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Crop production constraints and coping strategies of small-scale crop and maize farmers in Gcuwa, Mnquma Local Municipality, South Africa

- Manyenyeza, Akhona Wesley Siyavuya

Authors: Manyenyeza, Akhona Wesley Siyavuya
Date: 2023
Subjects: Crop science , Agricultural productivity , Agriculture -- Economic aspects
Language: English
Type: Master's theses , text
Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/29922 , vital:79191
Description: Diverse biotic and abiotic constraints limit small-scale farmers' agricultural productivity in developing countries. However, small-scale farmers have developed coping and adaptive strategies to cope with some of these constraints, strengthening their resilience to various stresses. This study aimed to examine the constraints impeding maize production and identify coping strategies employed by small-scale crop farmers in Gcuwa, Mnquma Local Municipality, South Africa, to provide insights and recommendations for enhancing the sustainability and productivity of maize farming in this region. The researcher employed a descriptive survey design within a quantitative research approach to collect participant data. The researcher used a non-probability, purposive sampling method to select 120 household heads, that met the inclusion criteria to participate in the study. Results demonstrated that most small-scale farmers in this study were adults over 35 years old 90.83 percent, female 51.67 percent, single 44.17 percent, and owned 86.67 percent land they lived on. Constraints that inhibit small-scale farmers from producing sufficient crops for subsistence and selling excess were related to droughts, pests and insects, infertile soil and lack of infrastructure and finance. To cope with constraints, small-scale farmers borrow money from friends, family, neighbours, or loan sharks to survive difficult times. Others only cook simple foods, such as maize, and some get rid of their assets or livestock. They believe the government can offer better long-term support to implement adaptative strategies, such as supplying seeds and fertiliser at reasonable costs, and be responsible for offering regular training and information workshops on small-scale farming and climate change. Recommendations that flow form the study is that small-scale farmers should select crop varieties that are adapted to the specific climatic conditions of Gcuwa region and diversify their crops. Moreover, leaders in the community should facilitate the establishment of collaborative networks among local farmers to facilitate the exchange of knowledge, resources, and mutual assistance in times of adversity. It is further recommended that the Land Bank or ARC should assist small-scale farmers to construct comprehensive financial plans and that the local government should allow small-scale farmers to have input in meetings so that their needs can be heard and addressed and could start a project to provide small-scale farmers with water tanks or irrigation pipes. It is recommended that agriculture as a subject, should be made compulsory at schools as youth show no interest in farming and farmers. , Thesis (MPhil) -- Faculty of Science and Agriculture, 2023
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Date Issued: 2023

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