Development of a sustainable model for irrigated smallholder agricultural enterprises In Vhembe District, Limpopo Province in South Africa
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Date
2022
Authors
Mavhungu, Tsumbedzo Jutas
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
University of the Free State
Abstract
The purpose of the study was to characterise irrigated smallholder agricultural enterprises led by women and youth (ISHAE-WY) in selected areas of Vhembe District Municipality, Limpopo Province. The characterisation focused on the geophysical environment and on participants in ISHAE-WY. The ISHAE-WY are suffering from a serious loss of traditional farming knowledge, which has been adequately replaced by knowledge of modern farming practices. Diverse agro-climatic zones with distinct seasons can grow a wide range of field crop commodities. It is vital to select crop commodities for cultivation according to the land suitability, so that maximum benefit can be achieved while maintaining ecological sustainability. Indeed, the greatest increases in water use in ISHAE-WY have not been from better irrigation technology or management, but rather from increased crop yields, due to better or efficient application of water to preferred field crops. Selected commodities potential of field crops on ISHAE-WY were evaluated based on the geophysical attributes (e.g., terrain form and soil), and climatic parameter of each type of field crop. This study used a combination of both primary and secondary data acquisition approaches. Long-term environmental and climate data, including topographical data was acquired from the Limpopo Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (LDARD). The data was developed by EnviroGIS as appointed to assist the LDARD in conducting field surveys and analyses to correct the national vector data to a local scale. A representative sample was based on the number of smallholder entrepreneurs per production area within the two identified agro-ecological zones. Primary data was collected using a questionnaire and transect walk (observation). At least 294 women and youth (W-Y) smallholder irrigation entrepreneurs were sampled for interviews and prompt responses were obtained on the influence of productivity and profitability of selected field crops (dry bean, sweet potatoes, and maize) on ISHAE-WY. An average selected mean output of irrigated smallholder agricultural product was determined. The study revealed that there is a great impact of climate on the suitability of the selected field crops in the stuidy area. The potential effects of the high temperatures and low relative humidity are deleterious to the growth and development of young plants. Irrigation during such hot and dry months may not be able to overcome the potential negative effects of the atmospheric evaporative demand, together with high temperature stress on crops grown during this period.
Comparison between informal and formal markets show that the ISHAE-WY who rely on the informal markets are making more profit than with the latter. In selling through the formal market, the market deducts 5% of commission while the market agent deducts 7.5% of sales on the gross value of the sold product. This does not include the transportation charges to the market. The Farm Gate market opportunity seems to be the most predominant approach of marketing at ISHAE-WY. These results reaffirm that ISHAE-WY can also be an alternative employment to W-Y who remain at home, while their counterparts are looking for employment in cities. In the end, the study provides strong motivation that irrigated smallholder agricultural areas has a potential to change the lives of rural households and their local economy.
Description
Thesis (Ph.D.(Sustainable Agriculture))--University of the Free State, 2022
Keywords
Vhembe District, irrigated smallholder agricultural enterprise, Madimbo corridor, Mutale upper valley, climatic parameters, geophysical attributes, agro-ecological suitability, field crops, temperature, rainfall, irrigated smallholder agricultural entrepreneurs, socio-economic impact, informal market, formal market