Access to municipal markets by agro-smallholder producers in eThekwini Metropolitan Municipality: a public administration perspective.
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Date
2020
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Abstract
The government's inability in South Africa to ensure that both local and national markets
adequately accommodate smallholder producers is hindering the sector’s ability to grow and
develop. Minimal research has focused on how local government interacts with other spheres of
government to improve and ensure accessibility to municipal markets for agro-smallholder
producers, and limited studies have been conducted that explore the influence of municipal
markets on agro-smallholder producers. Therefore, this study aimed to critically examine
municipal markets' influence on agro-smallholder growth within a decentralised state.
This study employed a qualitative exploratory research methodology using semi-structured
interviews and focus group discussions. The researcher utilised a non-probability, purposive
sampling method—the sample comprised participants from government departments and agrosmallholder
producers falling under the eThekwini Municipality’s jurisdiction. The researcher
conducted seven individual face-to-face interviews with government officials and 15 focus group
discussions with agro-smallholder producers. The data collected were analysed using the thematic
analysis technique.
The study results show that the municipal markets and the extension services do not provide
substantial support to agro-smallholder producers who are seeking access to markets. Furthermore,
the study found that there is no integration or relationship between the eThekwini Municipality
and the KZN Agriculture and Rural Development on the issues related to the promotion and
development of agro-smallholder producers. Through the application of administrative theory, the
study recommends that the government institutions incorporate stakeholders’ insights, lay a policy
foundation for a whole-of-government approach to planning, and set the direction for agrosmallholder's
planned future. The creation of a coherent planning and coordination system could
assist government institutions in ensuring that better outcomes are achieved to deliver support
services to agro-smallholder producers. Furthermore, the government institutions will be more
effective if they have sufficient human resources who are qualified and able to ensure their
departments' effective management and smooth functioning.
Description
Doctoral Degree. University of KwaZulu-Natal Durban.