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Showing 11 to 17 of 17 (0.057 seconds)Spelling suggestions: "subject:"asustainable farming"" "subject:"bysustainable farming""
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The development of a methodology to evaluate business plans for land reform projects in the Western Cape with special emphasis on LRAD grant supported projectsLombard, Christoffel 03 1900 (has links)
Thesis (MDF)--University of Stellenbosch, 2011. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT:
The main purpose of this study was to develop a methodology to evaluate business plans which
support governmental grants to emerging farmers in the Winelands area of the Western Cape.
The study focuses primarily on two types of emerging farmer groups namely (i) farm equity groups
and (ii) individual farmers (less than 10 members per farm). Empowering disadvantaged people is
exceedingly complex, therefore it is of paramount importance to compile a detailed and
comprehensive business plan based on a proper feasibility study. If a project is not feasible on
paper it will rarely succeed in practice.
Four LRAD business plans per group were evaluated and have been scored against a contents
list, which was compiled from an ideal farm business plan. This was followed up with a
questionnaire to evaluate the current situation on the farms and to test the understanding of the
business plan and its elements with the beneficiaries.
There is a clear distinction in the quality of business plans between the equity scheme land reform
models and individual farmer’s business plans. The quality of the equity farmer’s business plan
was in most cases around 25 percent better compared to those of the individual farmers. The
result of the study shows that there is a direct link between the quality of the business plan and the
sustainability of the projects. Lower scored individual farmer projects under review, struggle to
stay afloat with a weak cash flow as their main drawback. On the other hand the better scored
equity scheme projects are much more sustainable; however more focus needs to be placed on
developing the shareholders in the understanding of the financial side and land ownership
principals.
The author is of the opinion that only feasible projects must receive grant funding and this should
be supported by good mentorship policies from government. South Africa can no longer afford
“social business plans” in the land reform process; there is a need for sound farm business plans
as a very important first step to feasible and sustainable farming ventures. The methodology
developed in this study could become a valuable tool for government departments for directly
measuring the quality of business plans and thereby indirectly the feasibility of land reform
projects. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING:
Die hoofdoel van hierdie studie was om 'n metodiek te ontwikkel waarmee plaas besigheidsplanne
geёalueer kan word vir die aansoek van skenkings (“grant”) fondse vir opkomende boere in die
Kaapse Wynlandarea. Die studie fokus hoofsaaklik op twee tipes groepe, naamlik (i) plaas
aandele skema groepe en (ii) individuele boere (minder as 10 lede per plaas). Die bemagtiging van
opkomende boere is baie kompleks, daarom is dit baie belangrik om 'n gedetailleerde en
omvattende besigheidsplan, gegrond op' n behoorlike ondersoek na die haalbaarheid, daar te stel.
As 'n projek op papier nie haalbaar is nie, gaan dit nie sommer suksesvol wees in die praktyk nie.
Vier LRAD besigheidsplanne per groep is geëvalueer teen 'n inhoudslys wat vanaf ‘n ideale plaas
besigheidsplan saamgestel is. Dit is opgevolg met 'n vraelys om die huidige situasie op die plase
te evalueer en die begrip van die besigheidsplan en sy elemente te toets.
‘n Duidelike kwaliteits verskil kan gesien word tussen die aandeel skema boere -en individuele
boere se besigheidsplanne. Die gehalte van die aandeel skema boere se planne was in die
meeste gevalle ongeveer 25 persent beter as dié van die individuele boere. Die studie kan 'n
direkte lyn trek tussen die besigheidsplan inligting en die volhoubaarheid van die projekte. Die
individuele boere- projekte onder oorsig sukkel om kop bo water te hou met 'n swak kontantvloei
as hulle belangrikste nadeel. Aan die ander kant, is die aandeleskema projekte baie meer
volhoubaar, maar meer fokus moet geplaas word op die ontwikkeling van die aandeelhouers se
begrip van die finansiële kant van die boerdery asook eienaarskap op die plaas.
Die tyd het aangebreek dat slegs haalbare projekte befonds moet word en dat die regering hierdie
projekte moet ondersteun met goeie mentorskap beleid. Daar is nie meer plek vir "sosiale
besigheids planne" in die Suid-Afrikaanse grondhervormingsproses nie. Goeie werkbare plaas
besigheidsplanne is nodig as 'n baie belangrike eerste stap om volhoubare boerdery
ondernemings daar te stel. Hierdie studie is 'n waardevolle hulpmiddel in die regering se hand vir
die evaluering van besigheidsplanne van grondhervormings projekte.
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Skirtingo našumo dirvožemių pokyčiai ekologinėje ir tausojamojoje žemdirbystės sistemose / Changes in soil productivity parameters in organic and sustainable cropping systemsMasilionytė, Laura 07 December 2011 (has links)
1. Ištirti skirtingo humusingumo glėjiškame rudžemyje alternatyviose intensyviajai žemdirbystės sistemose su daugiamečių žolių atolu ir tarpinių pasėlių biomase į dirvožemį įterptų biogeninių elementų kiekį ir jų poveikį sėjomainos augalų produktyvumui. 2. Įvertinti su trąšomis įterptų ir su derliumi prarastų biogeninių elementų NPK balansą ekologinės bei tausojamosios žemdirbystės sistemose ir nustatyti judriųjų fosforo ir kalio pokyčius dirvožemyje. 3. Nustatyti tausojamosios ir ekologinės žemdirbystės sistemose tarpiniuose pasėliuose augintų augalų biomasėje sukaupto azoto poveikį Nmin. dinamikai dirvožemyje. 4. Ištirti naudotų trąšų ir tarpinių pasėlių poveikį humuso ir jo sudėties pokyčiams ekologinės bei tausojamosios žemdirbystės sistemose. 5. Įvertinti ekologinės ir tausojamosios žemdirbystės sistemose naudotų agropriemonių poveikį pagrindinių dirvožemio fizikinių rodiklių stabilumui, agrofitocenozių dominantėms ir augaluose sukauptai bendrajai energijai. / 1. In the cropping systems alternative to the intensive cropping system, set up on a gleyic Cambisol with a different humus status, perennial grasses and biomass of catch crops are a significant reserve of biogenic elements for the productivity of crop rotation plants. 2. In the organic and sustainable cropping systems, farmyard manure and biogenic elements incorporated with it have a greater positive effect on the NPK balance and changes in available phosphorus and potassium in the soil compared with green manure. 3. Catch crops are important from the environmental viewpoint, since by accumulating nitrogen in their biomass they reduce Nmin. concentration in the soil and become a reserve of nutrients for succeeding plants. 4. In the soil with a different humus status, alternative cropping systems have a diverse effect on humus stability and changes in its quality. 5. In the sustainable and organic cropping systems, catch crops and their biomass play an important role for soil physical parameters, agrophytocenoses dominants and total energy.
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An analysis of the impact of land registration and certification on the sustainable use of farmlands in northwestern Ethiopia : a case studyErmias Ashagrie Abebe 11 1900 (has links)
This study analyses the impact of land registration and certification scheme on sustainable
use of farmlands in Debre Mawi and Densa Bahta rural kebeles of Amhara region in
northwestern Ethiopia, with a view to contributing to the theoretical debate on tenure security
and more realistic policy advocacy on the sustainable use of farmlands. Within the
framework of qualitative research methodology, the case study approach helps to observe and
understand the relationship between land titling and sustainable use of farmlands in Densa
Bahta and Debre Mawi kebeles of the Amhara region in Ethiopia. Specific methods employed
were focus group discussions, in-depth interviews and observation, complemented by context
analyses of relevant documents. It was found that land titling has contributed to a high
perception of security of land tenure among study respondents. However, results show that
land titling has both positive and negative impacts on sustainable use of farmlands. The
positive impact of land titling is ascribed to its assurance effect and legal obligation imposed
on farmers to adopt proper land management practices. The negative impact of land titling
arises from its failure to address the existing inequality in possession of farmlands among the
village communities. Failure of farmers’ high perceptions of their security of land tenure to
translate into sustainable land use practices has implications for the relative importance of
productive asset endowments, self-efficacy and risk perception on the sustainable use of
farmlands in the Amhara region. Interviewees that follow unsustainable farming practices
were endowed with relatively lower pieces of farmland and disadvantaged in possession of
other productive assets. They also demonstrated a low level of self-efficacy and a risk-averse
attitude to adopting conservation technologies, as they possessed smaller sizes of farmland compared with the village and regional average. The study urges a holistic approach and
comprehensive analytical framework to understand the synergy of several factors that affect the sustainable use of farmlands. / Environmental Sciences / D. Litt. et Phil. (Development Studies)
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| 14 |
An analysis of the impact of land registration and certification on the sustainable use of farmlands in northwestern Ethiopia : a case studyErmias Ashagrie Abebe 11 1900 (has links)
This study analyses the impact of land registration and certification scheme on sustainable
use of farmlands in Debre Mawi and Densa Bahta rural kebeles of Amhara region in
northwestern Ethiopia, with a view to contributing to the theoretical debate on tenure security
and more realistic policy advocacy on the sustainable use of farmlands. Within the
framework of qualitative research methodology, the case study approach helps to observe and
understand the relationship between land titling and sustainable use of farmlands in Densa
Bahta and Debre Mawi kebeles of the Amhara region in Ethiopia. Specific methods employed
were focus group discussions, in-depth interviews and observation, complemented by context
analyses of relevant documents. It was found that land titling has contributed to a high
perception of security of land tenure among study respondents. However, results show that
land titling has both positive and negative impacts on sustainable use of farmlands. The
positive impact of land titling is ascribed to its assurance effect and legal obligation imposed
on farmers to adopt proper land management practices. The negative impact of land titling
arises from its failure to address the existing inequality in possession of farmlands among the
village communities. Failure of farmers’ high perceptions of their security of land tenure to
translate into sustainable land use practices has implications for the relative importance of
productive asset endowments, self-efficacy and risk perception on the sustainable use of
farmlands in the Amhara region. Interviewees that follow unsustainable farming practices
were endowed with relatively lower pieces of farmland and disadvantaged in possession of
other productive assets. They also demonstrated a low level of self-efficacy and a risk-averse
attitude to adopting conservation technologies, as they possessed smaller sizes of farmland compared with the village and regional average. The study urges a holistic approach and
comprehensive analytical framework to understand the synergy of several factors that affect the sustainable use of farmlands. / Environmental Sciences / D. Litt. et Phil. (Development Studies)
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Integrated farming systems for food and energy in a warming, resource-depleting worldRodriguez, Lylian 29 August 2011 (has links)
Diese Arbeit ist ein Beitrag zur Entwicklung einer Strategie für die eine CO2 sparende zu- künftige Landwirtschaft, in der nur geringe Emissionen von Treibhausgasen entstehen, die Stromerzeugung vor Ort aus natürlichen Ressourcen erfolgt, eine maximale Ausnutzung der Sonnenenergie genutzt wird, und der Konflikt zwischen der Nutzung der verfügbaren Ressourcen für Nahrungsmittel und Treibstoff Produktion vermieden wird. Alle Versuche in der Arbeit wurden in den Jahren 2005 -2009 auf der Öko-Farm (TOSOLY) der UTA (Fundación para la Producción Agropecuaria Tropical Sostenible Capitulo Kolumbien - UTA) unter der Leitung von Dr. TR Preston (Präsident ) und MSc Lylian Rodríguez (Director) durchgeführt. / This thesis is a contribution to the strategy that should underpin all future farming systems: namely the need to “de-carbonize” the system, by reducing emissions of greenhouse gases, generating electricity locally from natural resources, making maximum use of solar energy and ensuring there is no conflict between use of available resources for both food and fuel production. All the experiments described in the thesis were carried out in the period 2005 -2009 at the ecological farm (TOSOLY) of the UTA Foundation (Fundación para la Producción Agropecuaria Tropical Sostenible Capitulo Colombia – UTA) of which the principals are Dr T R Preston (President) and MSc Lylian Rodríguez (Director).
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An analysis of precision agriculture in the South African summer grain producing areas / Hendriks J.Hendriks, Joseph January 2011 (has links)
Both globally and locally, agriculture faces ever increasing challenges such as high input costs, strict environmental laws, decrease in land for cultivation and an increase in demand due to the growing global population. Profitability and sustainability requires more effective production systems. Precision agriculture is identified as such a system and is built upon a system approach that aims to restructure the total system of agriculture towards low input, high efficiency and sustainable agriculture.
The aim of this study was to analyse the state of precision agriculture in the summer grain producing areas of South Africa, specifically the North West and Free State provinces. In order to achieve this, a literature study was conducted. During the literature study the term ‘precision agriculture’ was defined and discussed. The precision agriculture cycle and its components were explained and benefits of precision agriculture were identified. The literature study was concluded with identifying and discussing the most widely used and most beneficial technologies as well as reasons for slow adoption.
Findings from the literature study were used to investigate the state of precision agriculture locally. In order to achieve this, a quantitative approach was used and information was collected by means of an empirical study using a questionnaire. Questionnaires were distributed to farmers using selling agents of an agricultural company that is well represented in the targeted areas. The data was then statistically analysed.
The survey showed that only 52% of summer grain producing farmers in the North West and Free State provinces of South Africa practises precision agriculture as defined in the
v
literature study. The study also revealed that the majority of precision agriculture farmers are over the age of 40, have more than 16 years of farming experience, are well educated, cultivate more than 1,000 hectares and uses none or little irrigation. The most commonly used precision agriculture technologies were grid soil sampling and yield monitors. The perception among most of the farmers was that precision technologies are not very affordable, not easily available and that it lacks proper testing with regards to efficiency. The group of summer grain–producing farmers that have correctly implemented precision agriculture as per definition stated that the benefits they derived from precision technologies include reduction in input costs, increased outputs and improved management skills. Too high implementation costs and technologies not providing enough benefits were among the main reasons farmers do not implement precision agriculture.
It was concluded that a significant effort and amount of work is needed to increase the use of precision agriculture among summer grain–producing farmers in the targeted areas. A consolidated effort from government, agricultural institutions and agricultural companies will be needed to achieve this goal. Implementing precision agriculture as a system will require education (from primary to tertiary institutions) and improved marketing strategies. Only then will precision technologies be able to help meet the future demands placed on the agriculture sector. / Thesis (M.B.A.)--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2012.
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An analysis of precision agriculture in the South African summer grain producing areas / Hendriks J.Hendriks, Joseph January 2011 (has links)
Both globally and locally, agriculture faces ever increasing challenges such as high input costs, strict environmental laws, decrease in land for cultivation and an increase in demand due to the growing global population. Profitability and sustainability requires more effective production systems. Precision agriculture is identified as such a system and is built upon a system approach that aims to restructure the total system of agriculture towards low input, high efficiency and sustainable agriculture.
The aim of this study was to analyse the state of precision agriculture in the summer grain producing areas of South Africa, specifically the North West and Free State provinces. In order to achieve this, a literature study was conducted. During the literature study the term ‘precision agriculture’ was defined and discussed. The precision agriculture cycle and its components were explained and benefits of precision agriculture were identified. The literature study was concluded with identifying and discussing the most widely used and most beneficial technologies as well as reasons for slow adoption.
Findings from the literature study were used to investigate the state of precision agriculture locally. In order to achieve this, a quantitative approach was used and information was collected by means of an empirical study using a questionnaire. Questionnaires were distributed to farmers using selling agents of an agricultural company that is well represented in the targeted areas. The data was then statistically analysed.
The survey showed that only 52% of summer grain producing farmers in the North West and Free State provinces of South Africa practises precision agriculture as defined in the
v
literature study. The study also revealed that the majority of precision agriculture farmers are over the age of 40, have more than 16 years of farming experience, are well educated, cultivate more than 1,000 hectares and uses none or little irrigation. The most commonly used precision agriculture technologies were grid soil sampling and yield monitors. The perception among most of the farmers was that precision technologies are not very affordable, not easily available and that it lacks proper testing with regards to efficiency. The group of summer grain–producing farmers that have correctly implemented precision agriculture as per definition stated that the benefits they derived from precision technologies include reduction in input costs, increased outputs and improved management skills. Too high implementation costs and technologies not providing enough benefits were among the main reasons farmers do not implement precision agriculture.
It was concluded that a significant effort and amount of work is needed to increase the use of precision agriculture among summer grain–producing farmers in the targeted areas. A consolidated effort from government, agricultural institutions and agricultural companies will be needed to achieve this goal. Implementing precision agriculture as a system will require education (from primary to tertiary institutions) and improved marketing strategies. Only then will precision technologies be able to help meet the future demands placed on the agriculture sector. / Thesis (M.B.A.)--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2012.
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