Thesis (M.Sc. (Agricultural Economics)) -- University of Limpopo, 2023 / The agricultural sector plays an important role in South Africa regardless of the small contribution of 1.88% it has to the GDP of the Country. Small-scale maize farmers’ decisions to adopt adaptation options in response to climate change and variability are influenced by socioeconomic, institutional, and environmental factors, indicating that decision patterns can be very specific to a given locality. The study aimed to analyse the determinants of small-scale maize farmers’ willingness to pay for changing planting dates in the face of climate change. This study had two main objectives, to identify and describe the socio-economic characteristics of small-scale maize farmers, and to determine factors influencing the small-scale maize farmer’s willingness to pay for changing planting dates in the face of climate change in Makhuduthamaga Local Municipality. The study used primary data with a sample size of 150 small-scale maize farmers. Descriptive statistics and the Probit Regression Model were employed when analysing data. The study employed purposive sampling in the data collection process and three villages were selected. Probability was proportional to sample size and was used to select the number of small-scale maize farmers for the sample frame of each village. About 58% of the sampled small-scale maize farmers were willing to pay for changing planting dates in the face of climate change, as opposed to 42% of those not willing to pay for changing planting dates. Empirical results from the analysis reported that age (10%), educational level (1%), level of income (1%), years of farming (10%), total output (1%), exposure to climate information services (5%), and use of indigenous forecast (1%) out of twelve explanatory variables were found to be significant. Based on the empirical findings of the study it is recommended that government officials together with other stakeholders such as NGOs and research institutions should invest in the education of small-scale maize farmers through knowledge systems such as (presentations, conferences, seminars, abet etc). Government policies and strategic investment plans that support improved small-scale maize farmers’ accessibility to climate information are also recommended.

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LD2668 .T4 1954 M35 / Master of Science

Call number: LD2668 .T4 1961 K63 / Master of Science

Call number: LD2668 .T4 1962 D66

Call number: LD2668 .T4 1964 W176 / Master of Science

The study was designed to identify and get a better understanding of the determinants of Smallholder farmers' participation in cattle markets in the Ngaka Modiri Molema District of North West Province, A hundred and nine smallholder cattle farmers were randomly selected using the simple random sample method. The list of smallholder cattle farmers was obtained from the North West Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (Ngaka Modiri Molema District). Data was collected through the use of structured questionnaire that consisted of demographic characteristics market-related constraints encountered by smallholder cattle farmers, availability of infrastructure, access to market information, cattle production, cattle nutrition, cattle health, cattle husbandry, and reasons far keeping cattle and markets participated in by smallholder cattle farmers. The data was coded, captured and analysed using the statistical package for social science (SPSS) for frequencies, percentage and profit regression analysis. The results of the study show that the majority of the respondents in this research were male (72%): married (68%); Christians (74%); not formally educated 45°o; and having less than 10 years in farming (61%). The results highlighted that majority of the smallholder cattle farmers used informal markets to market their cattle (83%); mainly used auctions (58%) as a formal marketing channel and were mostly familiar with informal (62%) marketing channels. The farmers received higher prices (65%) from the cattle markets they regularly use and were nearer. The majority of smallholder farmers (55%) do not participate in the most rewarding channels. Majority of the smallholder cattle farmers were affected by, lack of support from government (96%); limited market information (95%); financial constraints (79%); (distance to mainstream markets (60%); and bureaucracy (62%). The results of probit regression model show that out of 15 independent variables considered, the coefficients for 5 variables' were statistical/v significant, These were the number of heifers (Z= 2, 742: P<P0. 05), smallholder cattle farmers keeping of farm records (Z=2. 611: P<0. 05), the number of years in farming (Z=2,45] P<0.01), level of education Z=-1. 745,' P<0.01) and smallholder farmers slaughtering of cattle and selling as carcass (Z- 1,899: P<0, 01). / Thesis (M.Sc.(Agric Economics) North-West University, Mafikeng Campus, 2013

The 2008-2009 Texas drought rivals the 1950s drought, known as the “drought of record,” as one of the state’s worst droughts in recent memory. Prolonged periods of little to no precipitation combined with high temperatures and the strain of population growth have created disastrous conditions especially across the southern and central regions of the state, which have been hardest and longest. At one point, more than 83 percent of the entire state was in some form of drought and the United States Department of Agriculture declared more than half the state as a primary natural disaster area due to losses from drought, above-normal temperatures and associated wildfires. More than $4 billion in agricultural losses have been predicted as a result of the drought. Even after heavy rains have lifted nearly all of Texas out of drought, there are still counties in extreme and exceptional drought. It is clear that water issues will continue to impact the state socially, economically and ecologically, so it is crucial for all Texans to have a better understanding of the myriad ramifications drought can have on various industries and communities throughout the state. / text

The purpose of this study was to explore the preferred information sources and delivery channels for farm-related information among selected northeast Texas farmers and describe these results in a manner which might enable the Texas AgriLife Extension Service and other agriculture-focused entities better position themselves to address the needs of their clientele. An instrument was developed and mailed to (N = 290) randomly selected farmers from existing Extension mailing lists in four northeast Texas counties: Bowie, Rains, Rusk and Shelby. Participants had the option of responding online or via return mail. The highest ranking interpersonal information sources were other farmers, AgriLife Extension personnel, and seminars/workshops. The lowest ranking interpersonal information sources were agricultural lenders/bankers and private consultants. The highest ranking print-based information sources were agricultural newspapers and farm magazines. The lowest ranking print-based information sources were publications from non-governmental farm organizations and daily or weekly newspapers. Respondents were neutral on the usefulness of television and radio as information sources. The Internet was the only electronic information source agreed to as useful by responding farmers. The lowest ranking electronic media source was social media. The most common type of contact between farmers and the Texas AgriLife Extension Service was reading an Extension publication monthly, followed by a yearly visit to the Extension office. Farmers were satisfied with the quality of the agriculture related materials and programs provided by the Texas AgriLife Extension Service and were likely to recommend the agency to others. The majority (91.6%) of respondents had not heard of the national Extension website eXtension and only 4 respondents (2.5%) had reported using the website before. Respondents felt that eXtension would increase the accessibility of Extension programming, should be publicized more by local Extension offices, and would make Cooperative Extension more popular. Internet use among farmers was found to be influenced by age, highest level of education attained, Internet connection type, and other electronic devices used. Perceptions about AgriLife Extension were found to be influenced by Innovativeness Category, primary occupation, gender, and other electronic devices used. Findings in this study support the Uses and Gratifications Theory of media use.

Abstract In 2001 a development program named FondeAgro was implemented in the northern region of Nicaragua with the aim to reduce poverty by rural development. During a ten-year period peasants in the departments of Jinotega and Matagalpa received expert assistance on farming in order to improve their livelihoods and create sustainable businesses as small- and medium- scale peasants. This study aims to present the reality of coffee producing farmers who participated in FondeAgro, ending in 2011. Research is made on if and how farmers continue with methods learned during the program and its effects on production- and livelihood development. Existing reports present the implementation of the program and farmers’ abilities to adapt and work with new methods, though this stretches only until the end of the program, 2011. Accordingly, there is no information on how farmers’ lives appear after the program’s end, why this research is carried through. A field study was conducted in the municipality El Cúa, department of Jinotega in northern Nicaragua in 2012. In order to visualize the complex pattern of poverty, access to or lack of capital assets the sustainable livelihoods framework is used for analysis. To further elucidate the effects of the development program and attainment of goals, a manual on development interventions by Sida is used as well. The conclusion of this research on the development program FondeAgro is that the effects of the program are positive and negative, differing mainly depending on farmers being small- or medium-scale producers. Many farmers have improved their livelihoods through their participation in FondeAgro but for some farmers there is no change to previous life situation. What seems to be decisive in order to continue with methods learned is what type of assistance that has been given to each farmer during the program years as well as possibilities to participate in cooperatives. The methods used to achieve the objectives of the program have not given the results hoped for and many farmers are still facing a future in severe poverty Keywords: Nicaragua, FondeAgro, agriculture, farmers, livelihoods, intervention