scholarly journals Adoption Drivers of Improved Open-Pollinated (OPVs) Maize Varieties by Smallholder Farmers in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (24) ◽  
pp. 13644
Author(s):  
Masithembe Sigigaba ◽  
Lelethu Mdoda ◽  
Asanda Mditshwa
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Smallholder Farmers ◽  
Farm Size ◽  
Eastern Cape Province ◽  
Eastern Cape ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Extension Services ◽  
Multi Stage ◽  
Maize Varieties ◽  
Structured Questionnaire

This study assesses the determinants of adoption drivers of improved open-pollinated (OPVs) maize varieties by smallholder farmers in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. Cross-sectional data of multi-stage random sampling was used to randomly select 150 smallholder farmers in the province. Data collection was conducted through a well-structured questionnaire administered to 150 smallholder farmers. Descriptive statistics and a logistic regression model were used for the analyses. The inferential results reveal that the majority of farmers in the study area were females (70%) with an average age of 45 years and had six people in the households. Smallholder maize farmers spent an average of 10 years in school. The results show that smallholder maize farmers had a farm size of 3 ha and a household income of R 3565.00, which contributes highly to household and farm operations. Farmers had access to extension services and were members of farm organizations. The results show that hybrid is the most used maize variety rather than OPVs. The main reason, among other things, for the poor use and adoption of OPVs is the lack of knowledge about the seeds. The results drawn from the estimations show that socio-economic and institutional factors influenced the adoption of OPVs by farmers in the study area. Therefore, the study recommends strengthening the existing extension services to highlight the benefits of OPVs through training and farmers’ information days.

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.

scholarly journals Poverty Status among Irrigators and Homestead Gardeners in Eastern Cape Province of South Africa

2019 ◽  
pp. 1-18
Author(s):  
T. A. Balogun ◽  
L. O. Abegunde
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Sampling Technique ◽  
Primary Data ◽  
Eastern Cape Province ◽  
Eastern Cape ◽  
Extension Services ◽  
Pooled Data ◽  
Logit Regression ◽  
Multi Stage ◽  
Poverty Status

The study analysed the poverty status and the determinants among farmers in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. Primary data were collected with the aid of a well-structured questionnaire and a total of 267 respondents were chosen using a multi-stage random sampling technique. The data collected were analysed using descriptive statistics, poverty index (Foster-Greer-Thorbecke (FGT), logit regression, and correlation matrix. The headcount index of the pooled data indicated that 49 percent of the respondents in the study area was poor with poverty severity and poverty gap indices of 0.15 and 0.25 respectively. The depth of poverty was higher and severe among the female homestead gardeners in Tyhefu and farmers with less than 2ha of farmland. The logit regression revealed that years spent in school, household size, size of cultivated farmland, extension services, and being a member of an association have a significant influence on the likelihood of being poor. Only the age of the respondents was not significant. The study therefore recommends that institutions in charge of credit facilities, education, and extension services be strengthened to give farmers meaningful wellbeing.

scholarly journals Sustainable development: biofuels in agriculture

2017 ◽  
Vol 8 (2) ◽  
pp. 83-91 ◽  
Author(s):  
Priviledge Cheteni
Keyword(s):  
Smallholder Farmers ◽  
Probit Model ◽  
Eastern Cape Province ◽  
Eastern Cape ◽  
Negative Effects ◽  
Biofuel Crops ◽  
Land Grabs ◽  
Binary Probit Model ◽  
Binary Probit ◽  
Structured Questionnaire

Biofuels are socially and politically accepted as a form of sustainable energy in numerous countries. However, cases of environmental degradation and land grabs have highlighted the negative effects to their adoption. Smallholder farmers are vital in the development of a biofuel industry. The study sought to assess the implications in the adoption of biofuel crops by smallholder farmers. A semi-structured questionnaire was administered to 129 smallholder farmers who were sampled from the Eastern Cape Province in South Africa. A binary probit model was used to investigate the determinants of smallholder farmers adopting biofuel crops. The empirical results showed that the variables, such as membership in association, occupation and incentives were statistically significant in influencing farmers’ decision to adopt biofuel crops. Furthermore, it was discovered that the studied areas have a potential to grow biofuel crops.

scholarly journals A Cross-Sectional Survey of the Prevalence and Determinants of Overweight and Obesity Among Primary Healthcare Professional Nurses In Eastern Cape, South Africa

2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (4) ◽  
pp. 53 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sizeka Monakali ◽  
Daniel Ter Goon ◽  
Eunice Seekoe ◽  
Eyitayo Omolara Owolabi
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Healthcare Professional ◽  
Primary Healthcare ◽  
Overweight And Obesity ◽  
Eastern Cape Province ◽  
Eastern Cape ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Primary Health ◽  
Primary Health Care Professional ◽  
Professional Nurses

There is a paucity of data on the burden of obesity among primary Health care professional nurses in Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. This study examines the prevalence and determinants of overweight and obesity among Primary Healthcare Professional nurses in Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. This workplace cross-sectional study was conducted among 203 Primary Health Care Professional nurses selected conveniently across 41 primary healthcare facilities in Eastern Cape, South Africa following a the WHO STEPwise approach and using the WHO STEPwise questionnaire for data collection. Data were expressed as mean, counts and proportions, as appropriate. We compared percentages using chi-square test. Descriptive and inferential statistics were conducted. Seventy six percent of the nurses were obese and 18% were overweight. Age, gender, marital status, duration of practice, alcohol use and smoking were significantly associated with obesity. Only age >30 years and not using alcohol were independent predictors of obesity, after adjusting for confounders. We found a high prevalence of obesity among primary healthcare professional nurses in this setting. This constitute future risk for an increased prevalence of chronic diseases among the healthcare workforce in this setting. There is a need for measures to promote healthy lifestyle behaviours and weight management among nurses in this setting.

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