scholarly journals Agro-processing as a tool for poverty alleviation strategy: A case of Raymond Mhlaba municipality

Author(s):  
Thandeka Khowa ◽  
Tafadzwa J. Mukasi

Background: Agro-processing is viewed as a possible poverty alleviation tool for rural development in South African communities. Agro-processing can be a tool for income generation and local economic development for rural settings.Aim: To examine the role and impact of cottage farming in Raymond Mhlaba municipality, rural Eastern Cape province. The study sought to identify ways of developing the cottage and agro-processing industries as a tool for poverty alleviation and local economic development.Setting: Grounded on the sustainable development theory and the human capital development approach, the study explores how rural people in Raymond Mhlaba Municipality utilise their livelihood capitals as a tool for survival.Method: The researcher employed a qualitative approach by using in-depth interviews and focus group discussion.Results: The study revealed that rural households embark on various survival strategies, cottage farming being dominant.Conclusion: The purpose of the study was to enhance small-scale farming using agro-processing as a poverty alleviation strategy, thus promoting a sustainable rural development for the Eastern Cape province.

Author(s):  
Nolitha L. Skenjana ◽  
Maxwell A. Poswal

Background: Resource-poor small-scale farmers often cannot afford the high prices of chemical insecticides to control pests on crops; as a result, some use botanical insecticides. Aim: The aim of the study was to document ethnobotanical pest control methods used by rural small-scale farmers to control pests of cabbage in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. Setting: 217 rural small-scale crop-producing farmers from 14 towns in the Amathole, Joe Gqabi, Alfred Nzo, Chris Hani and OR Tambo Districts participated in the study. Methods: Questionnaires were administered to consenting farmers between July and November in 2012, using the convenience and stratified purposive sampling techniques. Data collected were subjected to descriptive statistical analysis. Results: The majority of farmers using botanical insecticides were females above the age of 60 years. The farmers identified 23 plants, which they use in their pest control strategies against seven pests of cabbage. The annual herb Tagetes minuta L. (Asteraceae) was cited as the most commonly used herb by 47% of the respondents, followed by Chenopodium ambrosioides L. (Chenopodiceae), Aloe ferox Mills. (Asphodelaceae) and Nicotiana tabacum L. (Solanaceae). Various plant parts were used in combinations or alone in the preparation of formulations mainly against aphids, cutworms and the diamondback moth. Conclusion: The plants, plant parts, combinations and formulations used by farmers in their cabbage pest control strategies need to be scientifically authenticated for efficacy.


2021 ◽  
Vol 34 (1) ◽  
pp. 28-32
Author(s):  
Tshepiso Jonathan SETOKOE ◽  

This article investigates the viability of community-based tourism (CBT) in support of socio-economic development and poverty alleviation through a case study in Nqileni Village, Eastern Cape Province in South Africa. This was done through data solicited using a qualitative research approach amongst residents of Nqileni village in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. The data collected was then analysed using NVivo system, version 11, which provided substance to the research through the creation of a comprehensive observation report. The results indicated a positive view of members of the community relating to the contribution of CBT to community development (socio-economics) and poverty alleviation.


2019 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
pp. 149
Author(s):  
Douglas Kibirige ◽  
Ajay S. Singh ◽  
Lovemore M. Rugube

Despite the establishment and revitalization of small-scale irrigation schemes, input subsidies and tractor hire schemes in the rural Eastern Cape Province of South Africa productivity among small-scale farmers is recorded low and anticipated to decline. For survival, small-scale farmers have resorted to cultivating high value crops including vegetables. However, their vegetable productivity is far less than the estimated potential yields, and information regarding their production efficiency is limited. Therefore, this study was aimed at determining farmer’s production efficiency to generate meaningful information necessary for designing feasible pro-poor policies aimed at catalysing increased the productivity and rural household incomes. The study was carried out at Qamata and Tyefu irrigation schemes, and approximately 158 farmers were interviewed. The Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) approach was used to generate results. The findings in this article indicated that most farmers are old aged with low literacy levels. Farmers were also allocating few hectares of land for cabbage production with far less application of fertilizers and pesticides compared to the recommended amounts. Farmers at Qamata and Tyefu irrigation schemes are technically, allocatively and economically efficient at 98%, 72% and 77% level, respectively. Thus, for improving the productivity, farmers need to maintain the same technologies and adjust on the amounts of fertilizers, seeds and pesticides used for improving allocative and economic efficiency. Results suggested that this can be achieved through encouraging more youth participation in farming, improved input-agronomic and agribusiness skills, catalysing processes of land reforms, and construction of more dams.


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