Investigating the impact of capacity development interventions for smallholder farmers in Ba-Phalaborwa municipality in the Mopani District, Limpopo, South Africa
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Date
2020-02
Authors
Adam, Julia
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Publisher
University of the Free State
Abstract
Capacity Development Intervention (CDI) entails transforming one‘s ability to perform a task and improve the performance of an individual in his organization or job. This study investigated the impact of Capacity Development Interventions for smallholder farmers in Ba-Phalaborwa municipality in the Mopani District of Limpopo Province in South Africa. The purpose of the study was to understand the contribution CDIs had made to the lives of the smallholder farmers, their sustainability and possibly how the implementation could be improved to optimize the impact. Mixed-method, quasi experimental design was used for the study, incorporating primary and secondary data. The data was collected through document analysis and a survey which involved administration of questionnaires to the farmers, Limpopo Department of Agriculture and Rural Development officials and training service providers. Additionally, observation techniques were used during field visits by assessing the state of production on the farms and during the interviews. The collected data was analysed using the Statistical Package for Social Scientist (SPSS). The results of the study showed that CDIs contributed positively to the farmers through open market participation, understanding production techniques, knowledge of different role players in the industry and the importance of record keeping. However, this study revealed that most of the farmers did not practice record keeping and that the evaluation methods employed in assessing the contribution of CDIs to the smallholders are not as informative. The analysis of reports from the Limpopo Department of Agriculture and Rural Development revealed that the evaluation methods currently used by the government do not assess how far the initial programme objectives have been realised; rather the focus is if the targeted numbers to be trained have been attained. Thus, based on the findings from this study it is recommended that stern measures should be taken by the relevant organizations ensuring that the agreed targets are delivered and these evaluations have to be continuously done during CDIs implementation. The outcomes from this study seek to assist in the effective implementation of CDIs and formulation of relevant CDI frameworks that will enhance the productivity of smallholder farmers across the whole of South Africa and beyond.
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Keywords
Dissertation (MDS (Development Studies))--University of the Free State, 2020, Smallholder farmers - South Africa - Phalaborwa, Capacity Development Interventions, Open market participation, Farming production techniques, Limpopo Department of Agriculture and Rural Development