The impact of organisational support on small-scale farming: a case study of DAPP Namibia's farmers' clubs in the Kavango Region, Namibia
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Date
2019
Authors
Ilyambo, Benjamin
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
University of the Free State
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to assess the impact of organisational support on small- scale farming, with a specific focus on Development Aid from People to People (DAPP) Namibia’s climate smart agriculture-led Farmers’ Club programme in the Kavango Region, Namibia. The study focused on programme impact on agricultural methods, knowledge and skills transfer, livelihood and agricultural output.
This case study used the qualitative research methods of interviews, focus group discussions and desktop research to collect the relevant data. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with programme managers at DAPP Namibia at the partnership office, focus group discussions were conducted with randomly selected beneficiaries of the Farmers’ Clubs, and the desktop research assessed various reports from the Farmers’ Club programme.
The study findings pointed out numerous challenges faced by supported farmers, such as dependence on DAPP Namibia’s support. This challenge is further exacerbated by programme implementation loopholes, such as a lack of effective supervision and support. The study concluded that conservation agriculture methods are not only feasible in the Kavango Region, they are also widely accepted. Through DAPP Namibia’s conservation agriculture centred programme, farmers’ knowledge of climate smart agriculture methods has increased, a notable increase in production has been experienced, and horticultural interventions have improved access to vegetables for households.
In order for the programme to be sustainable, this study recommends that DAPP Namibia creates linkages with the government’s systems and that it considers managing the Farmers’ Club programme from its Kavango office, as this will enable more timely and effective supervision and support.
Description
Dissertation (MDS (Development Studies))--University of the Free State, 2019
Keywords
Organisational support, Small-scale farming, Development Aid from People to People (DAPP), Kavango Region, Namibia