Doctoral Degrees (Centre for Sustainable Agriculture, Rural Development and Extension)

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Browsing Doctoral Degrees (Centre for Sustainable Agriculture, Rural Development and Extension) by Author "Mathobo, David Nndineni"

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    Sustainability of vegetable production systems by small-scale farmers of Limpopo Province in South Africa
    (University of the Free State, 2023) Mathobo, David Nndineni; Nthakheni, N. D.; Zwane, M. E.
    The study was conducted in 23 villages of Limpopo Province through an article-based format. The study in area A, was conducted in six villages, four in Makhado Municipality of Vhembe District, and two villages in Greater Letaba Municipality in Mopani District. The objective of the study was to characterise vegetable production systems of small-scale farmers in the study area. Data was collected using a questionnaire and some information was gathered through direct observation. Fifty-two farmers were sampled using a multi-stage random sampling technique and were interviewed. The sample size was calculated using Lovin’s formula. Data was analysed using a SPSS. The results of the study showed that 59.62% of the farmers were males, 57.69% were above 61 years of age. The education status of women was lower than that of men and more women had no formal qualification. The 92.31% owned land and 80% of the plots ranged between 0.5 and two hectares. The 84.62% had vegetable farming experience ranging between 5 and 16 years. Water management system was characterised by some farmers (50%) who adapted to water shortage by planting drought tolerant vegetables, some19.23% used drip irrigation system and others (13.46%) used conservation tillage. The majority (71.15%) of these farmers used furrow irrigation and gravitational canal, and their main source of water was the river. They drew water using gravitation and pipes as well as gravitation and canals. Water availability ranged from daily to monthly. Human resource management was characterised by 48.08% of the vegetable farmers who employed a mixture of youth, male and female workers and 60% of the farmers hired workers on seasonal basis. Soil sampling did not exist because 65.54% did not take soil samples and 67.31% did not know when last they took soil samples, 65.38% used both organic and inorganic fertilisers. About 81% applied between 10-200kg fertiliser per hectare using band placing method. Other vegetable production practices identified include chemical pest control (100%); soil resource management was done through conventional tillage (86.64%); contours to control erosion (71.18%). Weed control was mainly manual (73.08%). Income generated from sale of vegetables was mainly used for labour, production inputs and mechanisation. Farmers in the study area kept records for finance, input, planting dates and yields. Most farmers used 0-10% of vegetables they produce for home consumption. The results of the study showed that vegetable production can be sustainable if water, soil, pests and disease are managed appropriately. The study in area B, was conducted in six villages situated in the four municipalities within the two districts of the Limpopo Province in South Africa. The study investigated vegetable production systems and consumption patterns as determinants of food security amongst small-scale vegetable farmers. A multi-stage random sampling technique was used to select 52 respondents for this study. The sample size was calculated using Slovin’s formula. Data was collected through a questionnaire and other information through direct observation. Data was analysed using the statistical package for social sciences. The study revealed that 65.38% of the participants were males 42.31% had an average age of 51-61 years and had 5-10 years farming experience. The study shows that male respondents 63.46% had secondary education and are more than females, and 71.16% had dependants ranging from five to above nine per household. The majority 92.31% own land for vegetable cultivation and more respondents who own land are males while 65.38% cultivating vegetables on land size ranging from 1-2 hectares. Most farmers (71.15%) cultivated a variety of vegetables; 90.38% grew vegetables in order to generate income; 38.46% grow vegetables because the market for vegetables is available. The study also revealed that 44.23% used drying method to preserve vegetable seeds; 90.38% used single cropping system for vegetables, and they practiced intensive vegetable production system. Vegetable preparation for food is characterised by 71% who use boiling as a cooking method while 55.77% used tomato and onion to enhance vegetable flavour and used salt to enhance vegetable taste. The study noted that 48.07% experienced pest infestation and high inputs costs as the main constraints in vegetable production. Vegetable consumption is characterised by 40.38% who consumed vegetables once per week; the 51.92% preferred to eat leafy vegetables than other vegetables. Most of the respondents (55.77%) were encouraged to eat vegetables that were appropriately cooked. The study also noted that adult women (38.46%) consume vegetable in the family, and they consumed 50-100g of vegetable per day. The study shows that 57.69% preserved vegetables by drying, because it is the cheapest method. The results of the study show that a variety of vegetables produced, and preservation are the main determinants of food security in the study area. The study in area C, was conducted in four villages, three from Thulamela municipality and one in Maruleng municipality. The objective of the study was to analyse climate change mitigation strategies adopted by small-scale farmers towards a sustainable vegetable production and resilient from food shortages in Limpopo Province. A multi-stage random sampling technique was used to select 52 respondents for this study. The size of the sample was calculated using Lovin’s formula. Data was collected through a structured questionnaire and direct observations. Data was analysed using the statistical package for social sciences. Results of the study revealed that more (53.85%) women participate in vegetable production. The study also shows that 59.62% had an average of 51-61 and above 61years of age. The 61.54% had secondary education. The 90.38% had no qualification in agriculture. The majority (67.31%) cultivate their crops on 1-2ha. The 81.76% have moderate ability to high ability to adapt to climate change. The majority of the respondents (88.46%) rate decrease in quality of irrigation water, decrease in soil fertility and increased soil erosion as factors that lead to land degradation due to climate change. The 86.54% view drought, high temperatures and more pests as rare events as a result of climate change. The 61.54% experienced a slight decrease in summer rainfall patterns. The adaptation to change in summer rainfall is mitigated by planting drought resistance vegetable crops and irrigating frequently to adapt to that change. The 61.54% experienced increased pest infestation due to climate change and they noticed an increase in the use of pesticides to adapt. An increase in winter temperature was noticed by 80.77% of farmers and 67.32% adapt by growing cool season vegetables. Changes in summer temperatures was noticed by 90.30% who experienced an increase in summer temperatures due to climate change. The respondents are aware that local authorities are concerned about climate change and other activities such as soil mining, veld fires and tree cutting that may be contributing to climate change. Strategies in response to climate changes include knowing about the importance of weather and climate change forecasts. The 57.69% say forecasting helps them to plan planting dates, others say it helps them to make a choice of vegetable varieties and to project rainfall distribution. The majority (84.62%) use Radio and TV as their main source of information about weather and climate. Farmers in the study area apply Climate-smart agriculture technologies including crop rotation by 71.15%, others use mixed cropping, mulching, no till, crop residue, contours to counter the impact of climate change. They also use climate smart agriculture for increased productivity, 51.92% use hybrid seeds, pesticides and fertilisers. The CSA soil fertility technologies are the use of manure (52%), others use crop residue and mulching. Types of fertilisers used, 63.46% use both organic and inorganic fertilisers. Water saving technologies feature 50% who use water harvesting technology as a way of saving water, few use mulching for soils to retain moisture longer. The results of the study show that 59.62% of the respondents use ridges/terraces to control soil erosion, and others use contour planting, other use grass strips. Risks posed by climate change are identified amongst others as reduced crop yield reduced, amount of rain, floods and rise in temperatures. The 63.46% minimise risks by using crop diversification and use hybrid seeds. The study shows that farmers in the study area are aware of the climate change and the related factors. They are also applying CSA technologies as mitigation strategies to ensure sustainable food supply. However, there is a need to support small-scale farmers with improved technologies for them to be able to mitigate and cope with climate change challenges. The study in area D, was conducted in five villages, the three villages in Vhembe District, and two villages in Mopani District. The objective of the study was to assess the potential of African Indigenous Vegetables (AIVs) towards the formation of a commercial, nutritional and sustainable production system. A total of 53 small-scale vegetable farmers were randomly sampled using a multi-stage cluster sampling procedure. Sample size was calculated using Slovin’s formula. Data was collected by means of a questionnaire and analysed using descriptive statistics. The study revealed that more women (64.15%) participated in the production of AIVs. The 54.72% of the respondents supplied AIVs all-year round. Some respondents (49.06%) grow AIVs for home consumption, while 64.15% are encouraged to grow AIVs because they are well adapted to the area, easy to grow and have short growing period. About 60% of the respondents indicated that AIVs are highly consumed by adults and pregnant women in the families. The study revealed that 90.57% of the respondents could harvest and sell 1-2 tons of AIVs per season. About 57% of the respondents benefited from all types of markets, local, farm stalls and high value markets. The study showed that 86.79% of the farmers in the study area received support from the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, in the form of advice, and production inputs. The results of the study confirm that there is a potential for the formation of a nutritional and a commercial production system from AIVs in the study area because the market of AIVs is growing. The study in area E, was conducted in the eight villages, three of Vhembe District, and five villages of Mopani District. The objective of the study was to identify and analyse the opportunities and constraints of a wide adaptation to organic vegetable production systems by small-scale farmers. A total of 52 small-scale vegetable farmers were randomly sampled using a multi-stage cluster sampling procedures. Sample size was calculated using Slovin’s formula. Data was collected through a questionnaire and analysed using the SPSS. The female respondents (55.77%) participated in vegetable production. The study shows that 21.15% of women attended secondary-level education. The study shows that farmers in the study area have experience ranging from 11-21 yeas. The study also revealed that 61.54% of the respondents have access to land they own, lease and communal use. The study also showed that the respondents have dependents ranging from 1-above 9 in number. The study shows that farmers use fertilisers, crop rotation and practicing intercropping in order to promote soil fertility. The study shows that the respondents apply livestock manure, poultry manure and other types to boost their vegetables. It was also revealed that farmers are aware that pesticides are not healthy, and they use protective clothing, and wash their hands with soap after use. Weed is controlled manually. The respondents agreed that organic market has a potential of growth, while others say there is shortage of local organic markets. The study revealed that 80.77% of the respondents considered organic farming (OF) as more profitable, and 78.85% say that it saves on production costs. The study showed that 75.00% of the respondents believed that organic products fetch higher prices. About 53.85% had moderate knowledge of organic farming, while 65.38% were ready to receive technical skills on organic farming (OF). The study captured that 75% viewed conversion to organics as expensive while 44.23% were willing to convert to organic farming in the near future. The results of this study show that there are opportunities in farming on organic vegetables if the constraints and difficulties identified in the study area are dealt with. It is concluded that vegetable production in the study area is sustainable but can improve further by exploiting the opportunities presented by this sector, however, needs support where the needs and necessities are identified, so that it continues contributing in feeding the nation and generating income for the livelihoods of the small-scale farmers.