Despite many decades of experimentation with supplier-led approaches to credit, limited success has been achieved in improving access to credit for smallholder farmers. In Mozambique, previous attempts by government to improve access to credit for smallholder farmers have not been successful; hence the government is looking for other effective strategies to improve access to credit for smallholder farmers. In the search for effective strategies, Mozambique can draw lessons from the experiences of other developing countries that have succeeded in improving access to credit for smallholder farmers. The purpose of this study is to examine the experiences in other developing countries in Africa and Asia. The results of the analysis are used to identify the most appropriate government intervention strategy to improve access to credit for smallholder farmers in Mozambique. The study addresses the following questions: What went wrong with government strategies implemented in Mozambique in an attempt to improve access to agricultural credit for smallholder farmers? What are the positive experiences with government intervention strategies implemented in other developing countries of Africa and Asia that have resulted in the successful improvement of access to agricultural credit for smallholder farmers? What can Mozambique learn from the countries with good government intervention strategies that have succeeded in resolving or ameliorating the lack of access to agricultural credit for smallholder farmers? What is the most appropriate intervention strategy for the Government of Mozambique that would effectively lead to improving access to credit for smallholder farmers? The study examined four case studies were selected from Botswana, Zimbabwe, Thailand and Indonesia. The data set collection method comprised a combination of primary data collected through in-depth interviews with key informants from smallholder farmers’ associations and government-funded agricultural financial institutions in Botswana, Mozambique and data from Zimbabwe and secondary data sources. The results of the study reveal that the first strategy to improve access to credit for smallholder farmers in Mozambique included the establishment of the People’s Development Bank (BPD), which was given a mandate to provide agricultural credit to smallholder farmers. However, the BPD did not succeed in fulfilling its mandate due to a variety of factors, including the following: poor macro-economic environment during the first decade of independence (1975–1985); lack of human expertise, poor rural infrastructure, market failure problems and the ongoing civil war. The lack of institutional capacity to enforce mechanisms for timely loan repayments, and political interference by government, and lack of credit culture and discipline on the side of the beneficiaries, also led to high loan default rates. The BPD eventually closed down and was privatised to form the new bank (the Austral Bank). The Austral Bank never concerned itself with lending to the smallholder agricultural sector. Other alternative strategies by government in Mozambique included the establishment of the fundos do foment (funds for jump-starting activities), particularly the funds for jump-starting agricultural, hydrological and agricultural development activities. However, both government funds also failed to improve access to credit for smallholder farmers. They are currently experiencing management problems and shortage of funds. The main reasons for their poor performance include lack of qualified managers, skilled field staff and specialists in rural financial markets. The private sector, particularly the concessionary input credit firms, is currently trying to rescue the smallholder farmers by contracting them to engage in cultivating some cash crops. However, many difficulties are experienced, including lack of access to farmer support services (e.g. extension services), due to a complete withdrawal of government support for the concessionary input credit schemes. Thus, smallholder farmers in Mozambique remain marginalised in terms of access to agricultural credit. The results of the study reveal that strategies to improve access to credit for smallholder farmers in Mozambique did not succeed, mainly due to the lack of institutional capacity to enforce mechanisms for timely loan repayments as well as political interference. Lessons drawn from these cases shed light on what the most appropriate intervention strategy for the Government of Mozambique could entail if it is to succeed in improving access to credit for smallholder farmers. The study concludes that lack of access to agricultural credit for smallholder farmers in Mozambique reflects not only market failures in rural financial markets but also inappropriate lending policies. The study concludes that the most appropriate strategy for the Government of Mozambique to succeed in improving access to credit for smallholder farmers should entail the re-establishment of a public rural bank. The study recommends that rural financial institutions should adopt a demand-driven approach, which enables them to design products that fit the needs of a variety of clients. At the same time, reforms at both the fund for jump-starting agricultural activities and the fund for jump-starting hydrological and agricultural development activities need to be undertaken in order for these agricultural development funds to start operating more professionally, with minimum government interference. Finally, the government needs to extend its role to complement efforts by the private sector, particularly the cash crop input schemes. Copyright / Dissertation (MScAgric)--University of Pretoria, 2010. / Agricultural Economics, Extension and Rural Development / unrestricted

Thesis (M. Sc. (Agriculture)) -- University of Limpopo, 2015 / Food insecurity is a huge challenge for any government. Since food is a human need, it is often at the priority of any endeavour, policy or strategy undertaken by a household or government. The issue of food insecurity and the use of agricultural intervention to address it were at the centre of this study. Agricultural reform programs such as the Masibuyele Emasimini programme investigated here are argued to be the best mechanism to address food insecurity in rural areas of developing countries. This understanding, however, does not go unchallenged with some scholars believing that these programmes only mask the problem and once withdrawn an even bigger problem would arise. This study investigated why there is little indication of farmer growth despite the introduction of the Masibuyele Emasimini programme in the new forest irrigation scheme. A number of aspects such as increases in production, skills set, challenges, etc., were investigated to get a comprehensive picture of what is happening on the ground. A descriptive approach was followed in presenting the data. The major challenges faced by the programme are: poor communication, limited mechanization, insufficient production inputs late arrival of seeds and fertilizers, inexperienced drivers, and lack of consultation. From this analysis of the challenges presented by both farmers and extension officers, it becomes apparent that there is a failure of government to deliver on time. Secondly that there is a mismatch between the demand and supply of inputs, two aspects play a role firstly budgetary constraints that might limit the availability of inputs and secondly insufficient budgeting due to miscalculated demands. The study revealed that any programme meant to uplift the poor should not be a top down approach that is drafted and imposed on people. Proper consultation during the planning phase should be sought, but more crucial is the on-going communication and consultation with the people on the ground. The study then argues that poor monitoring also had a role in the weakening of the sustainability of the programme. Administrative issues on the part of government and service providers discouraged farmers and weakened the relationship of farmers with government; it also decreased the momentum of the programme. Key words: Sustainability, Food insecurity, Food security, Smallholder farmer, Masibuyele Emasimini programme.

Thesis (M.Sc.(Agricultural Economics)) -- University of Limpopo, 2015 / Capital is one of the most important factors of production. In South Africa, among other things, lack of finance is one of the fundamental problems hampering production, productivity and income of rural farm households. Smallholder farmers in South Africa face many challenges in accessing financial services, despite the numerous reforms undertaken by the government to transform smallholder agriculture and improve its contribution to rural income, food security and employment. Many rural farmers have remained in poverty with limited capacity to access means of production like credit to militate against hunger and poverty. The aim of the study was to analyse the determinants of loan acquisition from the Land Bank of South Africa by smallholder farmers in peri-urban areas of Mopani District in Limpopo province. The objectives were to identify the constraints smallholder farmers face in accessing credit, to analyse the determinants of loan acquisition among smallholder farmers and to profile loan acquisitions of the farmers based on their socio-economic characteristics. The study used primary data, which was collected through a field survey. The method that was used to collect information was face-to-face interviews using structured questionnaires. The study employed the snowball sampling technique in its data collection strategy due to the fact that the population size was unknown due to the sensitivity of the study. Smallholder farmers were classified as beneficiaries and non-beneficiaries of the Land Bank. The total sample size comprised 62 smallholder farmers from the peri-urban areas of Tzaneen and Giyani of Mopani District, Limpopo province. The data was captured into the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS). Principal component analysis was carried out so as to get the principal factors or new uncorrelated variables that affect the ability of smallholder farmers to access credit from the Land bank and it was also use to profile the farmers according to the socio-economic variables. After carrying out the principal component analysis, probit analysis was then used to determine the relationship between the socio-economic characteristics of smallholder farmers and their ability to access credit. The principal component analysis (PCA) extracted important information from the data table and expressed the information as a set of new orthogonal variables called principal components. The PCA reduced the original variables to six (6) principal components. The six (6) principal components were labelled as; component 1 (Old-experience smallholder farmers), component 2 (business-oriented smallholder farmers), component 3 (part-time smallholder farmers), component 4 (smallholder farmers who receive grants based on gender), component 5 (smallholder farmers with fixed assets and their distance to the nearest town) and component 6 (smallholder farmers who belong to cooperatives). The smallholder farmers where classified and ranked into this six components based on their level of accessibility to agricultural credit from the Land Bank. A majority of the smallholder farmers involved in the study were ranked lowly on their level of accessibility to agricultural credit from the Land Bank; they were classified under the old and experienced smallholder farmers. Probit regression result indicated that the variables gender, education, farm income, pension, land size, cooperative, fixed assets and registered business had a significant positive influence on smallholder farmers’ accessing agricultural credit from the Land Bank in the last three years. In addition, marital status, farming experience, off-farm income, loose assets, farm commodity and farm record had an insignificant positive influence. The probit result also showed that the variables age had a significant negative influence on smallholder farmers’ accessing agricultural credit. In addition, household size, employment, distance to the nearest town and farmers’ association had an insignificant negative influence. Based on the results of the study, it is recommended that the government and other institutions could design agricultural credit programmes that are promptly responsive to the needs of the smallholdCapital is one of the most important factors of production. In South Africa, among other things, lack of finance is one of the fundamental problems hampering production, productivity and income of rural farm households. Smallholder farmers in South Africa face many challenges in accessing financial services, despite the numerous reforms undertaken by the government to transform smallholder agriculture and improve its contribution to rural income, food security and employment. Many rural farmers have remained in poverty with limited capacity to access means of production like credit to militate against hunger and poverty. The aim of the study was to analyse the determinants of loan acquisition from the Land Bank of South Africa by smallholder farmers in peri-urban areas of Mopani District in Limpopo province. The objectives were to identify the constraints smallholder farmers face in accessing credit, to analyse the determinants of loan acquisition among smallholder farmers and to profile loan acquisitions of the farmers based on their socio-economic characteristics. The study used primary data, which was collected through a field survey. The method that was used to collect information was face-to-face interviews using structured questionnaires. The study employed the snowball sampling technique in its data collection strategy due to the fact that the population size was unknown due to the sensitivity of the study. Smallholder farmers were classified as beneficiaries and non-beneficiaries of the Land Bank. The total sample size comprised 62 smallholder farmers from the peri-urban areas of Tzaneen and Giyani of Mopani District, Limpopo province. The data was captured into the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS). Principal component analysis was carried out so as to get the principal factors or new uncorrelated variables that affect the ability of smallholder farmers to access credit from the Land bank and it was also use to profile the farmers according to the socio-economic variables. After carrying out the principal component analysis, probit analysis was then used to determine the relationship between the socio-economic characteristics of smallholder farmers and their ability to access credit. ii The principal component analysis (PCA) extracted important information from the data table and expressed the information as a set of new orthogonal variables called principal components. The PCA reduced the original variables to six (6) principal components. The six (6) principal components were labelled as; component 1 (Old-experience smallholder farmers), component 2 (business-oriented smallholder farmers), component 3 (part-time smallholder farmers), component 4 (smallholder farmers who receive grants based on gender), component 5 (smallholder farmers with fixed assets and their distance to the nearest town) and component 6 (smallholder farmers who belong to cooperatives). The smallholder farmers where classified and ranked into this six components based on their level of accessibility to agricultural credit from the Land Bank. A majority of the smallholder farmers involved in the study were ranked lowly on their level of accessibility to agricultural credit from the Land Bank; they were classified under the old and experienced smallholder farmers. Probit regression result indicated that the variables gender, education, farm income, pension, land size, cooperative, fixed assets and registered business had a significant positive influence on smallholder farmers’ accessing agricultural credit from the Land Bank in the last three years. In addition, marital status, farming experience, off-farm income, loose assets, farm commodity and farm record had an insignificant positive influence. The probit result also showed that the variables age had a significant negative influence on smallholder farmers’ accessing agricultural credit. In addition, household size, employment, distance to the nearest town and farmers’ association had an insignificant negative influence. Based on the results of the study, it is recommended that the government and other institutions could design agricultural credit programmes that are promptly responsive to the needs of the smallholder farmers. It was also recommended that the Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (DAFF) should ensure that the agricultural extension officers are well equipped to be able to disseminate their information to farmers irrespective of their location

Thesis (M.Sc. (Agricultural Economics)) -- University of Limpopo, 2021 / The agricultural sector in the Limpopo Province, comprises both commercial and subsistence farming. The smallholder farmers in the province are mainly producing for subsistence purposes and play an important role in poverty alleviation and livelihood creation. These smallholder farmers produce lower quantities of products that are also of low quality. Consequently, their products are rejected in the markets and by processors, and this affects the extent to which they participate in the market. This presents a challenge since the smallholder farming is highly labour intensive and represent the main source of income-generating occupations and a source of economic relief for the majority of people residing in the former homeland areas of the Limpopo Province. This study examined the factors influencing production and market participation among smallholder tomato farmers in Madibong and Manganeng Villages, at Makhuduthamaga Municipality in Greater Sekhukhune District, using the Multiple Linear and the Logistic Regression Models. The Multiple Linear Regression Model was used to analyse the socio-economic factors influencing tomato production among smallholder farmers in the study area. The results of the model indicated that extension access, fertiliser application, marital status, use of agricultural equipment and income from production output significantly influence tomato production among smallholder farmers. The Logistic Regression Model was used to analyse the socio-economic factors influencing market participation among smallholder tomato farmers in the study area. The Logistic Regression results indicated that factors such as educational level, gender of the farmer, farming experience, marital status, and farm size positively and significantly influence market participation while market distance negatively influences market participation among smallholder tomato farmers in the study area. Based on the findings of the study, it is recommended that the local municipality invest more in rural adult education in order for the farmers to adopt new farming skills and utilise the market information provided. In addition, the investment in adult education has the potential to contribute to rural development and job creation in the study area. The study recommends that there should be a comprehensive producer support such as input subsidies, that focuses primarily on subsidising smallholder farmers when purchasing production input such as fertilisers and pesticides. / NRF (National Research Foundation)

This study investigates the economics of water as used by smallholder irrigation farmers in South Africa. The productivity and value of water were estimated with data from two smallholder irrigation schemes: Zanyokwe and Thabina. Production parameters such as fertilisers, seeds, pesticides, equipment, transport, labour, and water were treated as inputs. Various methodologies used to estimate water value, including cost-based approaches, were thoroughly reviewed. The aim was to select the ones with more justification for use in smallholder irrigation sector and also to compare a number of approaches. On a case study basis, three methods were applied: residual valuation method, willingness to pay and cost-based approaches (i.e. accounting costs of O&M). Water productivity and values were then evaluated as per crop, farmer, and scheme. Also, cross-section regression analysis was used to investigate the effect of some key socio-economic factors of production on gross margin and willingness to pay. The results indicated that on average, the value of water varies according to methods, crops, farmers and schemes. In the Zanyokwe scheme, water value estimated by the residual method in cabbage is higher (R1.64 per m3) than the one in dry maize (R0.35 per m3), if intensive and high yield irrigated crops are grown per year. Also, in Thabina, water value for cabbage (R1.14 per m3) outperforms water value for dry maize (R0.02 per m3. This means that there is greater potential in vegetable crops than food grain crops, although the two schemes have different irrigation systems, and such analysis is based on one-year data, which may lack accuracy. Low water valuation is ascribed to low yield and extensive cropping systems, because gross margin per hectare is very low. This signifies the need for expansion in high value crops rather than low value crops. At farm and scheme level, the results were derived by using the Smile database and simulated platform. The Smile platform is a data capturing and a calculation tool. It calculates a number of indicators, economic figures, at scheme and individual farm level, allowing for evaluation of the current situation. The results suggested that at present, the Zanyokwe scheme requires about 1 739 255 m3 of irrigation water per year. The total operational costs (accounting costs of O&M) are about R146 097.42. In other words, supplying 1 m3at farm level will cost R0.084. This implies that if irrigation charges are levied so as to cover O&M costs of the Zanyokwe scheme, the current costs (R0.084) will form only 23% of the average gross margin of R0.37 per m3 used at scheme level. Furthermore, in the Zanyokwe irrigation scheme, the results revealed that the most active and efficient farmers (specialized farmers) can make an average gross margin of R4 105 per ha per year, also achieving the highest water productivity R0.69 in gross margin per m3 consumed. However, in the Thabina scheme, the results indicated that, to supply 1 m3will cost R0.062. Thus, the current water supply costs cover about 56 % of what is earned (i.e. R0.11 per m3 used) at scheme level. Again, the most active farmers (commercially oriented pensioners) are more efficient, with average gross margin of R3 092 per ha per year, also achieving the highest water productivity (R0.53 in gross margin per m3 used). These results suggested that certain smallholder farming systems seem capable of paying for irrigation charges of their respective schemes if they are obliged to do so. As far as willingness to pay (WTP) and cost-based approaches (CBA) are concerned, the results clearly show that the active farmers in the Zanyokwe scheme have lower WTP per m3 (R0.03) than the GM of output (R0.69) per m3 of water used. Also, the accounting cost (R0.084 per m3 of water used) is lower than the GM gained. However, in the Thabina scheme, the situation is quite different. The active farmers are willing to pay R0.19 per m3 of water used. This implies that, if farmers are to pay for the charges in order to cover O&M costs, the farmers in Thabina are ready to pay as much as three times the proposed costs of O&M (R0.062 per m3 of water used), although both the WTP and the accounting cost are lower than GM gained. In these results, it is significant that both the accounting cost and the willingness to pay are lower than the GM per m3 of water used at least in the Zanyokwe scheme. Even though the data were drawn from a sample for one year only, this finding on the perception of farmers has implications for extension and training to improve future productive use. Regarding the findings from cross-section regression analysis, the results for GM (as dependent variable) in general indicated that in the Zanyokwe scheme, only credit affects output positively and significantly. Production costs have significant effect on output, but with a negative correlation. It is striking that all the other factors of production including hired labour show negative and insignificant effects on output. In the Thabina scheme, the most important factors of production in the model are land size (hectare) and production costs (Rand per ha). These two variables influence output positively and significantly. As far as WTP (as dependent variable) is concerned, the results indicated that in the Zanyokwe scheme, it is striking that in all the investigated factors, only credit affects WTP positively and significantly. All other factors are insignificant. Also, gross margin of output per m3, unexpectedly, has displayed a negative and insignificant effect on output. In the Thabina scheme, the results show that the land size per hectare, and gross margin of output per m3 affect WTP positively and significantly. Such results are consistent with the assumptions made in the conceptual framework that a farmer with high gross margin gained at farm level is more likely to pay for water costs than those with poor gross margin. On the basis of these findings, the following recommendations were formulated. Specific policies should include promotion of high value crops and improved varieties of seed for food grain crops (e.g. maize) and vegetables (e.g. cabbage). While improved agronomic practices remain important, there is also potential to increase productivity and profitability of the crops by improving water management practices at the canal-system level, such as better timing of water delivery and increased overall canal-water supplies at the farm level. Finally, from a cost recovery point of view, government should develop a program of cost sharing for capital costs of irrigation development. With regard to inter-sectoral competition, these results highlight that, if inter-sectoral competition is left to uncontrolled market forces may result in smallholder farmers' selling their water rights to sectors which value water at higher levels. To avoid a “liberal trap” such as in the example of Chile (where smallholder farmers "en masse" sold their water rights, resulting ultimately in deeper rural poverty), some form of control/management of water rights transaction involving smallholder farmers is necessary. Finally, the findings of this study can be used in various ways. Since, these values determine the farmer’s ability to pay for water now or in the future, the incentive to use water judiciously will be governed by these values. Secondly, the results can be used to evaluate whether the costs estimated and gross margin per m3 gained at farm level, are in line with the farmers’ willingness to pay. Further work is recommended to clarify these conclusions and provide more policy clarification on the better use of water by smallholder irrigation farmers in South Africa. / Dissertation (MInst.Agrar)--University of Pretoria, 2007. / Agricultural Economics, Extension and Rural Development / unrestricted

Pulses (common beans and cowpeas) provide a major alternative source of protein, and the rapid rise in food prices has led to an increase in the consumption of inexpensive pulses. The slow growth in pulse production has, however, led to a decline in availability. Thus, to overcome this decline in production, this study concern in expanding pulse production in Mozambique by using the agricultural research survey known as TIA. In addition, this study identified and analysed the critical drivers influencing production, as well as constraints and opportunities to expand pulse production in Mozambique. In studying the participation of smallholder farmers in pulse markets, the Heckman two-step approach was applied to avoid sample selection bias. In the first step a Probit model was estimated to capture the household’s decision of whether or not to participate in the market. The second step comprised of an OLS estimation to determine the significance of variables that contribute to the level of pulse sold. At national level, results indicate that the majority of households receive price information, but few households receive information on fertilizers and improved seed use. Most households also have poor access to credit and improved extension services, and low levels of membership of agricultural associations. A very small percentage of household farmers are engaged in pulse production, with male farmers more dedicated to the production of common beans and female farmers more dedicated to the production of cowpeas. In terms of market participation, the results reveal that female-headed households are less likely to participate in pulse markets. The critical factors that discourage entry into the pulse market are distance to the market and yield loss. The factors that give incentives to smallholders to participate in the pulse market are land size, price information and pulse price. The trade volume of common beans is relatively high and is affected by land size, pulse price and price information. In contrast, the trade volume of cowpeas is highly affected by bicycle ownership and ownership of livestock for animal traction. Cowpea prices also have a positive effect on the volume of cowpeas sold. Yield loss is a major factor that negatively affects the pulse trade, while land size has a negative effect on the volume of cowpeas sold. Land availability and price information provide good opportunities, in Mozambique, for expanding pulse production. The expansion of pulse production is however constrained by household access to public goods and services such as extension services, credit and membership to an agricultural association. Moreover, the expansion of pulse production in the country is also constrained by the absence of the use of productive technologies such as improved seed and fertilizer. Based on the results of the study, the recommendations are to expand extension services, improve access to improved technology, facilitate access to agricultural finance, and improve infrastructure and storage facilities. This would facilitate and give incentive to smallholder to expanding pulse production in Mozambique. / Dissertation (MSc Agric)--University of Pretoria, 2013. / gm2014 / Agricultural Economics, Extension and Rural Development / unrestricted

Thesis (M.Sc. Agriculture (Agricultural Economics)) -- University of Limpopo, 2019 / Cattle herd productivity in the smallholder sector is generally low in South Africa (Mapiye et al., 2009) with cattle off-take rates being as low as 15% per annum (ARC, 2016). Among the leading causes of reduced productivity in smallholder herds is cattle mortality caused by diseases and parasites, especially ticks (Hesterberg et al., 2007). Ticks and the diseases they transmit have been identified as the major cause of widespread morbidity and mortality in cattle kept by smallholder farmers in the semi-arid areas of South Africa (Dold and Cocks, 2001; Mapiye et al., 2009) which results in poor animal welfare. Access to animal health infrastructure and technology can help reduce the problem of cattle diseases. The study was conducted to examine the impact of ARC’s Infrastructural Facility Scheme on the profitability of cattle farming and perceptions of smallholder cattle farmers. The study had four objectives; (i) to identify and describe the socio-economic characteristics of smallholder cattle farmers in Fetakgomo Municipality and Makhuduthamaga Municipality; (ii) to assess the perception of smallholder cattle farmers on the facilities provided by ARC in the study area; (iii) to determine and analyse the profitability of smallholder cattle farmers in the study area and (iv) to assess the effect of cattle farmers’ socio-economic characteristics on cattle farming profitability in the area. A total of 224 smallholder cattle farmers were interviewed, of which 124 farmers were beneficiaries and 100 were non-beneficiaries. The Purposive Sampling procedure was employed to determine the desired sample size in both the two Municipalities. The results showed that 55% of the smallholder cattle farmers were beneficiaries and 45% of the smallholder cattle farmers were non-beneficiaries out of the sample size. There were more male-headed households of the beneficiaries and more female-headed households of the non-beneficiaries. An analysis of the farmers’ socio-economic characteristics further showed that the majority of the smallholder cattle farmers prefer using family labourers or household labourers in their cattle farming. The results depict that beneficiaries of the Animal Health Wise Project used 76.2% of the family labour and 23.8% of hired labourers for beneficiaries whereas for the non-beneficiaries, it was v 68.7% of the family labour and 31.3% of hired labour. Using family labour helped in minimising costs of labour. Farmers were asked a set of Likert type scale questions about their perceptions on the project. The perception index score revealed that the smallholder cattle farmers had a negative perception of it as the index score was skewed to the left with the value being 0.428. Profitability was measured through Gross Margin Analysis. The Gross Margin Analysis revealed that the mean value of the total revenue and gross margin for the beneficiaries were bigger than non-participants. This was because beneficiaries tend to sell their cattle at a higher price compared to the non-participants. Furthermore, smallholder cattle farmers that are beneficiaries tend to use the infrastructure and through that, their cattle productivity is higher resulting in higher gross margin and total revenue compared to the non-participants. The Multiple Linear Regression Model was used to assess the effect of cattle farmers’ socio-economic characteristic on the gross margin of the farmers in the study area. The results revealed that only 3 variables were significant. The total herd size, project participation and access to the market were significant at 1% and all had a positive effect towards the gross margin. The study suggested that there should be more infrastructural facilities that are built in other municipalities. By so doing, smallholder cattle farmers will use the facilities to improve their herd productivity and also improve their cattle’s health status. It was also recommended that there should be some training based on the use of the cattle infrastructural facilities scheme so that farmers can use the facilities effectively. Key words: Smallholder Cattle Farmers, Perception, Animal Health Wise Project, Infrastructural Facilities. / Center of Collaboration on “Economics of Agricultural Research and Development”

Thesis (M. A. Agriculture (Agricultural Economics)) -- University of Limpopo, 2021 / Maize seeds differ according to varieties.The traditional maize varieties(also referred to as (Landraces)are maize varieties that have been cultivated and subjected to selection by farmers for generations.They retain a distinct identity and lack formal crop improvement. Improved maize varieties,on the other hand,are bred with characteristics such as drought and disease tolerance. This research was conducted to determine the attributes preferred by farmers when making a maize varietal choice.To be specific, the study aimed to achieve the following objectives:(i) Identify and describe socio economic characteristics of smallholder maize farmers’ in Mogalakwena Municipality; (ii) Analyse socioeconomic characteristics of smallholder maize farmers in Mogalakwena Municipality; (iii) Identify different maize varieties grown by smallholder farmers in Mogalakwena Municipality,and (iv) determine and analyse factors influencing farmers’choice ofa maize variety. Descriptive statistics and the Multinomial Logistic Regression Model were used for data analysis.The results of the study revealed that 64% of the respondents had formal education.This meant that they have the capability to grasp more information, if provided with trainings. It was found that 75% of the farmers did not have access to extension service which is supposed to play a significant role in agricultural information dissemination.The most grown maize variety was land race varieties which constituted 59.5%. This percentage was said to be resultant from limited access to the seed market. Infact,80% of the farmers had to travel an average of 42 kilomteres to access the market which also had a limited number of varieties.The Multinomial Logistic Regression Model revealed that only 5 variables (Educational level, farm size, yield, extension contact and knowledge of maize varieties )were significantat1%,5%,1%,1% and1%, respectively.The majority of farmers were old people with little access to extension service and an inadequate farming knowledge which lead to a highper centage of farmers continuing to grow landrace varieties. Based on the findings, this study recommend further research on attributes that influence farmers varietal choice and Government intervention in provision for resources and development of existing and new infracstrcture to encourage extension service delivery. Keywords:Landrace,improvemaizevariety,smallholderfarmer

Problem Statement: The world population is expected to rapidly increase, raising food security concerns across the world. This will impact Africa most severely. The use of innovative farming techniques and technology has proven to accelerate the production yields and improve resilience to vulnerabilities which impact agricultural productivity. The use of smart technologies in farming is mainly present among largescale commercial farms, with minimal representation in the smallholder farming sector. On the other hand, a substantial amount of food in developing countries is produced by small scale farmers. Research Objective: The purpose of the study is to investigate the usage of smart technologies by smallholder farmers in South Africa, and to establish how smart technology could support smallholder farmers in increasing productivity through a three-dimensional view that takes into consideration capital, labour, and land utilization. To this end, an interpretive research philosophy was adopted. Research Design: The study collected the data using semi-structured interviews. The sample for the study constituted of 10 smallholder farmers and 12 subject matter experts within the agriculture and technology domain. To strengthen rigour within the study, the interviews were supported by documents containing viewpoints about how technology is applied in the African context and how it may be introduced and ultimately applied in the South African context. The study employed a deductive approach to theory, applying the Sustainable Livelihoods Approach (SLA) as theoretical underpinning for the study. SLA consists of a pentagon of livelihood assets: physical, social, human, natural, and financial assets. The framework was extended to include technology as an asset due to its potential to contribute to improving the livelihoods of smallholder farmers. Findings: The study found minimal to no use of smart technologies by smallholder farmers in South Africa. The factors which limited the use of technology include PEST (Political, Environmental, Social and Technological) factors. To achieve successful usage of smart technologies, collaboration is required from government, the private sector, smallholder farmers, and communities. Research Contribution: The study aimed to expand on the limited literature on the use of smart farming in the context of smallholder farmers in a developing country context. In addition, it contributed to extending the pentagon of livelihoods to include smart technologies with respect to smallholder farmer livelihoods. Therefore, the findings of this study contributed to the broader body of knowledge. In addition, insights from this study may be gained by the Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, smallholder farmers, agricultural entrepreneurs and technologists in formulate developmental strategies and policies to improve the productivity of smallholder farmers as well as their livelihoods as a strategy to increase their contribution to food security in Africa while alleviating household poverty.

No description available.