent, with 50.9% of farmers experiencing issues such as rotting and physical damage, primarily due to inadequate storage and improper handling. Despite 50% awareness of postharvest practices and technologies, only 37.5% usage rates were observed, with minimal use of advanced technologies like refrigeration. The Tobit model result indicates that land ownership, selling method, access to agricultural information, pack houses, and PHHPT usage significantly influence the use of PHHPT. The study highlights the critical need for improved access to credit, markets, storage facilities, and educational programs. Recommendations include targeted support for new farmers, diversification of income sources, tailored financial products, strengthened market linkages, and investments in storage and transportation infrastructure. Addressing these problems can enhance productivity, reduce PHL, and improve the livelihoods of smallholder fruits crop farmers.
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
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
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
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
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
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.
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
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
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.
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
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
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
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
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
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.