scholarly journals Perceptions of Smallholder Farmers towards Organic Farming in South Africa

Agriculture ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (11) ◽  
pp. 1157
Author(s):  
Solomon Eghosa Uhunamure ◽  
Zongho Kom ◽  
Karabo Shale ◽  
Nthaduleni Samuel Nethengwe ◽  
Jacobus Steyn
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Organic Farming ◽  
Smallholder Farmers ◽  
Limpopo Province ◽  
Policy Implications ◽  
Critical Factors ◽  
Awareness Training ◽  
Smallholder Farming ◽  
High Profit ◽  
Significant Difference

In South Africa, smallholder farming is an important aspect of livelihood. More so, organic farming is increasingly becoming popular among farmers. However, many studies undertaken focused on the trade possibilities of the industry leaving the farmers’ perceptions underrepresented. This study, therefore, aims to capture the farmers’ opinions by evaluating the critical factors and policy implications of organic farming in the Limpopo Province of South Africa. A total of 220 semi-structured questionnaires were administered to smallholder farmers in the province. The results revealed that organic farming is gaining recognition according to 82.8% of the participants, and 86.6% believed that organic farming has high-profit returns. However, 88.4% of the respondents agreed that the required standards for organic farming are too restrictive while a further 74.6% indicated that organic farming certification is difficult to obtain. The results also indicated a statistically significant difference in the perceived benefits of organic farming (p ≤ 0.001) and access to markets (p = 0.042). Based on the results, the study suggests more awareness, training and ease of certification as a way forward in changing the perceptions of the farmers in the province.

scholarly journals Agricultural resilience under increasing water security threats: insights for smallholder farming in Limpopo Province, South Africa

2020 ◽  
Vol 15 (4) ◽  
pp. 849-862
Author(s):  
Simbarashe Kativhu ◽  
Marizvikuru M. Mwale ◽  
Jethro Zuwarimwe
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Water Scarcity ◽  
Smallholder Farmers ◽  
Water Security ◽  
Environmental Water ◽  
Limpopo Province ◽  
Smallholder Farming ◽  
Vision 2030 ◽  
Zero Hunger ◽  
Agricultural Resilience

Abstract Smallholder farmers in South Africa are facing increased pressure to manage water use due to growing scarcity and environmental water demand. This prompts the need to build resilient irrigation systems particularly for smallholder farmers. Building resilience is more pertinent in Limpopo province, where crop and animal production is hampered by water scarcity. Currently, there is an array of generic adaptation strategies for attaining resilient irrigation schemes in South Africa and beyond. However, the effectiveness and feasibility of these resilience measures at farm level, particularly among smallholders in marginalised areas, are not well researched in Limpopo Province. The current paper draws lessons from adaptation mechanisms in Southern Africa, indicates areas that require further studies and recommends ways for enhancing smallholder resilience against water scarcity. The article contributes to efforts for enhancing water security and fulfil the targets set in sustainable development goal 2 of zero hunger, South Africa Vision 2030, and the government's food security mandate, particularly through suggesting ways for enhancing smallholder farmer resilience and water security.

scholarly journals Spatio-temporal patterns and movement analysis of pigs from smallholder farms and implications for African swine fever spread, Limpopo province, South Africa

2015 ◽  
Vol 82 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Folorunso O. Fasina ◽  
Japhta M. Mokoele ◽  
B. Tom Spencer ◽  
Leo A.M.L. Van Leengoed ◽  
Yvette Bevis ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Smallholder Farmers ◽  
Animal Health ◽  
African Swine Fever ◽  
Limpopo Province ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Network Analyses ◽  
Critical Control Points ◽  
Spatio Temporal ◽  
Disease Dispersal

Infectious and zoonotic disease outbreaks have been linked to increasing volumes of legal and illegal trade. Spatio-temporal and trade network analyses have been used to evaluate the risks associated with these challenges elsewhere, but few details are available for the pig sector in South Africa. Regarding pig diseases, Limpopo province is important as the greater part of the province falls within the African swine fever control area. Emerging small-scale pig farmers in Limpopo perceived pig production as an important means of improving their livelihood and an alternative investment. They engage in trading and marketing their products with a potential risk to animal health, because the preferred markets often facilitate potential longdistance spread and disease dispersal over broad geographic areas. In this study, we explored the interconnectedness of smallholder pig farmers in Limpopo, determined the weaknesses and critical control points, and projected interventions that policy makers can implement to reduce the risks to pig health. The geo-coordinates of surveyed farms were used to draw maps, links and networks. Predictive risks to pigs were determined through the analyses of trade networks, and the relationship to previous outbreaks of African swine fever was postulated. Auction points were identified as high-risk areas for the spread of animal diseases. Veterinary authorities should prioritise focused surveillance and diagnostic efforts in Limpopo. Early disease detection and prompt eradication should be targeted and messages promoting enhanced biosecurity to smallholder farmers are advocated. The system may also benefit from the restructuring of marketing and auction networks. Since geographic factors and networks can rapidly facilitate pig disease dispersal over large areas, a multi-disciplinary approach to understanding the complexities that exist around the animal disease epidemiology becomes mandatory.

scholarly journals Perceptions of Climate Change and Drivers of Insect Pest Outbreaks in Vegetable Crops in Limpopo Province of South Africa

Climate ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (2) ◽  
pp. 27 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mutondwa Masindi Phophi ◽  
Paramu Mafongoya ◽  
Shenelle Lottering
Keyword(s):  
Climate Change ◽  
South Africa ◽  
Insect Pests ◽  
Climatic Factors ◽  
Smallholder Farmers ◽  
Limpopo Province ◽  
Bivariate Analysis ◽  
Vegetable Production ◽  
Dry Spells ◽  
Pest Outbreaks

Vegetable production is a source of income for smallholder farmers in Limpopo Province, South Africa. Vegetable production is constrained by the negative impacts of climate change and pests. This study assessed farmers’ awareness of climate change, farmers’ knowledge of insect pests and factors that influence insect pests’ prevalence. The data were collected using quantitative and qualitative methods. The data were subjected to descriptive and bivariate analysis. About 84.5% of smallholder farmers were aware of climate change. Late rainfall (24.4%), long dry spells (15%) and increased drought frequency (19.4%) were highlighted as dominant indicators of climate change by farmers. Aphids (22.2%), Bagrada hilaris (12.5%) and Spodoptera frugiperda (10.2%) were the most prevalent insect pests within the Vhembe District. Warmer winters, dry spells and high temperatures were perceived by farmers to influence insect pests’ prevalence within the district. It can be concluded that farmers are aware of climate change and climatic factors influencing pest prevalence within the district. Pest risk maps are needed to improve the preparedness of the government and farmers in controlling insect pests under changing climates.

scholarly journals Review: Challenges and opportunities for revitalising smallholder irrigation schemes in South Africa

Water SA ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 44 (3 July) ◽  
Author(s):  
M Fanadzo ◽  
B Ncube
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Capacity Building ◽  
Land Tenure ◽  
Government Policy ◽  
Food Production ◽  
Smallholder Farmers ◽  
Arable Land ◽  
Smallholder Farming ◽  
The Government ◽  
Smallholder Irrigation

South Africa is classified as a water-scarce country, and depends on agriculture for food production. The irrigation sector is the largest consumer of water in the country, accounting for about 62% of water utilisation, but also losing 30–40%. Given the threat of drought and climate change, efficient irrigation systems have become a necessity, especially in the smallholder farming sector where most losses occur. Smallholder irrigation schemes (SIS) were developed to improve rural livelihoods through sustainable food production for food security and poverty alleviation, but these development objectives remain largely unfulfilled. The objectives of this review were to assess challenges facing SIS and explore opportunities for revitalising the schemes. The focus was on government policy and strategies to support smallholder farmers. A review of government policy showed that although the needs and interests of smallholder farmers are high on the national agenda, there is insufficient financial support to the sector, suggesting that smallholder agriculture is not really seen as a potential driver of the economy. The core focus of the government on repairing irrigation infrastructure while neglecting the soft components relating to capacity building has partly been blamed for the failure of SIS in South Africa. Capacity building is one of the missing links in smallholder irrigation development and many failures have been attributed to lack of adequately trained farmers and extension staff, particularly in irrigation water management. Land tenure insecurity has been singled out as a major institutional challenge leading to poor performance of irrigation schemes. The diversity of schemes means that different kinds of interventions are needed to respond to varying farmers’ needs, resources and agricultural contexts. These findings point to the need to balance the soft and hard components of the irrigation schemes for sustainability. It is therefore evident that the government needs to review its priorities in revitalisation of SIS. Land tenure policies allowing increased access to arable land need to be developed urgently, together with the promotion of alternative cropping systems that are suitable forthe smallholder farming sector.

Perceptions of Smallholder Farmers on Determinants of Competitiveness of the Citrus Industry in Vhembe District, Limpopo Province, South Africa

2017 ◽  
Vol 59 (2-3) ◽  
pp. 62-71
Author(s):  
Azwihangwisi E. Nesamvuni ◽  
Khathutshelo A. Tshikolomo ◽  
Ndivhudzannyi S. Mpandeli ◽  
Lindelani Makhuvha
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Smallholder Farmers ◽  
Limpopo Province ◽  
Citrus Industry ◽  
Vhembe District

scholarly journals An Assessment of Smallholder Farmer’s Status in the Capricorn District in Limpopo Province, South Africa.

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Phokele Maponya
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Agricultural Production ◽  
Smallholder Farmers ◽  
Group Discussion ◽  
Sampling Technique ◽  
Limpopo Province ◽  
Water Type ◽  
Local Municipalities ◽  
Economic Support ◽  
Market Opportunities

Abstract This paper point the state of smallholder farmers in terms of the socio economic, support and yielding statuses in the Capricorn District, Limpopo Province, South Africa. The study used a representative sample consisting of 50 smallholder farmers, with 546 beneficiaries participating in the research. Four local municipalities were visited, namely: Polokwane, Molemole, Lepelle – Nkumpi and Blouberg. Quantitative and qualitative plan was used as a detailed questionnaire written in English. Focus group discussion, a stakeholder’s discussion, and field observations were used. A purposive sampling technique was used to select fifty (50) smallholder farmers and data was coded, captured and analysed with a software Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS version 20). Descriptive and Correlations analysis results showed a significant association among the following variables: Crops planted, Size of land, Source of water, Type of market and Land acquisition. The results also indicated that natural resources like land and water are the prerequisite for a smallholder farmer to engage in agricultural production. This will enable smallholder farmers to plant different crops and to identify market opportunities. It is recommended that organisations that oversee the improvement of socio economic conditions, policy, food security and rural development should use the results of this study as a guide for their planning and decision making for improved smallholder farmers’ livelihoods.

scholarly journals Trends In Credit To Smallholder Farmers In South Africa

2012 ◽  
Vol 11 (7) ◽  
pp. 771 ◽  
Author(s):  
Joseph Chisasa ◽  
Daniel Makina
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Developing Countries ◽  
Poverty Alleviation ◽  
Agricultural Sector ◽  
Smallholder Farmers ◽  
Policy Implications ◽  
Bank Credit ◽  
Smallholder Farmer ◽  
Access To Credit ◽  
Before And After

Access to credit for smallholder farmers remains a challenge in most developing countries. This paper examines the trend and pattern of bank credit to smallholder farmers in South Africa, both before and after the attainment of democratic government. The analysis of the trend and pattern of bank credit to smallholder farmers was conducted within the confines of the same agricultural sector, across all economy sectors and in relation to GDP. Our analyses show that bank credit to smallholder farmers is (and continues to be) a small fraction of total credit to the private sector and is a very small proportion of GDP. The smallholder farmer sector is observed to face the same constraints to credit as SMEs, a category of enterprises to which they also belong. In light of the importance of agriculture, in general, and smallholder farmers, in particular, to South Africas poverty alleviation and food security drive, our results have important policy implications.

Benefits obtained from cattle by smallholder farmers: a case study of Limpopo Province, South Africa

2008 ◽  
Vol 48 (7) ◽  
pp. 825 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. Stroebel ◽  
F. J. C. Swanepoel ◽  
N. D. Nthakheni ◽  
A. E. Nesamvuni ◽  
G. Taylor
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Production Systems ◽  
Smallholder Farmers ◽  
Meat Consumption ◽  
Livestock Production ◽  
Limpopo Province ◽  
Wealth Status ◽  
Livestock Farmers ◽  
Vhembe District

A survey of livestock production systems was conducted in the Vhembe District, located between 22°85′ latitude and 30°71′ longitude in the Limpopo Province of South Africa. The objective of the study was to investigate the benefits obtained from, and key functions of, cattle production, as well as related breeding objectives in smallholder livestock production in the Limpopo Province of South Africa. Data were collected by means of a general survey questionnaire and a participatory rural appraisal (PRA) exercise. The results indicate that almost 60% of farmers own < 10 cattle. Female animals constituted the largest component of the herd (55.02%). Although the bull : cow ratio was extremely high (1 : 3.7), the calving rate was low at 35.60%, with an extremely high herd mortality of 15.70% and a low off-take of 8.70%. In a pairwise ranking, the benefits obtained from cattle by smallholder livestock farmers are as follows: selling and meat consumption (4), wealth, status and savings (3), socio-cultural activities (2) and draught power (1). The ‘cattle complex’, where cattle are kept for prestige and status, is still appropriate, but cattle also make significant contributions in respect to selling and meat consumption, and arable inputs such as draft and fertiliser. It is concluded that benefits obtained from cattle form the basis of decision-making by smallholder cattle owners with respect to livestock production.

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