scholarly journals Agroforestry Practices in Livelihood Improvement in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (15) ◽  
pp. 8477
Author(s):  
Mulatu Fekadu Zerihun
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Food Security ◽  
Linear Regression ◽  
Rural Livelihoods ◽  
Food Prices ◽  
Policy Implications ◽  
Eastern Cape Province ◽  
Eastern Cape ◽  
Sustainable Rural Livelihoods ◽  
Agroforestry Practices

Agroforestry plays a significant role in increasing agricultural productivity. In South Africa, there is a pressing need for promoting smallholder agriculture to promote sustainable rural livelihoods, to ensure food security, to lower inflation in food prices, and address rampant rural unemployment in the country. The agricultural economy is characterised by a monopoly structure where almost every single staple in South Africa is already produced by large manufacturers that can produce it at better quality and lower cost than the average smallholder enterprise or cooperative. Such a monopoly structure fundamentally undermines the development of local markets, where local small-scale producers sell to their local community. The novelty of this study is addressing the research gap that conventional rural livelihood analyses often neglect, i.e., the role of environmental products in general, and forest and agroforestry products. Using a log linear regression model with cross-sectional data collected from a sample of 300 households, this study explores the likely impact of agroforestry practices in promoting the livelihood of rural communities in the study areas. Results obtained from multiple linear regression analysis showed that average household income increased as a function of utilization of agroforestry practices. Agroforestry contributes to sustainable rural livelihoods in South African provinces where the predominant means of livelihoods is rural subsistence farming and agriculture. Since valuation of agroforestry products and services are technically difficult, farmers often underestimate the contribution of agroforestry to the household’s livelihood income. These findings have policy implications in promoting food security in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa and beyond.

scholarly journals Institutional Analysis of Adoption of Agroforestry Practices in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa

2020 ◽  
Vol 36 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mulatu Fekadu Zerihun
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Information Exchange ◽  
Agricultural Land ◽  
Policy Implications ◽  
Eastern Cape Province ◽  
Eastern Cape ◽  
Positive Role ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Agroforestry Practices

Agroforestry practices are innovations developed in response to problems associated with inappropriate land use practices. The latter refers to the use of agricultural land for non-agricultural purposes because of an increase in urbanisation, rapidly developing industry, and investments, and, finally, gaps in laws and regulations (Cengiz, 2013). Agroforestry practices are land-based economic development strategies with a perceived positive role in supporting rural livelihoods. Using a logistic regression model with cross-sectional data, this study explores the impact of institutional factors and incentive mechanisms that affect the adoption of agroforestry innovations. The study finds that a larger number of extension services, access to credit, access to extension, information exchange among farmers, trust in local institutions, active participation in social  groups and organisations, and prior exposure to agricultural technologies are the variables that positively affect the adoption of agroforestry innovations in the study area. These findings have policy implications in promoting integrated rural development in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa.

Assessment of food security among households in Eastern Cape Province, South Africa

2018 ◽  
Vol 45 (1) ◽  
pp. 2-17 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ebenezer Toyin Megbowon ◽  
Abbyssinia Mushunje
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Food Security ◽  
Poisson Regression ◽  
Dietary Diversity ◽  
Eastern Cape Province ◽  
Eastern Cape ◽  
Food Groups ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Dietary Diversity Score ◽  
Household Dietary Diversity

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to analyze food security status and its determinants among households in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. Design/methodology/approach The analysis is based on the General Household Survey which was conducted in 2014 where 3,033 households were sampled from the province. Specifically, this study examines the determinants of food security proxy by dietary diversity (24-hour recall) using descriptive statistics, Poisson regression. A frequency count of food groups consumed household dietary diversity score was used as the explained variable. Findings The descriptive analysis shows that, although 61.7 percent of households in the study area have a high dietary diversity score, however, food group giving micronutrients are less consumed as food groups having cereals (maize), beef, sugar and oil was mostly consumed. Results on the marginal effect of Poisson regression indicate that household head characteristics (age, gender, education, marital status, and employment status), pension receiving households and geographical location significantly influence household dietary diversity. Originality/value This study advocates for the intensification of rural development and food security programs, formal and informal education for household heads, female empowerment and dietary enlightenment for households in order to promote the consumption of diverse diets and more healthful food groups.

scholarly journals The Impact of Soil Erosion as a Food Security and Rural Livelihoods Risk in South Africa

2016 ◽  
Vol 8 (8) ◽  
pp. 1
Author(s):  
Ikponmwosa David Ighodaro ◽  
Francois S. Lategan ◽  
Wiseman Mupindu
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Food Security ◽  
Soil Erosion ◽  
Older People ◽  
Linear Regression Analysis ◽  
Rural Livelihoods ◽  
Erosion Control ◽  
Multiple Linear Regression Analysis ◽  
Eastern Cape ◽  
The Impact

<p>This study evaluates soil erosion/attrition as a major food security and rural livelihoods risk in South Africa, with the Upper and Lower Areas of Didimana, Eastern Cape Province, as a case study. The survey research method was adopted for the study. Farmers and extension officers’ behaviours relating to soil erosion control was negative even though the impact of erosion in the area was high. Approximately 75% of farmers indicated that they lose more than 21% of their crops yearly due to erosion and 55% said their crops and livestock, as well as their household feeding, suffer due to the problem. The results of the multiple linear regression analysis indicate that farm yield and farmers’ access to market are positively related to farmers’ adoption tendencies regarding erosion control, implying that farmers are more willing to adopt recommendations if their yields and access to market can increase. Similarly, age of farmers is positively related with erosion impact, indicating that older people have a higher tendency to cause erosion in the study area. This is true, as the area consists more of older people, who are generally known to resist change, thus low in adoption. Therefore, it is perceived that if farmers manage soil erosion appropriately, they will achieve higher yields. More so, pull factors like improved rural infrastructures and adequate agricultural incentives for youths are suggested to lure more youth in taking into farming in the study area.</p>

scholarly journals Market Participation and Volume Sold: Empirical Evidence From Irrigated Crop Farmers in the Eastern Cape

2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (17) ◽  
pp. 66
Author(s):  
L. Mdoda ◽  
A. Obi
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Food Security ◽  
Random Sampling ◽  
Smallholder Farmers ◽  
Sampling Procedure ◽  
Eastern Cape Province ◽  
Eastern Cape ◽  
Market Participation ◽  
Factors Influencing ◽  
Technical Factors

The market partaking of smallholder farmers in market-oriented production has the perspective to expand profits, upsurge agricultural output and ultimately promote food security. However, the participation of smallholder&rsquo;s irrigators and homestead gardeners in markets in South Africa remains low despite numerous interventions, especially since the dawn of democracy in 1994. However, up-to-date, there is not enough evidence that these attempts had been met successfully. This paper examines factors influencing smallholders&rsquo; choice to partake in markets and volume sold in the Eastern Cape Province. The study employed survey data of 150 irrigated crop farmers. A random sampling procedure was used in the study areas. The study used a Heckman regression to assess factors impelling market participation and volume sold. Results reveal that market participation and volume sold are influenced by socio-economic and technical factors. Based on the results, the needed policy change to encourage group marketing and upgrading of roads to enable smooth accessibility of output markets are highlighted.

scholarly journals What are we measuring? Comparison of household food security indicators in the Eastern Cape Province, South Africa

2016 ◽  
Vol 55 (2) ◽  
pp. 141-162 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sheryl L. Hendriks ◽  
Corné van der Merwe ◽  
Mjabuliseni S. Ngidi ◽  
Christopher Manyamba ◽  
Mondli Mbele ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Food Security ◽  
Household Food Security ◽  
Eastern Cape Province ◽  
Eastern Cape ◽  
Household Food ◽  
Food Security Indicators ◽  
Security Indicators

scholarly journals Water Scarcity and Food Security in Ngqeleni Locality in the Eastern Cape Province- South Africa

2021 ◽  
Vol 10(1) (10(1)) ◽  
pp. 40-53
Author(s):  
Laura Novienyo Abla Amoah
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Food Security ◽  
Empirical Evidence ◽  
Water Scarcity ◽  
Eastern Cape Province ◽  
Eastern Cape ◽  
Water Shortages ◽  
Focus Group Research ◽  
The Impact ◽  
The Relationship

South Africa in general and the Eastern Cape Province in particular face increasing water shortages. However, little empirical evidence exists on how rural households are affected by water scarcity and the impact thereof on food security. This paper discusses the relationship between water scarcity and food security in Ngqeleni, a rural location in Eastern Cape, South Africa. Through empirical evidence collected using techniques inspired by the tradition of participatory focus group research and self-administered questionnaires in Ngqeleni, it is argued that there is a significant relationship between water scarcity and food security. Results also reveal that population growth, lack of political will and commitment, inadequate water resource infrastructure, and weaknesses within the institutional framework are some of the causes of water scarcity. Until effective water management systems are identified and enforced, food security will continue to plague Ngqeleni.

scholarly journals Home gardens in the Eastern Cape Province, South Africa: A promising approach to enhance household food security and well-being

2021 ◽  
Vol 22 (9) ◽  
Author(s):  
Pelisa Ngcaba ◽  
Alfred Maroyi
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Food Security ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Home Gardens ◽  
Leafy Vegetables ◽  
Food Plants ◽  
Household Food Security ◽  
Eastern Cape Province ◽  
Eastern Cape ◽  
Household Food

Abstract. Ngcaba P, Maroyi A. 2021. Home gardens in the Eastern Cape Province, South Africa: A promising approach to enhance household food security and well-being. Biodiversitas 22: 4045-4053. The current study is aimed at documenting the diversity and composition of food plants cultivated and maintained in home gardens; and also assessing their role at enhancing household food security and well-being in the Eastern Cape province, South Africa. This study was undertaken in six villages in the province, between June 2014 and March 2016. Information on socioeconomic and demographic characteristics of the respondents, home garden practices, food plants grown and maintained in home gardens were collected by means of questionnaires and guided field walks with 129 respondents. A total of 32 edible plants belonging to 27 genera and 18 families were recorded. The main uses of plants grown and managed in home gardens were edible fruits or seeds (56.3%), leaves cooked as leafy vegetables (28.1%), edible bulbs, roots and tubers (21.9%), beverage, cereal, and culinary herb or spice (3.1% each). The most preferred species were Zea mays (64.3%), followed by Brassica oleracea (59.7%), Solanum tuberosum (58.9%), Spinacia oleracea (52.7%), Allium cepa (51.9%), Cucurbita moschata (44.2%), Capsicum annuum (38.0%), Cucurbita maxima (31.8%) and Daucas carota (31.0%). This study showed that home gardens can provide alternative sources of diverse and nutritious food to households, making home gardens an important agricultural resource for increasing food security in the province.

scholarly journals Determinants of Food Security Status amongst Smallholder Farmers Utilizing Different Maize Varieties in OR Tambo District, South Africa

2020 ◽  
pp. 133-139
Author(s):  
Ardinesh Kambanje ◽  
Amon Taruvinga ◽  
Abbyssinia Mushunje ◽  
Charles Mutengwa ◽  
Saul Ngarava
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Food Security ◽  
Food Insecurity ◽  
Smallholder Farmers ◽  
Household Food Insecurity ◽  
Eastern Cape Province ◽  
Eastern Cape ◽  
Household Food ◽  
Food Security Status ◽  
Maize Varieties

Maize is an important staple crop for poverty reduction and global food security in Sub Saharan Africa. Food insecurity can be combated through adoption of productivity improving technologies, which include improved maize varieties. In that endeavour, South Africa has promoted various improved maize varieties which include open pollinated varieties (OPVs), hybrids, and genetically modified (GM) varieties. Despite this, the traditional landrace varieties have also been dominating in the country. However, the household food insecurity problem in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa may signify a mis-match between maize varieties being promoted amongst smallholder farmers’ and their needs. It therefore necessitates a scrutiny of the food security status among users of different maize varieties, and the determinants of such food security. A cross sectional survey was conducted in Port St Johns, Mqanduli and Flagstaff in the Eastern Cape Province, South Africa. Data was purposively collected from a sample of 650 smallholder farmers using a structured questionnaire. Descriptive statistics, Household Food Insecurity Access Score and ordinal logistic regression model were employed to characterize, examine the household food insecurity status and the determinants, respectively. Fifty-six percent of the respondents were utilizing land race maize varieties, whilst 29% GMs, 10% combining GMs and landrace, 4% improved OPVs and 1% convectional hybrids. The average land area under maize was 1.09 hectares with average yields (t/ha) of 1.9, 0.5, 1.7 and 1.6 for GM, landrace, conventional hybrids and improved OPVs respectively. Fifty-five percent of households utilizing GM varieties and 61% of those combining maize varieties were food secure. The regression model showed that maize variety had significant influence on food security. The study found that GM maize, improved OPV, white maize and combination effects of GM maize was associated with reduction of household food insecurity. From the study, it can be put into perspective that use of white and improved maize varieties reduces household food insecurity. Therefore, to address household food insecurity, the study recommended targeting white maize varieties, especially GM white maize varieties which are highly productive and a positive influence on household food security.

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