Assessment of the constraints limiting the market participation of smallholder farmers in the Umbumbulu area of KwaZulu-Natal Province.

Abstract

Small scale emerging farmers have a significant contribution towards job creation, human welfare and political stability. Despite the contribution that agriculture is expected to make in any economy through poverty alleviation and job creation, however, these smallholder farmers face enormous constraints and challenges that affect their capability to partake in the agricultural markets, in order to properly market their products. This study therefore assessed the constraints limiting the market participation of smallholder farmers in the Umbumbulu area of KwaZulu-Natal (KZN). The local Department of Agriculture office in Umbumbulu provided the database for the farmers then data was obtained through face to face method using structured questionnaires with a sample size of 100 smallholder farmers. The descriptive analysis tool on the Microsoft Excel data analysis was used first on the data per survey form. The results from data analyses were presented in pie charts, bar charts and tables. Descriptive statistics analysis outcome presented the mean, median, mode, standard deviation and sample variance. The regression model was used to examine the factors that impact marketing access amongst smallholder farmers in the area under study. The results showed that there is a gap with regards to the awareness of the smallholder farmers, as aspects like seminars and trainings that provide adequate valuable information on the trends related to farming are neglected. The participating farmers do not have a clear understanding of how they can be involved in market participation. It can also be concluded that the level of market participation is low, as the participating farmers are also not well acquainted with organisations or cooperatives that enable rural small-scale farmers. There is poor road infrastructure in the Umbumbulu area, which has created a major hindrance to market participation of smallholder farmers in the area and market participation is affected by lack of extension services. Lack of adequate financial funding and grants is a big challenge as it limits the market participation of smallholder farmers in Umbumbulu area. Therefore, this study recommended that reviewing and amending current land tenure rights will encourage more farming activities by these rural smallholder farmers. It was also recommended that government needs to address road infrastructural conditions in order to aid effective transportation of agricultural produce. It was suggested that further studies should be focused on evaluating in details the activities of extension services to smallholder farmers.