The Small-Scale Broiler Value Chain Configuration and Market Access Constraints in Vhembe District of Limpopo Province, South Africa

Abstract

The number of broiler farmers in developing countries is increasing, however they face several challenges that impede their growth. Access to sustainable market is a critical challenge for broiler farmers which is hampered by underdeveloped value chains. Hence, identifying value chain constraints and areas to strengthen in small-scale broiler production is crucial to enhance competitiveness. Sixty (n = 60) farmers were sampled to assess the value chain configuration and market for small-scale broiler farmers in Vhembe district of Limpopo province in South Africa. Both Quantitative and Qualitative data was gathered using a structured questionnaire with open and close-ended questions. Quantitative data was analysed using statistical package for social science version 27. Moreover, descriptive analysis (SPSS version 27), Thematic analysis (Atlas Ti version 8), Thematic content analysis (Atlas Ti version 8) was used to analyse the data. The results suggest that value chain configuration is directly correlated to marketing configurations. This study also reveals that lack of capital is the main challenge that give birth to many other challenges like lack of abattoirs and access to main production inputs for growth. It also reveals that the combination of these challenges made it difficult for the small-scale broiler producers to penetrate the vertical organized market and growth. Also, the results show that small-scale producers can deepen their value chain participation through amongst others, procuring production inputs, establishing abattoir and leverage government support collectively to increase their production capacity. The study recommends that small-scale producers form input and market cooperatives to collectively source production inputs and market their produce. In terms of support, small-scale broiler farmers require intensified support programmes to strengthen their production capabilities and entrench access the sustainable market for sustained growth.