Examining Key Factors and Supportive Interventions Influencing Smallholder Livestock Farming Performance in Umvoti Local Municipality
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.17159/2413-3221/2025/v53n6a21690Keywords:
Agricultural Performance, Smallholder Livestock Farmers, Interventions, Umvoti Local MunicipalityAbstract
This study examined the key factors influencing agricultural performance and the supportive interventions employed by the government for smallholder livestock farmers in Umvoti Local Municipality, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. A mixed-methods approach was employed, involving the administration of questionnaires to 300 smallholder livestock farmers, focus group discussions, and key informant interviews. The study found that farming skillset, climate variability, and agricultural resource availability were the most critical factors affecting agricultural performance. The majority of farmers were male, had secondary education, and practised free-range grazing on communal land. Access to production inputs and markets was limited, with most farmers relying on local informal markets. Government support interventions included farmer assistance programs, veterinary services, extension services, and value-adding training, but their accessibility and effectiveness varied. The study recommends a multi-pronged approach to improve smallholder livestock farming, including increasing access to production inputs and markets, strengthening farmer support programs, and promoting sustainable agricultural practices. The findings of this study contribute to an understanding of the challenges faced by smallholder farmers and provide a foundation for designing effective support mechanisms that align with their needs and circumstances. Since the target population was smallholder farmers, the information obtained was limited and not generalisable to commercial farmers. Addressing these factors through targeted interventions, capacity building, climate adaptation strategies, and improved resource accessibility is crucial for enhancing the productivity and livelihoods of smallholder livestock farmers in Umvoti Local Municipality.
Downloads
References
ABOAH, J., CAMPBELL, Z.A., DIONE, M., KOTCHOFA, P., GUY, I., WIELAND, B., LO, M.M. & RICH, K.M., 2024. Economic impact of peste des petits ruminants on small ruminant production in Senegal: Gender considerations within a system dynamics modelling approach. Agric. Syst., 217: 1-15. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.agsy.2024.103928
AMAGLOBELI, D., BENSON, T. & MOGUES, T., 2024. Agricultural producer subsidies: Navigating challenges and policy considerations. International Monetary Fund., 2024(002). DOI: https://doi.org/10.5089/9798400285950.068
BAHTA, Y.T. & NYAKI, S.A., 2024. Livelihood vulnerability from drought among smallholder livestock farmers in South Africa. Hydrology., 11(9): 137. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/hydrology11090137
BALEHEGN, M., KEBREAB, E., TOLERA, A. & HUNT, S., 2021. Livestock sustainability research in Africa with a focus on the environment. Anim. Front., 11(4): 47–56. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1093/af/vfab034
BARAJAS, J.A.R., KUBITZA, C. & LAY, J., 2024. Large-scale acquisitions of communal land in the Global South: Assessing the risks and formulating policy recommendations. Land Use Policy., 139: 1-19. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.landusepol.2024.107054
BAZELEY, P., 2007. Qualitative Data Analysis with NVivo. London: SAGE Publications.
BESE, D., ZWANE, E. & CHETENI, P., 2021. The use of sustainable agricultural methods amongst smallholder farmers in the Eastern Cape province, South Africa. Sabinet Afri. J., 13(3): 261-271. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/20421338.2020.1724388
BOSS, C. & MEINZEN-DICK, R., 2020. Land tenure security for women: A conceptual framework. Land Use Policy., 99: 1-15. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.landusepol.2020.105080
CARELSON, C.P.R., NCUBE, B. & FANADZO, M., 2021. Classification and characterisation of smallholder farmers in South Africa: A brief review. S. Afr. J. Agric. Ext., 49(2): 97-106. DOI: https://doi.org/10.17159/2413-3221/2021/v49n2a12821
CHETENI, P. & MOKHELE, X., 2019. Small-scale livestock farmers' participation in markets: Evidence from the land reform beneficiaries in the Central Karoo, Western Cape, South Africa. S. Afr. J. Agric. Ext., 47(1): 118 - 136. DOI: https://doi.org/10.17159/2413-3221/2019/v47n1a494
CHORUMA, D., DIRWAI, T.L., MUTENJE, M., MUSTAFA, M., CHIMONYO, V.G.P., JACOBS-MATA, I. & MABHAUDHI, T., 2024. Digitalisation in agriculture: A scoping review of technologies in practice, challenges, and opportunities for smallholder farmers in sub-Saharan Africa. J. Agric. Food Res., 18: 101286. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jafr.2024.101286
DE ALMEIDA, A., OLMO, L., COPLAND, R., ALDERS, R. & TORIBIO, J.L.M.L., 2021. Investigation of animal health and husbandry practices in smallholder pig production systems in Timor-Leste. Vet Parasitol Reg Stud Reports., 26: 100615. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.vprsr.2021.100615
DEJONCKHEERE, M. & VAUGHN, L., 2019. Semistructured interviewing in primary care research: A balance of relationship and rigour. Fam Med Community Health., 7(2): e000057. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1136/fmch-2018-000057
DFFE., 2008. National Framework For Sustainable Development For South Africa. Available from https://www.dffe.gov.za/national-framework-sustainable-development
DOKUBO, E.M., SENNUGA, S.O., OMOLAYO, A.F. & BANKOLE, O.L., 2023. Effect of rural-urban migration among the youths and its impacts on agricultural development. J. Res Sci Techn., 4(2): 12-27.
EL MALOUF, N. & BAHEMIA, H., 2023. TheoryHub book: Diffusion of innovations. Available from https://open.ncl.ac.uk/theory-library/diffusion-of-innovations.pdf
ELIAS, M., ZAREMBA, H., TAVENNER, K. & RAGASA, C., 2024. Towards gender equality in forestry, livestock, fisheries and aquaculture. Global Food Secur., 41: 1-9. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.gfs.2024.100761
EMES, E., WIELAND, B., MAGNUSSON, U. & DIONE, M., 2023. How farm practices and antibiotic use drive disease incidence in smallholder livestock farms: Evidence from a survey in Uganda. One Health., 17: 1-30. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.onehlt.2023.100627
GARCÍA-AVILÉS, J., 2023. Diffusion of innovation. Available from https://www.researchgate.net/publication/344338279_Diffusion_of_Innovation
HAWKINS, P., GEZA, W., MABHAUDHI, T., SUTHERLAND, C. & QUEENAN, K., 2022. Dietary and agricultural adaptations to drought among smallholder farmers in South Africa: A qualitative study. Weather Clim. Extrem., 35: 1-12. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.wace.2022.100413
HAZELL, P., 2020. Importance of smallholder farms as a relevant strategy to increase food security. In S.G. Paloma, L. Riesgo & K. Louhichi (ed.), The role of smallholder farms in food and nutrition security. Cham: Springer, pp. 29-45. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-42148-9_3
HLALELE, D., 2014. Rural education in South Africa: Concepts and practices. Mediterr. J. Soc. Sci., 5(4): 1-15. DOI: https://doi.org/10.5901/mjss.2014.v5n4p462
HLATSHWAYO, S.I., MODI, A.T., HLAHLA, S., NGIDI, M. & MABHAUDHI, T., 2021. Usefulness of seed systems for reviving smallholder agriculture: A South African Perspective. Afr. J. Food Agric. Nutr. Dev., 21(2): 1-23.
KAPARI, M., HLOPHE-GININDZA, S., NHAMO, L. & MPANDELI, S., 2023. Contribution of smallholder farmers to food security and opportunities for resilient farming systems. Front. Sustain. Food Syst., 7: 1-11. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3389/fsufs.2023.1149854
KAPONDA, T. & CHIWARIDZO, O.T., 2024. Empowering smallholder farmers through community-based marketing initiatives in promoting sustainable agriculture. In T.O. Chiwaridzo, J. Garwi & R. Masengu (eds.), Emerging technologies and marketing strategies for sustainable agriculture. IGI Global, pp. 110-127. DOI: https://doi.org/10.4018/979-8-3693-4864-2.ch006
KHAN, A., HAMEED, W., IQBAL, J., SHAH, A.A., TARIQ, M.A.U.R. & AHMED, S., 2022. Adoption of sustainability innovations and environmental opinion leadership: A way to foster environmental sustainability through diffusion of innovation theory. Sustain., 14(21): 1-20. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/su142114547
KNIGHT-JONES, T.J.D., MCLAWS, M. & RUSHTON, J., 2017. Foot-and-mouth disease impact on smallholders - What do we know, what don't we know and how can we find out more?. Transbound Emerg Dis., 64(4): 1079-1094. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/tbed.12507
MAINA, K., PARLASCA, M., RAO, E. & QAIM, M., 2023. Farmer-friendly delivery of veterinary services: Experimental insights from the Kenyan dairy sector. J. Agric. Econ., 75(3): 829-846. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/1477-9552.12585
MALEMBE, T., 2021. Value-added choice: Factors influencing value-added agricultural choice within smallholder farming agribusinesses of Gauteng Province in South Africa. J. Agric. Rural Dev., 60(2): 1-8. DOI: https://doi.org/10.17306/J.JARD.2021.01374
MAPOSA, L., GARWE, E. & NYAMUSHAMBA, G.G., 2023. Enhancing veterinary services for smallholder farmers in Zimbabwe: A comprehensive literature review. Qeios., 5(10). DOI: https://doi.org/10.32388/0G67D1.2
MATHINYA, V.N., FRANKE, A.C., VAN DE VEN, G.W.J. & GILLER, K.E., 2022. Productivity and constraints of small-scale crop farming in the summer rainfall region of South Africa. Outlook Agr., 51(2): 139–154. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1177/00307270221091839
MAZIYA, M., TIRIVANHU, P., KAJOMBO, R.J. & GUMEDE, N., 2020. Gender disparities in poverty among smallholder livestock farmers in South Africa. S. Afr. J. Agric. Ext., 48(2): 21-35. DOI: https://doi.org/10.17159/2413-3221/2020/v48n2a535
MBATHA, C.N., 2021. Livestock production and marketing for small emerging farmers in South Africa and Kenya: comparative lessons. S. Afr. J. Agric. Ext., 49(1): 141-161. DOI: https://doi.org/10.17159/2413-3221/2021/v49n1a10783
MDODA, L. & GIDI, L.S., 2023. Impact of land ownership in enhancing agricultural productivity in rural areas of Eastern Cape Province. S. Afr. J. Agric. Ext., 51(2): 1-12. DOI: https://doi.org/10.17159/2413-3221/2023/v51n2a11553
MEDAGBE, F., KOMATSU, S., MUJAWAMARIYA, G. & SAITO, K., 2020. Men and women in rice farming in Africa: A cross-country investigation of labor and its determinants. Front. Sustain. Food Syst., 4: 1-28. https://doi.org/10.3389/fsufs.2020.00117 DOI: https://doi.org/10.3389/fsufs.2020.00117
MOYO, R. & SALAWU, A., 2018. A survey of communication effectiveness by agricultural extension in the Gweru district of Zimbabwe. J. Rural Stud., 60: 32-42. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jrurstud.2018.03.002
MWAMFUPE, A., 2019. Farmers ‘access to institutional support for climate change adaptation in rural Tanzania. Tanz. J. Popul. Stud. Dev., 26(2): 118-144. DOI: https://doi.org/10.56279/tjpsd.v26i2.102
MYENI, L. & MOELETSI, M., 2020. Factors determining the adoption of strategies used by smallholder farmers to cope with climate variability in the Eastern Free State, South Africa. Agric., 10(9): 2-16. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture10090410
NATARAJAN, N., NEWSHAM, A., RIGG, J. & SUHARDIMAN, D., 2022. A sustainable livelihoods framework for the 21st century. World Dev., 155: 2-14. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.worlddev.2022.105898
NGOSHE, Y.B., ETTER, E. & GOMEZ-VAZQUEZ, J., 2023. Knowledge, attitudes, and practices of communal livestock farmers regarding animal health and zoonoses in far Northern KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health., 20(1): 1-22. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph20010511
NKONKI, M.B., OGUNKOYA, F. & OMOTAYO, A.O., 2018. Socioeconomic factors influencing livestock production among smallholder farmers in the Free State Province of South Africa. Int. J. Entrep., 22(4): 1939-4675.
NOOR, S., TAJIK, O. & GOLZAR, J., 2022. Simple random sampling. Int. J. Lang. Educ., 1(2): 78-82.
NYAMBALI, A., TJELELE, JT., MNDELA, M., MAPIYE, C., STRYDOM, P., RAFFRENATO, E. & MKHIZE, N., 2022. Participatory inventory and nutritional evaluation of local forage resources for smallholder free-range beef production in semi-arid areas of South Africa. Afr. J. Range Forage Sci., 40(1): 62-70. DOI: https://doi.org/10.2989/10220119.2022.2121941
NYONI, R.S., BRUELLE, G., CHIKOWO, R. & ANDRIEU, N., 2024. Targeting smallholder farmers for climate information services adoption in Africa: A systematic literature review. Climate Services., 34: 100450. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cliser.2024.100450
OLUWATAYO, I., 2019. Towards assuring food security in South Africa: Smallholder farmers as drivers. AIMS Agric. Food., 4(2): 485-500. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3934/agrfood.2019.2.485
PIEMONTESE, L., TERZI, S. & DI BALDASSARRE, G., 2024. Over-reliance on water infrastructure can hinder climate resilience in pastoral drylands. Nat. Clim. Chang., 14: 267–274 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41558-024-01929-z
POPOOLA, O.O. & YUSUF, S.F., 2021. South African government palliative funds for agriculture amid Covid-19: Challenges of implementation and suggestions for improvements. S. Afr. J. Agric. Ext., 49(3): 16-26. DOI: https://doi.org/10.17159/2413-3221/2021/v49n3a12840
PRAVALIE, R., PATRICE, C. & BRORRELLI, P., 2021. Arable lands under the pressure of multiple land degradation processes. A global perspective. Environ. Res., 194: 110697. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envres.2020.110697
PRAVEEN, B. & SHARMA, P., 2019. A review of literature on climate change and its impacts on agriculture productivity. J. Public Aff., 19(4). DOI: https://doi.org/10.1002/pa.1960
RAJI, E., 2024. Improving agricultural practices and productivity through extension services and innovative training programs. Int. J. Appl. Res. Soc. Sci., 6(7): 1297-1309. DOI: https://doi.org/10.51594/ijarss.v6i7.1267
ROOTMAN, G.T., STEVENS, J.B. & MOLLEL, N.M., 2015. Policy opportunities to enhance the role of smallholder livestock systems in Limpopo Province of South Africa. S. Afr. J. Agric. Ext., 43(2): 91-104. DOI: https://doi.org/10.17159/2413-3221/2015/v43n2a360
SAHOO, S. & GOSWAMI, S., 2024. Theoretical framework for assessing the economic and environmental impact of water pollution: A detailed study on sustainable development of India. J. Future Sustain., 4(1): 23-34. DOI: https://doi.org/10.5267/j.jfs.2024.1.003
SANGO, N., 2022. An analysis of the role of rural development initiatives in promoting sustainable and effective development in the Eastern Cape: A case study of Intsika Yethu Municipality. Stellenbosch: Stellenbosch University.
SARMA, P.K., 2024. Participation in livestock-based interventions and its impact on food security in Bangladesh: A quasi-experimental method. Clean. Circ. Bioeconomy., 9: 100098. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.clcb.2024.100098
SEETHA, L., 2024. Livelihood framework: A holistic approach in conceptualizing and analysing multi-dimensional poverty. J. Res. Soc. Sci. Humanit., 12(5): 95-99.
SITHIRITH, M., SAO, S., DE SILVA, S. & KONG, H., 2024. Food system governance in the Cambodian Mekong Delta: Food production, food security, migration, and indebtedness. Water., 16(14): 1-25. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/w16141942
SMITH, G., 2015. Essential statistics, regression, and econometrics. 2nd edn. Netherlands: Academic Press. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-12-803459-0.00008-X
SOVACOOL, B., ISKANDAROVA, M. & HALL, J., 2023. Industrializing theories: A thematic analysis of conceptual frameworks and typologies for industrial sociotechnical change in a low-carbon future. Energy Res. Soc. Sci., 97(6620): 102954. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.erss.2023.102954
STATS SA., 2022. Census 2022: Agricultural Households. Pretoria: Statistics South Africa. Available from https://www.statssa.gov.za/publications/Report-03-11-01/Report-03-11-012022.pdf
SUGDEN, R., 2000. Cochran's rule for simple random sampling. J. R. Stat. Soc. Ser. B Stat. Method., 62(4): 787-793. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/1467-9868.00264
SUSANTO, P.C., YUNTINA, L., SARIBANON, E., SOEHADITAMA, J.P. & LIANA, E., 2024. Qualitative method concepts: Literature review, focus group discussion, ethnography and grounded theory. Siber J. Adv. Multidiscip., 2(2): 262-275. DOI: https://doi.org/10.38035/sjam.v2i2.207
TCHONKOUANG, R., ONYEAKA, H. & NKOUTCHOU, H., 2024. Assessing the vulnerability of food supply chains to climate change-induced disruptions. Sci. Total. Environ., 920: 171047. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.171047
TENNY, S., BRANNAN, J.M. & BRANNAN, G.D., 2022. Qualitative study. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing.
TILDESLEY, M., BRAND, S., BROOKS POLLOCK, E., BRADBURY, N.V., WERKMAN, M. & KEELING, M.J., 2019. The role of movement restrictions in limiting the economic impact of livestock infections. Nat. Sustain., 2(9): 834-840. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41893-019-0356-5
TIMMINS, H.L., MUPETA-MUYAMWA, P., MARUBU, J., SCHOUTEN, C., LEKAITA, E. & PETERSON, D., 2022. securing communal tenure complemented by collaborative platforms for improved participatory landscape management and sustainable development: Lessons from Northern Tanzania and the Maasai Mara in Kenya. In M.B. Holland, Y.J. Masuda & B.E. Robinsoned (eds.), Land tenure security and sustainable development. Cham: Palgrave Macmillan, pp. 247–267. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-81881-4_12
TONG, T., YE, F., ZHANG, Q. & LIAO, W., 2024. The impact of labor force aging on agricultural total factor productivity of farmers in China: Implications for food sustainability. Front. Sustain. Food Syst., 8: 1-13. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3389/fsufs.2024.1434604
TOUCH, V., TAN, D.K.Y., COOK, B.R., LIU, D.L. & CROSS, R., 2024. Smallholder farmers’ challenges and opportunities: Implications for agricultural production, environment and food security. J Environ Manage., 370: 122536. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jenvman.2024.122536
TSELAESELE, N.M., 2018. Training needs assessment for transformation of smallholder livestock farming in Botswana. S. Afr. J. Agric. Ext., 46(1): 1-18. DOI: https://doi.org/10.17159/2413-3221/2018/v46n1a450
UMVOTI LOCAL MUNICIPALITY., 2023. PART 1 2022-2023 Reviewed Service Delivery and Budget Implementation Plan. Greytown: Umvoti Local Municipality. Available from https://umvoti.gov.za/download/part-1-2022-2023-reviewed-service-delivery-and-budget-implementation-plan-23-february-2023/ [Accessed: 24 January 2025].
UMVOTI LOCAL MUNICIPALITY., 2024. 2022/2023 Draft Annual Report: Umvoti Municipality- KZN 245. Greytown: Umvoti Local Municipality. Available from https://umvoti.gov.za/download/draft-2022-2023-annual-report-30-january-2024/?wpdmdl=10039&refresh=67965438746cd1737905208
UMVOTI MUNICIPALITY., 2020. UMVOTI Final 2020/2021 IDP Review. Available from https://www.cogta.gov.za/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Umvoti-FINAL-2020-2021-IDP-Review-30-June-2020.pdf
ZANTSI, S., MULANDA, S. & HLAKANYANE, L., 2021. Small-scale agriculture, land reform, and government support in South Africa: Identifying moral hazard, opportunistic behaviour, and adverse selection. Int. J. Afr. Renaiss. Stud., 16(2): 119–144. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/18186874.2021.1979895
ZAWADI, K., 2024. The intersection of livestock production and public health: Policy challenges and solutions. Int. J. Livest., 3(3): 1-15. DOI: https://doi.org/10.47941/ijlp.1970
ZENDA, M., RUDOLPH, M. & HARLEY, C., 2024. The impact of climate variability on the livelihoods of smallholder farmers in an agricultural village in the Wider Belfast Area, Mpumalanga Province, South Africa. Atmosphere., 15(11). DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/atmos15111353
Downloads
Published
Issue
Section
License
Copyright (c) 2025 S.A. Mqadi, D. Naidoo
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
How to Cite
.png){kind=spacer}