Determinants of Commercialising Indigenous Chicken Production in South Africa: New Evidence Post-COVID-19

T M Seti

doi:10.17159/2413-3221/2026/v54n1a18891

Authors

T M Seti Cape Peninsula University of Technology https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6402-6056

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.17159/2413-3221/2026/v54n1a18891

Keywords:

Commercialization, Logistic regression, Household Commercialisation Index, Indigenous Chickens, Multinomial Logistic Regression Model, Small-Scale Farmers

Abstract

Commercialising indigenous chicken production offers substantial potential for smallholder farmers in developing countries to improve rural livelihoods and alleviate poverty. However, despite strong market demand for indigenous chickens, few farmers have successfully scaled up production to commercial levels since the COVID-19 pandemic. This study investigated factors influencing the commercialisation of indigenous poultry production systems using a cross-sectional research design. A total of 150 farmers were surveyed, and a multiple regression model was applied to identify key determinants of commercialisation. The findings indicate that access to extension services (p < 0.01), gender (p < 0.05), household size (p < 0.05), loadshedding (p < 0.01), transportation costs (p < 0.01), reduced income (p < 0.05), market distance (p < 0.01), and COVID-19-related disruptions (p < 0.05) significantly influence commercialisation levels. Regression analysis confirmed that loadshedding and market access were among the most critical constraints, with farmers facing severe operational challenges due to inconsistent electricity supply and limited market penetration. Additionally, post-pandemic trends, including persistent supply chain disruptions and rising feed costs, continue to hinder commercialisation efforts. To address these challenges, the study recommends targeted government interventions, such as improving extension services, investing in value-adding processing equipment, and establishing centralised transportation systems. Additionally, policies should consider the unintended consequences of market interventions to avoid potential distortions. Strengthening access to markets and mitigating transaction costs could enhance commercialisation prospects and contribute to the sustainable development of the indigenous poultry sector.

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