Dissertations / Theses on the topic 'Farmers Mozambique Economic conditions'
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Ndlovu, Ana Admiração. "Understanding development aid and state autonomy : the case of European Union budget support to Mozambique." Thesis, Rhodes University, 2014. http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1013218.
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Post-colonial states in Africa continue to pursue nation-building and socio-economic development. This process is taking place with the sustained support of global agencies in terms of development cooperation, assistance and aid. Insofar as an endogenous development path which speaks to national priorities can be formulated and implemented by post-colonial states, their relationship with these agencies raises serious questions about such a path if the relationship entails dependence and indeed subordination of post-colonial states. This raises important questions about state autonomy under post-colonial conditions and the possibility of autonomy being compromised. In this light, the thesis examines European Union budget support to Mozambique and, in particular, the relationship between EU budget support and Mozambique state autonomy in pursuing national development. This is particularly pertinent given the massive dependence of the Mozambican state on foreign funding (notably EU funding) with specific regard to the national budget. Despite the broad claims existing in the prevailing literature that nation-state autonomy is seriously undermined in and through the international development system, the thesis argues against reductionist arguments that simply posit post-colonial states as mere instruments of global forces. This system, including European Union budget support, does indeed set the conditions of existence for post-colonial states such as Mozambique. But autonomy is necessarily relative and is subject to different forms and degrees. Ultimately, it is through empirical investigation that the specific form and degree of autonomy can be pinpointed and understood. The thesis contributes to this endeavour and suggests that the relationship between European budget support and Mozambican state autonomy is more complex and tension-riddled than the prevailing literature would seem to suggest.
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Morgan, Glenda Nadine. "Reform and democracy in Mozambique, 1983-1991." Thesis, Rhodes University, 1992. http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003019.
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Africa is currently experiencing a movement toward more democratic systems of government. The causes of such changes are numerous, but the literature on African democratization, like that on similar changes elsewhere in the world, places emphasis on the role of internal or domestic factors. The role of international pressures toward democratization is almost completely ignored. The case of Mozambique illustrates the dangers of such an omission. During the past decade Mozambique has undergone considerable political change. The single-party, Marxist-Leninist oriented state has been replaced by a multi-party system, devoid of explicit references to any guiding ideology. The government has also expanded its contacts with the West, particularly by means of its assuming membership of the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank. These changes in Mozambique's political orientation have been accompanied by economic reforms, designed to arrest the precipitous decline in the Mozambican economy. In this dissertation I argue that the causes of both the economic and political reforms lie in this decline and in the government's need to secure capital and debt relief internationally. In order to do this, the Mozambican government had to change the aspects of its political system which were seen as being unacceptable by the West, in particular the lack of multi-party competition and its overtly Marxist orientation and close ties to socialist countries. Because the reforms had their primary genesis in Mozambique's need for international acceptance and not in the growth of popularly based democratic organisations, the reforms are fragile and their meaningfulness questionable.
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Sebastiao, Mario Manuel. "Quality service within the context of Mozambique’s developmental objectives and public service reform." Thesis, Cape Peninsula University of Technology, 2013. http://hdl.handle.net/20.500.11838/1641.
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Thesis submitted in fulfilment of the requirements for the degree
Magister of Technologiae: PUBLIC MANAGEMENT
in the Faculty of BUSINESS
at the
CAPE PENINSULA UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY
2013Investment Promotion Agencies act as economic development conduits which seek not only just to undertake promotion, but also to improve the wider environment for investors by liaising and initiating change. As a result, worldwide governments have set up Investment Promotion Agencies (IPAs) to advance investment goals and by extension economic development in the context of a dynamic and competitive environment. Yet, little empirical research is done, especially in the developing world with a view to enhance the working practices of IPAs. This study investigated the effectiveness and quality of services provided by Mozambique’s Centre for the Promotion of Investment (CPI) from the perspective of both local and foreign investors. A quantitative approach by way of an online questionnaire was employed in the study. The data generated was analysed with the assistance of a registered statistician. The study found that most of the participants (local and foreign investors in Mozambique) do not make use of the services which the CPI is mandated to offer such as company registration; registration with the Fiscal Department and the publishing of company constitution in the government gazette, to name but a few. Furthermore, investors who have accessed the above services indicated a lack of service quality by the CPI. In the wider environment, the study found areas of concern such as an inadequate accounting system and a lack of proper coordination among the stakeholders involved in the process of setting up a business in Mozambique.
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Hudson, Michael David. "Farmer survivability in Virginia." Thesis, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, 1988. http://hdl.handle.net/10919/80049.
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A study focusing on farm financial stress in Virginia was conducted to provide information to educators. The financial situation of Virginia farmers during the 1980's was reviewed. The years 1983, 1984, and 1985 were determined to be the time during the 1980s when farmers' financial situations were most severely stressed.
Attention was directed towards corn, soybean, and wheat farmers since this group was readily identifiable as being financially stressed. Fifteen personal interviews of farmers were conducted in seven counties where the majority of these crops are grown. For comparison purposes, part of the interviews were conducted with individuals who are still farming and part with individuals who were forced to exit farming due to financial adversity.
Comparing the information gathered from farmers in a favorable financial condition with the information gathered from those farmers in a vulnerable financial condition, some factors that helped farmers survive the agricultural depression of the 1980’s were discovered. Farmers in favorable financial condition are superior managers, operate timely businesses, borrow and spend conservatively, are more educated, have more years of farming experience, and use better financial and production recordkeeping practices. Access to marketing information is also important for farmer survivability. Producers in favorable financial condition own larger percentages of their operated land, and they utilize more family labor.Master of Science
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Pretorius, Leon G. "The political economy of South African foreign direct investment in Mozambique: a case study of Mozal and its implications for development in Mozambique and Southern Africa." Thesis, University of the Western Cape, 2005. http://hdl.handle.net/11394/222.
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Philosophiae Doctor - PhDThe MOZAL aluminium smelter in Maputo is the largest-ever foreign direct investment in Mozambique. South Africa's state-owned Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) owns 24% shares in MOZAL and the Development Bank of South Africa (DBSA) and Eskom provided road and power supply infrastructure to ensure the success of the smelter. BHP Billiton is the majority shareholder, the other being Mitsubishi. MOZAL is the flagship of South Africa's foreign policy for regional integration in southern Africa and economic reconstruction in Mozambique: a practical manifestation of the African Renaissance. This thesis is a case study of MOZAL as an example of cross-border industrial development and its implications for development in Mozambique. Using an eclectic multidisciplinary Critical Global Political Economy (critical GPE) theoretical framework, a survey of relevant literature and a series of selected open interviews, it examines how development based on the assumptions of industrialisation and neo-modernisation espoused by the governments and private sector champions of MOZAL impact on class, gender, environmental and social justice in Mozambique. The research identifies the socio-economic development dimensions of MOZAL for Mozambique and how the cost and benefits are distributed among the various social groups and actors directly and/or indirectly involved with the MOZAL aluminium smelter. The main findings are that MOZAL as a private sector FDI project is a qualified success. On the positive side, it contributes to economic growth. However, the benefits to Mozambique are exaggerated and are not broadly distributed. On the negative side, it contributes to increasing the economic dependence of Mozambique on the South African economy. Instead of narrowing the development gap, the smelter has contributed to increased differentiation between companies in South Africa and Mozambique and, within Mozambique, between the Northern and Southern regions, as well as among MOZAL employees and the majority of the population in Maputo. The implications are that the development benefits from foreign direct investment cross-border industrial development projects may, at least in the short-term, lead to uneven regional integration and development enjoyed by a few.
South Africa
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Habibie, Hasnawaty, University of Western Sydney, of Science Technology and Environment College, and School of Environment and Agriculture. "Participatory action research to improve the livelihood of rural people through livestock production in South Sulawesi, Indonesia." THESIS_CSTE_EAG_Habibie_H.xml, 2003. http://handle.uws.edu.au:8081/1959.7/570.
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This research was conducted within the context of smallholder livestock production and government attempts to improve this through a transfer of technology approach. Participatory action research (PAR) was used to enable action for change to emerge, while the research provided understanding and a basis for this action. Tombolo village in South Sulawesi, Indonesia was the location for this research, which first identified the problems and needs of the farmers, and then participatively developed strategies to meet these needs. Fodder security throughout the year was found to be the major constraint to cattle production. Forage technology was introduced, including fodder tree legumes and grasses, resulting in improved livestock production and many associated livelihood benefits. The introduction of these new technologies was adapted by stakeholders to local issues and needs. The extension services had previously aimed to improve livestock production through breeding and veterinary health measures, and had assumed that sufficient fodder was available for livestock. The formation of a learning group of farmers, who used group discussion to set their own agenda, was employed to identify this shortcoming, and how to sustainably overcome it. Participants were able to apply their experience and enhance their cognitive skills to find new meanings and knowledge to plan and take actions to improve their practice and situation. This thesis documents the process of change required to move from a “Transfer of Technology” approach to a “learning approach”. The research has shown that there is considerable potential for the application of PAR to rural community development in Indonesia. More specifically in Tombolo village PAR enabled farmers and extension staff to be empowered by becoming active participants in the research process and take action to improve their own practice. It helped them to analyse the situation to make the technology more appropriate, while also learning how to change the extension methods used towards one in which all stakeholders became partners in developing their situationDoctor of Philosophy (PhD)
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Usman, Abdullah. "Socio-economic factors influencing farmers' adoption of a new technology : the case study on the groundwater pump irrigation in Lombok, Indonesia." Title page, Abstract and Contents only, 1997. http://web4.library.adelaide.edu.au/theses/09A/09au86.pdf.
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Bibliography: leaves 146-153. This thesis analyses factors influencing farmers use of groundwater pump irrigation in Lombok, Indonesia. It aims to identify the determinants of the speed of technology adoption, to identify factors affecting the levels of water use and to estimate the state of water use by comparing the actual water use to the estimated optimal water use.
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Sartorius, Kurt. "Linking small-scale farmers to agribusiness the economics of contracting /." Thesis, Pretoria : [s.n.], 2003. http://upetd.up.ac.za/thesis/available/etd-02122007-171339.
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Alvarenga, Rodrigues Daniel Guilherme. "China’s economic involvement in Mozambique and prospects for development : an analysis of the processes and impacts of major recent investments." Thesis, Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2008. http://hdl.handle.net/10019.1/1608.
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Thesis (MA (Political Science. International Studies))--Stellenbosch University, 2008.The great intensification of China’s engagement with Africa in the beginning of the 21st century has brought about an equally vast body of literature concerning the general motives and features of the engagement. The broad nature of such literature begs for more focused and localised analysis that are able to complement and inform the ongoing debate. This thesis aims to better understand how China’s policy towards Mozambique affects the latter’s economic development. With this objective in mind each of the four empirical chapters provides a fresh view over some of the most salient dimensions and recent processes related to China’s involvement with Mozambique. The following is analysed: China’s trade and investment with Mozambique; the Asian power’s economic involvement in Mozambique’ agriculture sector; the participation of the China-Exim Bank in the Mphanda Nkuwa dam negotiation process; and finally the participation of Mozambique in the China-sponsored multilateral organisation of the Macau Forum. The methodology used is primarily reliant on the analysis of secondary material supplemented by a small number of informal interviews. The core secondary material includes government investment agencies statistics, analysis of official documents, policies and analysis of material such as NGO reports, studies and media reports. The analysis corroborates the view that it mostly depends upon Mozambique’s governance actors to make China’s engagement work towards its economic development and that there is not a static set of monolithic neo-colonial tendencies overriding China’s commitments towards the African country.
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Mokgalabone, M. S. "Analyzing the technical and allocative efficiency of small-scale maize farmers in Tzaneen Municipality of Mopani District: a cobb-douglas and logistic regression approach." Thesis, University of Limpopo, 2015. http://hdl.handle.net/10386/1215.
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Thesis (M.Sc (Agricultural Economics)) --University of Limpopo, 2015Agriculture plays an important role in uplifting the economy of South Africa. Small-scale farmers in rural areas are linked with poverty and operate inefficiently due to over or under utilization of some of the factors of production. This study aimed at analysing the technical and allocative efficiency of small-scale maize farmers in Tzaneen municipality. The objectives of the study were: (i) To assess the level of technical and allocative efficiency of small-scale maize farmers in Tzaneen municipality, (ii) To identify socio-economic factors affecting the efficiency of small-scale maize farmers in Tzaneen municipality and (iii) to investigate the areas of improvement with regard to the operational management of the small-scale maize farmers in Tzaneen municipality. The study employed the Cobb-Douglas production function and the logistic regression model to analyse data. The Cobb-Douglas production function results revealed that small-scale maize farmers in Tzaneen municipality are technically efficient in the production of maize with the highest mean technical efficiency value of 0.71%. The study further revealed that farmers were allocatively inefficient with a mean allocative efficiency value of 0.39%. The logistic regression analysis revealed important variables such as the level of education (1.05), experience in farming (2.74), access to irrigation water (0.59), purchase of hybrid seed (0.74), access to credit (2.13) and extension visits (0.85) were positively significant towards the efficiency of farmers. Variables such as gender of the farmer (-1.79) and off-farm income (-2.72) were found to be negatively significant towards the efficiency of small-scale maize farmers in Tzaneen Municipality. The findings obtained in this study could be quite useful to policy makers. This study recommend that there is a need for more visits from the extension officers as well as training on inputs allocation, since variables like Seed (0.41), fertilizer (0.17), capital (0.71) and expenses (-0.204) were found to be inefficiently allocated in the production of maize. The provision of easy, quick and adequate credit deserves to be a top priority on the agenda of policy makers since most small-scale maize farmers in Tzaneen municipality does not receive off-farm income. Small-scale farmers in Tzaneen municipality also need to have access to enough arable land in order to increase production. Small-scale farmers in South Africa and other developing countries contribute to employment creation and food security in the households, therefore, it is important that government fully support such farmers.
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Mfune, Elizabeth. "Effects of an agribusiness collapse on contract growers and their communities : a case study of Makeni Cooperative Society, Lusaka, Zambia." Thesis, Rhodes University, 2006. http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1007627.
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This study assesses the effects of an agribusiness collapse, on the contracted growers and their surrounding communities in Lusaka Province, Zambia. In 2004, Agriflora Limited, a Trans-Zambezi Industries Limited (TZI) agribusiness in Lusaka Zambia was sold off. Agriflora Limited was one ofthe largest fresh vegetable exporters in Africa. It had contracted almost 500 small-scale farmers with 1-4 hectares of land within 50 km radius of Lusaka to grow vegetables for export. Makeni Cooperative Society was one of the targeted groups of growers. It grew baby corn, mangetout peas, and sugar snap and fine beans for export. The case study relied on both primary and secondary data. I undertook two months of ethnographic fieldwork utilising observations, in-depth interviews and informal discussions with some community members in Makeni. I also reviewed the literature on contract farming schemes (documenting both the negative and positive effects for growers) in developing countries. The case study showed that the impact of the collapse of Agriflora on the growers has been severe indeed; there has been a significant reduction in production with only a few farmers producing for export. Those that are producing are limited to one crop, baby corn. The effect on the local labour market (farm workers) has been quite drastic with a drop in employment. A new agribusiness company, York Farm, was sourced by the government for the contract growers of Makeni. York Farm has signed a procurement contract under which only sale and purchase conditions are specified. This means that, services such as extension services are no longer provided. It was also found that despite the price for baby corn at York Farm being better than what Agriflora used to offer the farmers, farmers are not producing peas which have a higher turnover than baby corn because York farm does not buy peas from the farmers. However, the farmers are hopeful that they will soon start producing peas after they pass the Eurep gap requirements. Furthermore, the farmers are still interested in contract farming as they are convinced that it can lead to higher farm incomes. While the neoliberal critique of the pre- Structural Adjustment agricultural policies was based on the need to improve rural farming income and productivity, my study shows that the contract farmers are not the "traditional" peasant farmers but retired civil servants or former public sector employees who lost their jobs during the contraction of the sector. In conclusion, my field work revealed that the collapse of Agriflora has had negative effects on the growers of MCS in terms a significant decrease in crop production, decline in farmer income, lack of technical assistance such as extension services, transportation problems (to take produce to the new market-York Farm) and reduced contraction in employment opportunities for farm workers.
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Schulze, David A. "The politics of power : rural electrification in Alberta, 1920-1989." Thesis, McGill University, 1989. http://digitool.Library.McGill.CA:80/R/?func=dbin-jump-full&object_id=55642.
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Mugabe, T. C. "Fair trade in the Eastern Cape: an examination of its socio-economic impact and challenges among emerging Black farmers." Thesis, University of Fort Hare, 2011. http://hdl.handle.net/10353/441.
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This study examines the socio-economic impact of fair trade on black emerging citrus fruit farmers in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. It is a comparative analysis of farmers involved in fair trade and those who are not. Farmers from Riverside Enterprise and Sundays River Citrus Cooperative were examined to evaluate the impact of fair trade. Such impact was analyzed through looking at access farmers have to foreign markets and their ability to receive high income returns from these markets. The study also discusses the influence fair trade has on the social and economic development of the farmers’ communities. The findings of the study indicate how most fair trade communities have benefited financially and through public infrastructure such as crèches, learning centers and access to computers for both farmers and workers. Such public developments are funded through the fair trade social dividend which is a premium farmers receive for selling their fruit under fair trade. However, the study findings also indicate the limitations of fair trade; farmers have to incur high costs to become fair trade accredited. The study also examines the commodity value chains (hereinafter referred to as CVC) for citrus fair trade farmers and non fair trade farmers. This analysis reveals the procedure of value chains, their benefits and constraints.
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Mukute, Mutizwa. "Exploring and expanding learning processes in sustainable agriculture workplace contexts." Thesis, Rhodes University, 2010. http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003421.
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The focus of this study is to explore and expand farmer learning processes in sustainable agriculture workplace contexts. It examines change oriented learning processes in the context of three sustainable agriculture practices. The study begins by discussing the history and emergence of environmental discourses and approaches; sustainable agriculture; and the histories of three kinds of sustainable agriculture practices: Permaculture, Organic Farming and Machobane Farming System. It also traces the evolution of agricultural extension approaches within the wider context of education for sustainable development. The main focus of the study is an exploration of how farmer learning can be mediated through an expansive learning process. The study methodology surfaces some of the contradictions in sustainable agriculture and learning activity systems that farmers encounter in learning and practising sustainable agriculture. It uses these contradictions as sources of expansive learning in and between the respective activity systems of farmers, sustainable agriculture facilitators, agricultural extension workers (conventional) and organic entrepreneurs. As shown in the study, the expansive learning processes result in the modelling, implementation and reviewing of solutions to contradictions being faced in the learning and practice of sustainable agriculture. The study also proposes a number of tools that can be adapted and used by development farmers and agricultural trainers to examine and expand learning as well as build farmer agency. The study was conducted in three case study sites in Lesotho, South Africa and Zimbabwe. In Zimbabwe the study is located in Hwedza district in the St Margaret Primary School and community that learn, practise and facilitate the learning of Permaculture within the Schools and Colleges Permaculture Programme (SCOPE). The second study site is in South Africa: Durban urban and peri-urban areas where a community of organic farmers, facilitators and entrepreneurs coordinate the marketing of their produce through Isidore Farm and Earth Mother Organic and support each other to learn and practise organic farming. The third study site is based in the Mafeteng and Mohale‟s Hoek districts of Lesotho where the focus was on farmers who learn and practise the Machobane Farming System (MFS) and are supported in this by the Rural Self Development Association (RSDA) and the Machobane Agricultural Development Foundation (MADF). Drawing on three sensitising concepts of dialectics, reflexivity and agency, the study worked with Cultural Historical Activity Theory (CHAT) underpinned by critical realism to reveal how farmer learning is mediated and expanded. The theory of practice/habitus also provided a useful theoretical lens with which to examine data generated. Using a two-phased, multiple embedded case study approach, the study worked within the broad framework of social learning. It used semi-structured individual and group interviews, observations and document analysis to explore learning processes and generate „mirror‟ data. This data was then used in Change Laboratory Workshops, within the Developmental Work Research methodology, where double stimulation and focus group discussions contributed to expanding learning processes. Drawing on critical realism the study used inductive, abductive and retroductive modes of inference to analyse data in each case study as well as across case studies. The findings of the study reveal that farmer learning is influenced by both intrinsic motives, such as identity, and extrinsic motives which are primarily associated with economic, ecological and health benefits. Farmers learn through scaffolding and mediating tools that link everyday and scientific knowledge. They also learn from fellow farmers through observation, practising and experimentation. Some of the issues that were raised in connection with farmer learning processes are: language; time to learn, practice and appropriate concepts; time to improve the natural resource base while at the same time improving income generation; and responses to climate change. The study also found that farmer learning and practice of sustainable agriculture in the case studies investigated, is influenced by past and current agricultural and educational policies; societal values and attitudes; social and cultural backgrounds; work affordances and gender relations; quality of training offered; poverty; and, HIV and AIDS. In the second phase of the study, which built on the problematic situations being encountered by research participants (sustainable agriculture farmers, sustainable agriculture facilitators, extension workers, and organic marketers) to surface contradictions, the main finding was that the expansive learning process has potential to enhance farmer learning and practice of sustainable agriculture. It does this by mobilising distributed cognition among participants as well as their preparedness to act. Through the expansive learning processes in each case study, research participants were able to question their practices, surface contradictions, model solutions and implement them, and thus build individual, collective and relational agency reflexively. Observation of this required micro-analysis of agentive talk and reflective talk. The study contributes in-depth insight into participatory research and learning processes, especially within the context of people-centred learning and innovation in the agricultural development arena. It provides empirical and explanatory insight into how change oriented social learning can emerge and be expanded in Education for Sustainable Development, explaining learning and change relationships in three sustainable agricultural practices. It also provides learning and extension tools to work with contradictions that arise from intentionality, experience, context and history in farming and training activity systems. Its key contribution lies in providing in-depth insight into mobilisation of human agency and reflexivity in change oriented sustainable agriculture learning and development, processes that are critical for responding to contemporary socio-ecological issues and risks.
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Ng'endo, Mary. "Variety for security : a case study of agricultural, nutritional and dietary diversity among smallholder farmers in western Kenya." Thesis, University of Oxford, 2015. https://ora.ox.ac.uk/objects/uuid:6d5dc1cf-a9ae-4499-bbc2-e8016970c3da.
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Agricultural biodiversity, commonly referred to as agrobiodiversity, is that part of biodiversity that is geared towards agriculture and food production. Agrobiodiversity is said to contribute much to food and nutrition, but there is lack of data confirming this, particularly from Eastern Africa. To assess the extent of agrobiodiversity on smallholder farms and in local markets and to connect these to food intake and perceptions of food security among smallholder farmers in Western Kenya, the thesis asks four main research questions: (i) What is the extent of food plant diversity in smallholder farms, the bio-physical and socio-economic factors influencing it and the contribution of this diversity to the household's food needs? (ii) What is the relationship between agricultural and dietary diversity? (iii) What linkages are there between agricultural and nutritional diversity? (iv) How does access to agrobiodiversity in local markets contribute to meeting household food needs and what is the extent of smallholder farmers' integration into these markets? Through a combination of focus group discussions, farm and market surveys conducted across three time points, results indicate that: (i) higher food plant species richness is found on farms managed by wealthier and older households. However, these households are not more food secure than the rest, (ii) while there is a lack of a strong relationship between agricultural and dietary diversity, dietary diversity is instead significantly influenced by socio-economic factors including a household's wealth status, ethnicity and education level, (iii) despite a diversity of locally available on-farm and market food species meeting existing macro-and micro-nutrient needs, there is a general lack of understanding of this diversity as food shortage months coincide with a lack of maize despite high availability of a diversity of other foods not only to replace the maize but also to contribute to a diverse diet, (iv) smallholder farmers rely on multiple food sources, with markets mainly for sourcing cereals, fruits and animal source foods. There is also low integration of smallholder farmers as sellers in local markets. Together, the four case studies show interlinkages across food availability, accessibility and utilisation, which when addressed with equal weight, could unlock local agrobiodiversity's potential as a path to food and nutrition security of smallholder farming households.
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Lipai, Monica. "Socioeconomic comparisons of organic and conventional farms in Canada : results from the 2001 Census." Thesis, McGill University, 2007. http://digitool.Library.McGill.CA:80/R/?func=dbin-jump-full&object_id=101864.
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This thesis examines differences between organic and conventional farm and operators' characteristics, and identifies which characteristics explain whether a farm is organic or conventional. The data comes from the 2001 Canadian Census of Agriculture, which makes this study the first that is national in scope and includes detailed analysis of the differences between organic and conventional agriculture using a large sample size.Farms were divided into three groups: conventional, primarily organic, and mixed production (some organic production). Parametric and nonparametric tests were used to analyze farm and operator characteristics. Logistic regression was used to determine which variables explain whether a farm is organic, conventional or mixed. Results indicate that organic farmers are more likely to be younger, female, work less off farm and more on farm, when compared to conventional. Organic farms tend to be smaller, more profitable, more diversified, and have a higher dependency on hired labour. There were no differences in capital intensity. Mixed farms manifested the same patterns as organic when compared to conventional.
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Mandikiana, Brian Washington. "The economics of Bt maize/yieldgard production: case of smallholder farmers in the Eastern Cape Province." Thesis, University of Fort Hare, 2011. http://hdl.handle.net/10353/326.
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Maize is the staple food for most South Africans. This implies that any damage to the maize crop will affect food security of many South Africans. Although Eastern Cape Province is not a traditionally maize producing area, smallholder farmers in the province produce it mostly for subsistence purposes and some sell the surplus on the local market or use it to secure other good through barter trading. In South Africa, insect-resistant Bt maize/yieldgard has been used commercially for approximately 10 years now. Available impact studies on Bt maize reveal that, this technology is beneficial not only to farmers but consumers of maize products as well. Welfare gains as well as positive effects for human health are realised by both groups. Due to the costs and effectiveness associated with traditional and conventional maize stem borer control methods, Bt technology has the potential to be part of the solution. This thesis has attempted to investigate the economic viability of planting Bt maize seeds under smallholder farming conditions and identify factors as well as perceptions relating to attributes of Bt maize and to analyze the relationships between those perceptions and choices regarding use of Bt technology. Data was collected from 90 households who were selected using purposive sampling through the use of the snowball method. To collect data, a questionnaire was administered through face-to-face interviews. Gross margin analysis revealed that Bt maize is a more profitable option as compared to conventional maize seeds. Furthermore, econometric analyses, through use of the binomial regression model revealed that perceptions could be used to distinguish between users and non-users of Bt maize seed in the Eastern Cape Province. Results of inferential analysis indicate that the statistically significant variables at 5% level are gene erosion, quality and nutrition of products and food labels for Bt maize products perceptions. On the other hand, low expenses, seed market availability and farmers’ knowledge perceptions were significant at 10%. These findings suggest that an adjustment in each one of the significant variables can significantly influence the probability of Bt maize adoption. In view of the research findings, several policy proposals are suggested to support policy formulation. Key words: Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) maize, yieldgard, smallholder farmers, perceptions, Flagstaff, gross margin analysis, binomial logistic regression model, Eastern Cape Province.
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Ramaselele, P. N. "Effect of planting dates and cutting stages on the production of five selected winter cereals in Moloto District Gauteng and Nooitgedacht in Mpumulanga Province." Thesis, University of Limpopo, 2014. http://hdl.handle.net/10386/1208.
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Thesis (M.Sc. (Pasture Science)) --University of Limpopo, 2014Due to shortage of adequate pasture in large parts of South Africa, winter survival poses a problem to farmers. A shortage in winter grazing is the major problem on most farms in South Africa. Animals loose weight in winter which leads to low reproduction, production of milk, mutton and meat. The winter feed shortages counteract also the possible good performance of animals during summer. Winter supplementation contributes largely to high input costs in livestock production, which can make this enterprise uneconomically. This study was done at two different localities: Hygrotech’s experimental farm at Dewageningsdrift, Gauteng and Nooitgedacht Agricultural Development center, Mpumalunga. Five winter fodder crop cultivars (Witteberg oats, Overberg oats, LS 35 stooling rye, LS 62 stooling rye and Cloc 1 Triticale) were planted on six planting dates (05 April, 04 May, 06 June, 20 July, 20 August and 26 September). Five cutting treatments were applied on Dewageningsdrift: First cut 8 weeks after planting and after that re-growth every six weeks (Ct 8), First cut 10 weeks after planting and after that re-growth every six weeks (Ct 10), First cut 12 weeks after planting and after that re-growth cut every six weeks (Ct 12), First cut 14 weeks after planting and after that re-growth cut every six weeks (Ct 14), First cut when more than 50% of plants were in the reproduction stage (RS). The same cultivars that were used at Dewageningsdrift were used on Nooitgedacht ADC. Only one planting date was applied here that was 02 February 2007. The cutting treatments differed also from that on Dewageningsdrift. Material was cut for the first time when it reached a grazing stage (± 50-60 cm high) and after that re-growth was measured four weeks. The main conclusions from the study were that, Witteberg oats has retained its nutritional value longer than other cultivars. LS 35 stooling rye was an early or short duration growing cultivar, if planted in February to April it will provide grazing early/Mid-winter. However it can also be planted in July to grow in spring. LS 62 stooling rye is a medium to long duration growing cultivar which optimum production period will be in late winter and spring. Witteberg oats is a medium/late producer and a long duration growing cultivar, thus if planted early (April) it can provide grazing until late winter. Overberg oats is an early/med long duration growing type, if planted in April it will produce mid-winter, planted in May to July it will produce late winter and planted in August it will provide spring grazing. Cloc 1 triticale is a long duration growing type. It will produce late winter when planted in April to July and in spring when planted in August/September.
19
Summers, Carol Elizabeth 1959. "Assessing constraints to recession farming." Thesis, The University of Arizona, 1988. http://hdl.handle.net/10150/276701.
Full textAbstract:
The purpose of this study was to develop and field test an approach based upon soft systems methodology for assessing constraints and anxieties faced by farmers utilizing recession farming. The approach in this study was based on soft systems methodology with the intent of constructing root-definitions for recession farming systems. The field testing of the approach utilized three recession farming systems in northeast Thailand. The root-definitions obtained using this approach, characterized two of the recession farming systems as capitalistic using an intensive, high input mode of production with limited land and labor. The third system was characterize as subsistent agriculture with few inputs. It was concluded that the approach developed in this study accurately identified constraints and differences between recession farming systems. The rich picture developed from the farmer's information was adequate to construct the root-definitions. It is recommended that this approach be tested in another region, using indigenous personnel trained to conduct group interviews.
20
Flygare, Sara. "The Cooperative Challenge : Farmer Cooperation and the Politics of Agricultural Modernisation in 21st Century Uganda." Doctoral thesis, Uppsala : Acta Universitatis Upsaliensis : Universitetsbiblioteket [distributör], 2006. http://urn.kb.se/resolve?urn=urn:nbn:se:uu:diva-7277.
Full text
21
Bhatasara, Sandra. "Understanding climate variability and livelihoods adaptation in rural Zimbabwe : case of Charewa, Mutoko." Thesis, Rhodes University, 2015. http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1018928.
Full textAbstract:
Rural farmers in Zimbabwe have been grappling with various changes and challenges occurring in the country since the early 1990s. Amongst these, climate variability has emerged as one significant aspect. It has introduced new challenges for these farmers who are already facing various difficulties in maintaining their insecure livelihoods. Yet, current adaptation theories and inquiries have failed to sufficiently account for and analyse the capacity of these farmers to adequately respond to changing climatic conditions. In this respect, a number of studies have been heavily embedded in deterministic concepts that regard rural farmers as passive victims who play only a minor part in decisions and actions that affect their own livelihoods and well-being. Similarly, although some studies have acknowledged farmers’ capacity to adapt and build elements of resilience, they have not adequately shown how farmers interpret changes in climate and the structures, processes and conditions underpinning adaptation. Following that, my study uses a case study of a rural community in a semi-arid region of Mutoko district in eastern Zimbabwe and Margaret Archer’s sociological theory to understand and analyse how farmers problematise climate variability and respond to it. The study utilises a qualitative approach to divulge the subtleties on how rural people interpret processes of change and adapt to such changes. The thesis found that farmers are encountering increasingly unpredictable and unreliable rainfall patterns as well as shifting temperature conditions which are inducing labyrinthian livelihoods conundrums. However, these climatic shifts are not being experienced in a discrete manner hence farmers are also discontented with the obtaining socio-economic circumstances in the country. Simultaneously, whilst farmers in large part conceived changes in rainfall and temperature to be caused by natural shifts in climate, they also ascribed them to cultural and religious facets. Importantly, the thesis reveals considerable resourcefulness by farmers in the face of nascent changes in climate variability. Farmers have therefore constructed versatile coping and adaptive strategies. What is crucial to mention here is that climatic and non-climatic challenges are negotiated concurrently. Therein, farmers are adapting to climate variability and at the same time navigating difficult socio-economic landscapes. All the same, the process of adaptation is ostensibly not straightforward but complex. As it evolves, farmers find themselves facing numerous constraining structures and processes. Nonetheless, farmers in this study are able to circumvent the constraints presented to them and at the same time activate the corresponding enabling structures, processes and conditions.
22
Manciya, Sixolise. "The impact of the new co-operative act on employment and poverty reduction: a case study of sorghum producers in the Eastern Cape province." Thesis, University of Fort Hare, 2012. http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1001026.
Full textAbstract:
In general, traditional co-operatives suffer from free-rider, horizon, portfolio, control and influence problems that starve them of both equity and debt capital. Evidently, the factors which constrain agricultural development also inhibit co-operative development in the former homelands. These factors include socio-economic as well as political factors operating in the environment of the cooperatives. In addition to these external factors, co-operatives have several internal problems such as inefficient management and lack of understanding of the co-operative concept and principles. The New Cooperative Act No. 14 of 2005 was an attempt at addressing these fundamental problems. The purpose of this study was to analyze the extent towhich cooperatives organized on the basis of this new Act have performed and to ascertainwhether or not they have met the expectations of the policy makers. In order to address these issues a structured questionnaire was used to interview 100 farmers. Farmers were divided into two groups, one group consisting of fifty members and the other fifty non-members; all these farmers were randomly selected from Ndonga and Maqhashu in Lady frère. The study investigated and profiled the socio-economic situation of the communities of Ndonga and Maqhashu with particular emphasis on the employment and poverty situations, as well as the income earning opportunities in the communities. It also undertook a comparison of the members and non-members of the co-operatives in terms of their production results under the sorghum production programmes in the two communities.The data were analyzed by means of descriptive and inferential statistics which explain some measures of central tendency and dispersion as well as levels of significance. A t-test of independent samples was used to compare the means for the sorghum yields and revenues for non-members and members of the co-operative. Gross margin analysis was also used to determine the financial implications of cooperation for the smallholders. In addition, a multiple regression model and a discriminant function were fitted to determine the factors explaining the differences in performance of members and non-members of the cooperative society. The Gross Margin analysis shows that the cooperatives are operating at a loss, meaning they produce less with high production costs. However, the results also show that the Ndonga and Maqhashu sorghum co-operative did not benefit only its members but the whole community through significant job creation for the local population.
23
Jamo, Gabriel. "International capital flows and economic growth for Mozambique (1980-1996)." Thesis, 1999. https://hdl.handle.net/10539/25419.
Full textAbstract:
A research report submitted to the Graduate School of Public and Development
Management, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, in partial fulfillment of
the requirements for the degree of Master of Management (in the field of Public and
Development Management).The purpose of this study was to assess the effect of international capital flows on economic growth and employment in Mozambique, a country that is heavily dependent on foreign assistance. The aggregate expenditure sector was employed to develop a model that is consistent with specific features of the Mozambican economy. Annual aggregate time series data from 1980 to 1996 period was primarily used to estimate of single equations which are components of the model, employing modem time series techniques. The sample size is rather small to generate anything other than tentative conclusions. Nevertheless, foreign capital flows appear to have had a far-reaching effect in fuelling economic growth in Mozambique for the period studied. The effects were largely dependent upon the magnitude of international capital flows. However, there was a significant lag between economic growth and employment generation. Due to high level of aggregation applied in the analysis, the impact of foreign resources at a sectoral impact was not captured. In particular a more desegregated analysis is required to discern the effect of intemational capital flaws on economic growth and employment.
Andrew Chakane 2018
24
Sethi, Aarti. "The Life of Debt in Rural India." Thesis, 2018. https://doi.org/10.7916/D8ZC8FHN.
Full textAbstract:
Over 250,000 farmers have committed suicide across India since 1995, the majority of deaths concentrated in central India’s cotton belt. Scholarly consensus views suicides amongst the peasantry as debt-induced: transgenic cotton cultivation imprisons producers in downward monetary debt spirals. Based on two years of fieldwork in rural Vidarbha, my dissertation, ‘The Life of Debt in Rural India,’ examines the proximate entanglements of debt and techno-material transformations in cotton cultivation. It demonstrates that with the emergence of cash-debt as an essential component of the productive process, differentiated interest rates have become the medium of negotiating social and familial proximity. From a formerly caste-specific proscribed activity, the generalization of usurious lending has made monetary debt the language of social prestations (of gifts, grain and labour), reshaping customary understandings of status, honour and obligation. This project contributes to the anthropology of South-Asia, the peasantry and debt in two ways. In ethnographically tracing the force of debt as social obligation and the imbrication of modes of production with symbolic cultural life, I demonstrate the inadequacy of an economistic obsession with debt as monetary liability. Accordingly, against characterizations of the ‘risk-averse’ peasant in a customary moral economy, I describe an emergent ethical economy centered on uncertainty as risk becomes a structural precondition of peasant life.
25
Adeleke, Olusola A. "Analysis of changes in the financial conditions of Kansas farmers, 1973-1984." 1986. http://hdl.handle.net/2097/27582.
Full text
26
Senyolo, Grany Mmatsatsi. "Factors distinguishing low turnover emerging farmers from high turnover emerging farmers in South Africa." Thesis, 2007. http://hdl.handle.net/10386/585.
Full textAbstract:
Thesis (MSc (Agriculture)) --University of Limpopo, 2007The main objective of this study is to identify the socio-economic factors associated with the level of annual farm turnover of emerging farmers in South Africa. This study defines emerging farmers as those farmers that are participating in the market and have intentions to produce and sell more. The study is based on a randomly selected quota sample of 500 emerging farmers surveyed from the nine provinces of SA in 2005. Descriptive statistics, factor analysis and logistic regression are used to analyse the data. Factor analysis is used to determine the emerging farmers’ access and utilization of agricultural infrastructure and support services. The logistic regression is used to predict the likely positioning of emerging farmers in the high and low farm turnover groups. Farm turnover is based on how a farm household organizes and manages its resources and how it is able to interact with the outside stakeholders. The level of annual farm turnover is categorized into four groups, low turnover group 1 (LTG1), low turnover group 2(LTG2), high turnover group 1 (HTG1) and high turnover group 2(HTG2). Whilst many studies on constraints to production in agriculture in South Africa have identified infrastructure as such a constraint, few have attempted to study the extent to which emerging farmers are able to access and utilize output markets infrastructure. The results show that the local output markets are generally more accessible to emerging farmers. Access to external markets is absent. The implication of this is that it is important for policymakers to know that farmers access output markets in a package form and that the role of locating output markets in centers can stimulate agricultural and rural development. The creation of favourable environments for the participation of emerging farmers in the mainstream of the economy has been the most significant initiative in promoting structural change, away from subsistence farming towards commercialization of agriculture in South Africa. Despite the new opportunities that have been created to facilitate participation of emerging farmers in the first economy, emerging farmers continue to face a host of challenges ranging from socio-economic to farm based constraints. These constraints have made some emerging farmers to fall in the high farm turnover group and others in the low farm turnover group. Logistic regression analysis is used to identify socio-economic factors that place emerging farmers in one group versus the other and to identify constraints faced by emerging farmers. Six logistics models are developed to distinguish emerging farmers in one group from another. Model 1 compares the HTG2 and the LTG1. The factors that increase the likelihood of being in an HTG2 rather than in an LTG1 are farm size, level of education, sugar farming, tarred road to the local fresh produce market, distance to the output market, being NAFU (National African Farmers Union) membership, and access to ground water. Horticulture and livestock farming decrease the chances of being in the HTG2. Factors that increases the likelihood of being in the HTG2 rather that LTG2 are farm size, level of education, sugar farming, road conditions to the local fresh produce market and access to ground water. Farm structure decreases the chances of being in the HTG2. The main factors affecting most of the emerging farmers in South Africa are the size of farm, level of education, distance to output market which leads to lack of transport and that most of the emerging farmers uses surface water for irrigation. Some of the farmers face poor road condition to the output market and they produce less to the output market. Access to high value commodities such as sugar does increase. The policy required to encourage commercialization must be tailored to the needs of the different categories of emerging farmers in South Africa. The low turnover group of farmers appears to contain community garden farmers. These farmers will require the comprehensive set of programmes that are commonly recommended. The programmes include land reform, educational programmes, infrastructural services, marketing and
Land and Agricultural Development Bank of South Africa
27
Sebopetji, Thabiso Oscar. "An application of probit analysis to factors affecting small-scale farmers' decision about credit." Thesis, 2008. http://hdl.handle.net/10386/380.
Full textAbstract:
Thesis (M.Sc.)(Agriculture) --University of Limpopo, 2008.This paper used primary data collected from 73 small-scale farmers (16 borrowers and 57 non-borrowers) in the Greater Letaba Local Municipality (GLLM) of Limpopo Province of South Africa. The general objective of the study is to analyze farmer-household characteristics that may influence farmers’ decision about whether or not to use credit. Maximum Likelihood Probit Model was used to analyze farmer-households characteristics assumed to be affecting small-scale farmers’ decision about credit. The following variables: farmers’ age in years, gender, marital status and farming experience in years have positive significant effect on farmers’ decision to use credit. On the contrary, number of years of formal education and membership to farmers’ association has negative significant effect. The probabilities for each variable were quantified. The study advocates and emphasizes access to credit by small-scale farmers as a major factor in their production process and production efficiency. Training among both borrowers and non-borrowers in identification of profitable projects and the use of credit for agricultural production is recommended. This kind of training may play a major role in stimulating the demand for credit by these farmers.
N/A
28
Pretorius, Leon Gilbert. "The political economy of South African foreign direct investment in Mozambique: a case study of MOZAL and its implications for development in Mozambique and Southern Africa." Thesis, 2005. http://etd.uwc.ac.za/index.php?module=etd&.
Full textAbstract:
The MOZAL aluminium smelter in Maputo is the largest-ever foreign direct investment in Mozambique. South Africa&rsquos state-owned Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) owns 24% shares in MOZAL and the Development Bank of South Africa (DBSA) and Eskom provided road and power supply infrastructure to ensure the success of the smelter. BHP Billiton is the majority shareholder, the other being Mitsubishi. MOZAL is the flagship of South Africa&rsquo
s foreign policy for regional integration in southern Africa and economic reconstruction in Mozambique: a practical manifestation of the African Renaissance. This thesis is a case study of MOZAL as an example of cross-border industrial development and its implications for development in Mozambique. Using an eclectic multidisciplinary Critical Global Political Economy (critical GPE) theoretical framework, a survey of relevant literature and a series of selected open interviews, it examines how development based on the assumptions of industrialisation and neo-modernisation espoused by the governments and private sector champions of MOZAL impact on class, gender, environmental and social justice in Mozambique. The research identifies the socio-economic development dimensions of MOZAL for Mozambique and how the cost and benefits are distributed among the various social groups and actors directly and/or indirectly involved with the MOZAL aluminium smelter. The main findings are that MOZAL as a private sector FDI project is a qualified success. On the positive side, it contributes to economic growth. However, the benefits to Mozambique are exaggerated and are not broadly distributed. On the negative side, it contributes to increasing the economic dependence of Mozambique on the South African economy. Instead of narrowing the development gap, the smelter has contributed to increased differentiation between companies in South Africa and Mozambique and, within Mozambique, between the Northern and Southern regions, as well as among MOZAL employees and the majority of the population in Maputo. The implications are that the development benefits from foreign direct investment cross-border industrial development projects may, at least in the short-term, lead to uneven regional integration and development enjoyed by a few.
29
Mazive, Angelica Zuca. "Development, sin and salvation : lessons from the Millennium Declaration, NEPAD and the Kingdom of God for the Union Baptist Church of Mozambique." Thesis, 2004. http://hdl.handle.net/10413/2096.
Full textAbstract:
This thesis discusses issues relating to development, sin and salvation. It examines the development visions of the Millennium Declaration and NEPAD Documents and compares them with the values of the Kingdom of God. It identifies some lessons from the Millennium Declaration and NEPAD Documents, and the Kingdom of God for the Union Baptist Church of Mozambique. These lessons are to help the denomination as it involves itself in the mission of the Kingdom of God in the community in Mozambique. The thesis argues that there is a relationship between the visions of the Millennium Declaration and the NEPAD Documents, and the values of the Kingdom of God on a number of issues such as the issues of sickness, orphans, vulnerability, gender inequality, poverty, the poor, hunger, unemployment, oppression, exploitation, wars, crime, violence against women and children, injustice and corruption. The Kingdom of God is about love, health, well-being for all, care, justice, unity and solidarity; harmony, life, peace, freedom, restoration, acceptance, righteousness, community, and salvation that includes both spiritual and physical salvation of the whole person both now in this life before death and after death. However, the thesis argues that the eschatological aspect of the Kingdom of God helps us see that sin is deeply rooted in human life, and even our best efforts at development will not rid the world of sin. The Church therefore has to remind society of this deeper sin, and to proclaim the gospel of the forgiveness of sins, while struggling with the evidence of that sin in poverty, sickness, injustice and violence. The church, especially the Union Baptist Church of Mozambique, has to be a key player in striving for Kingdom values. The church is called to holistic and integral mission. It should take a leading role in the issues that concern our people and society today, because that is doing the will of God. The commandment to love our neighbour as we love ourselves has to be expressed through our participation in integral mission, which is concerned with all human beings and all God's creation. The shalom of the Kingdom has to be experienced by all, and the church must be the means through which shalom is realised.Thesis (M.Th.)-University of KwaZulu- Natal, Pietermaritzburg, 2004.
30
Lukangu, Gastao. "Factors influencing smallholders participation in agricultural markets in Southern Niassa, Mozambique." Thesis, 2005. http://hdl.handle.net/10413/4093.
Full textAbstract:
Government, donors and NGOs in southern Niassa have been, after the 1992 peace
agreement, extensively involved in agricultural development programmes to improve
smallholders' food security. A study of the area and literature review revealed that many
factors limited the benefits of agricultural market development programmes. Yet,
opportunities in southern Niassa suggested that appropriately designed programmes could
improve the standard of living of smallholders if these programmes were designed on a
solid understanding of factors and strategies influencing agricultural market participation by
smallholders.
The main research hypothesis of this study was that: smallholders would participate in
agricultural markets when their wealth status was high, when they had enough available
household labour and when cash crops were profitable." Four main hypotheses were
investigated: (i) factors and strategies identified through smallholder perceptions would
provide local and time specific information on the constraints and solutions to smallholder
market participation; (ii) wealth status and wealth-ranking factors were positively related to
market participation where agriculture was the main economic activity as in southern
Niassa; (iii) labour aspects such as crop labour requirements (CLR) could be negatively
related, while available household labour (AHL) and the ratio AHL/CLR could be
positively related to smallholders cultivation of cash crops and subsequent participation in
agricultural markets; and (iv) aspects of profitability and indicators could be used to predict
smallholder cash crop preferences.
Data for this study were collected in Cuamba district of Mozambique from nine focus group
discussions (FGDs) with community leaders, 287 household-head questionnaires and staff
interviews during September 2002. Nine villages were randomly selected. The leaders'
FGDs provided the criteria utilised to rank households according to wealth status and much
of the qualitative information of this study. The wealth-ranking tool was used to identify
and analyse the socio-economic factors that influenced smallholder market participation. A
follow-up interview of managers of promoting institutions also provided greater insight on
some aspects raised by smallholders. The study employed (i) descriptive statistics such as
means and frequencies; (ii) correlation analysis and standard scores (iii) qualitative analysis
was also used for some wealth-ranking, perceived labour demand and aspects of
profitability influencing cash crop cultivation, preference and market participation based on
information from FGD, farmers and staff; and (iv) simple mathematical expressions for
analysis and interpretation of the research findings.
This study relied on perceptions, knowledge and experience of smallholders, leaders and
leaders of promoting institutions. Smallholder-suggested factors and strategies were in line
with the limitations of socio-economic characteristics such as low effective household
labour, particularly for females. These strategies included an improvement in outputs and
inputs markets, agricultural services and credit at a subsidised prices or low interest rates.
Other strategies for improving smallholders' participation in agricultural markets included
promotion of profitable cash crops, household food security, provision of extension support
services and information about cultivation and agricultural markets. However, smallholders
did not identify some factors that have been acknowledged to influence agricultural market
participation: ecological and natural resources, policies, institutional infrastructures and
physical infrastructures. Smallholders also did not mention socio-economic factors (except
household labour) as influencing their decisions to participate in agricultural markets in
spite of the fact that researchers assume these factors in almost every study on smallholder
market participation.
The findings of this research confirmed that a wealth-ranking tool could be used to identify
the socio-economic factors affecting smallholders' participation in agricultural markets. The
identified wealth-ranking factors such as labour, livestock number, implements and bicycles
significantly correlated with wealth status and subsequently to smallholder agricultural
market participation. Conversely, household socio-economic characteristics not indicated as
wealth-ranking factors such as age and gender related poorly to market participation. The
wealth-ranking tool could also be used to identify strategies for improving smallholder
participation in agricultural markets, and to evaluate an agricultural market development
programme.
The study found that, other factors being held constant, CLRs were negatively related to
market participation. Weeding was the most labour intensive operation followed by
harvesting, soil preparation, transportation, land clearing and seedling preparation. It also
found that AHL and the ratio AHL/CLR were positive and significantly related to market
participation. The ratio AHL/CLR together with household consumption requirements and
yield were used to estimate the total area a household could cultivate, both for food crops
for consumption and for cash crops; the proportion of farmers likely to participate in the
market; and those unable to cultivate enough for consumption.
The research also confirmed that profitability-related aspects correlated to cash crop
preferences. Yield was the most important factor that influenced smallholders' preference
for cash crops. It was also found that indicators incorporating more aspects of profitability
correlated strongly with cash crop preferences. The correlation increased as more aspects
were incorporated. A crop, such as tobacco, with a profit of more than twice the profit for
food cash crops was preferred more than food cash crops. The indicators and underlying
aspects of profitability were used to interpret the current and projected cash crop preference.Thesis (Ph.D.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg, 2005.
31
Matsinhe, David Mário. "Pitfalls of national development and reconstruction : an ethical appraisal of socio-economic transformation in post-war Mozambique." Diss., 2000. http://hdl.handle.net/10500/18173.
Full textAbstract:
Mozambique is undergoing intensive socio-economic reforms to reconstruct war
damages and develop the nation. The reforms consist of economic liberalisation through structural
adjustment and monetarist economic stabilisation, e.g. government withdrawal from economic
activities, privatisation, deregulation, reduction of tariff levels on imports and tax on
investments, cuts of expenditure on social services, restrictive credit system, focus on
monetarism, increased taxation on individual income, etc. The nature of these reforms, on the
surface, leads to morally questionable conditions. There is social chaos and disintegration, high
indices of corruption, subtle recolonisation, decline of civil services, etc. At the
bottom lie the market ethics and fundamentalist theological discourse by dint of which the
World Bank and the International Monetary Fund deny historical consciousness, lack institutional
memory, vest themselves with unquestionable international authority, dictate and impose policies
without accountability for the social consequences. If there is any hope for Mozambicans, it lies
in development ethics which relies heavily on the liberation motif, historical consciousness, and
African Heritage.Philosophy, Practical & Systematic Theology
M. Th. (Theological Ethics)
32
Gebala, Piotr Antoni. "Globalization and local development : does a peasant farmer in Marera in Mozambique benefit from trade liberalization?" Diss., 2014. http://hdl.handle.net/10500/18478.
Full textAbstract:
Mozambique is one of the poorest countries in the world, with most of its population living in rural areas. The study analysed the impact of trade liberalization on peasant farmers
involved in fruit production in Marera in Central Mozambique and measured their benefits and life improvements as compared with the decade of the 1990s. It found that 73.3% of peasant farmers assess their life as little better than 10-15 years ago and only 5.6% have experienced substantial improvements. It was discovered that better knowledge and access to productive resources play a role in improving benefits from fruit production and trade. Therefore, the study concluded that although trade liberalization can bring benefits, when appropriate conditions are met, peasant farmers in Marera are not different from their counterparts around the world and benefit little from trade liberalization.Development Studies
M.A. (Development Studies)
33
Domingos, Leonor Joaquim. "Informal recycling and resource recovery at a municipal open dumpsite : a case study of Hulene dumpsite." Thesis, 2001. http://hdl.handle.net/10413/9279.
Full textAbstract:
Poverty in its many guises - poor housing, no employment, indifferent health and
hunger is a driving force for scavenging. In most developing countries, the
informal recovery of material from waste is a common survival strategy for the
poor. In fact, up to 2% of populations in developing countries depend on
recovering, re-using and selling waste materials from streets, dumpsite or
landfills for their livelihood.
The aim of this study was to develop an understanding of the socio-economic
conditions affecting the scavengers and scavenging activities at the Hulene
dumpsite in Maputo. This study set out to develop a conceptual framework
depicting scavenging, its problems and opportunities. This was used to structure
the research. The main issues addressed were:
• The driving forces of scavenging where poverty is the major factor.
• The organization of scavengers and scavenging activities showing that there
is no formal organization of scavengers, which leads to exploitation of vulnerable groups.
• The reaction from the national and local authorities, with the prevalence of a repressive policy and absence of support.
• The gender dimension on scavenging activities; and
• The perception of health risks.
The findings are that scavenging constitutes a means of livelihood for poor
people. These activities respond to the market demand and not to environmental
considerations. However, in performing scavenging activities which results in
informal recycling and resources recovery, people generate environmental benefits, economic benefits and social benefits. Other findings are that the informal organization of scavengers increases the
exploitation and the health risk of scavengers. Thus, organization is a key to the
success of scavengers and indirectly to the municipal economy.
It is concluded that the framework set out in this thesis is useful in the sense that
it illustrates the factors which influence scavenging activities. This framework can
be used for further research in similar situations. It is also concluded that
prohibition of scavenging activities would have undesirable consequences for the
economy of Maputo in particular and of Mozambique in general. Thus, since this
activity brings benefits to scavengers and to society, the government should
support and stimulate this activity and not persecute those who provide this
service. Consequently, as a recommendation, government, local communities
and NGOs are called upon to support scavengers. The formation of scavenger
co-operatives can promote sustainable grassroots development in this sector of
the population.Thesis (M.Env.Dev.)-Unversity of Natal, Pietermaritzburg, 2001.
34
Hofbauer, Derek M. "The benefits of diversified agricultural systems among Maya Mopan farmers in southern Belize." Thesis, 2004. http://hdl.handle.net/1957/28369.
Full textAbstract:
Maya Mopan farmers in southern Belize face socio-economic hardships,
persisting environmental constraints, and an unfavorable political climate that has
prevented land tenure stability on reservation lands. This thesis describes the agricultural
practices of a group of Mopan farmers and examines farm-site diversification and its
relationship to ecological knowledge, out-migration, agricultural markets, and indigenous
political systems. I also examine how modernization, religious conversions, and the
Mopan's introduction into a capitalist economy have led to a decline in cultural practices
and the augmentation of non-traditional behaviors among the younger generations.
Data were obtained during my fieldwork in the Cayo and Toledo Districts of
southern Belize from June-November, 2002. I conducted informal interviews with
farmers and NGOs, engaged in participant observation techniques, documented 17
diversified Mayan farms, and formulated a self-administered questionnaire that was given
to 38 students in the San Jose Village School. Additional data was acquired through
voluntary work in farmers' fields and from available anthropological and agricultural
literature.
The results of this study indicate that Mopan farmers have diversified their
farming systems by adopting new crop varieties, developing more sustainable agricultural
techniques, increasing the production of cash crops, and adjusting their traditional labor
systems. These findings are significant because they demonstrate ways in which farming communities throughout the tropics can improve their environments and economies
amidst the influences of modernization, unsustainable development, and discriminatory
government policies.Graduation date: 2005
35
Bizoza, Alfred Runezerwa. "Impact of farmer support and socio-economic factors on agricultural production in Gikongoro Province, Rwanda." Thesis, 2005. http://hdl.handle.net/10413/4010.
Full textAbstract:
Rwanda, in its transition phase since 1994, has had the support of major international
development organizations, including the World Bank, the International Monetary
Fund (IMF), the United Nations Development Program, the US Agency for
International Development (USAID), and other development organizations. The aim
of this support is to promote Rwandan agriculture in which 45 percent of the
Rwandan GDP and 90 percent of employment share originate. The possible role that
farmers can play in this process through their small-scale farmers' associations is well
recognized by the Ministry of Agriculture in Rwanda.
Farmers in Gikongoro province, the study area, are constrained by many factors, such
as soil infertility, small land areas, and lack of access to modern inputs (e.g., seed,
fertilizer and lime) and agricultural credit. In addition, land degradation in the form of
soil erosion, soil acidity, and nutrient depletion undermines soil productivity leading
to poor crop yields, and keeps farmers dependent on potential support from
government and non-governmental projects. Between 2000 and 2004, farmers in
Gikongoro province received support from the Development Activity Program (DAP)
under the umbrella of World Vision International, Rwanda. The DAP supports
farmers mainly in land terracing for soil erosion control, and supported farmers also
receive modern inputs (fertilizer, seed and lime), storage facilities, and training.
This study analyzes the impact of agricultural assistance afforded by the DAP and
socioeconomic characteristics of households on agricultural production in Gikongoro
province. Data for this study were collected from July to August 2004 using a
stratified multistage sample of 204 household heads who are members of 24 farmers'
associations of which 10 are supported by the DAP in the three districts;
Mudasomwa, Kivu, and Nyamagabe. The study compares DAP supported and
unsupported farmers in terms of differences in household incomes and crop yields.
Descriptive statistics indicate that DAP supported farmers have significantly higher
yields, household income, and better access to modern inputs and terraced land than
unsupported farmers. These results seem to indicate that DAP support has had a
significant impact on agricultural production and household incomes in Gikongoro
province. However, these results are based only on a univariate analysis.
The relationship between socioeconomic characteristics and household potato
production in Gikongoro province was also analyzed to identify other factors that
affect food production. A recursive system of linear and log-linear equations was
estimated to analyze the effects of DAP, cultivated potato area, liquidity, gender of
the household head (producer), years of schooling, family size, and age of the
producer on farmers' productivity as measured by potato yields. Investment in
operating inputs (fertilizer, seed, and lime) was used as a determinant of potato yields.
Results indicate that cultivated potato area, liquidity, family size, and age (greater
experience and lower transaction costs) of the household head significantly increase
the use of operating inputs, which in turn has a significant positive impact on potato
yield. The study suggests that DAP may need to be more selective in supporting
farmers, focusing more on the farm size, education and family size profile of
association members when deciding where to channel support. The study also
recommends more research into the efficiency of land rental and credit markets to
better understand land and liquidity constraints to improved household production in
Gikongoro province. A networking model for supporting farmers' associations is
proposed, in which a joint role for the Rwandan government, academic and research
institutions, NGOs, and the private sector is expected to lead to sustainable
agricultural development in Gikongoro province, Rwanda.Thesis (M.Sc.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg, 2005.
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Estudillo, Jonna P. "Income inequality in the Philippines, 1961-91 : trends and factors." Thesis, 1995. http://hdl.handle.net/10125/9661.
Full text
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Masikhwa, Humbulani. "Determinants of competitiveness among smallholder avacado farmers in Vhembe District of Limpopo Province, South Africa." Thesis, 2018. http://hdl.handle.net/10386/2407.
Full textAbstract:
Thesis (MSc. (Agricultural Economics)) -- University of Limpopo, 2018The avocado industry is a major industry in South Africa and this can be seen by its economic contribution. Limpopo Province is one of the major avocado producing areas in South Africa, and avocado production within the province ranges from smallholder to commercial production. Smallholder avocado producers within the province have a significant role to play, especially if their full potential is unleashed. For smallholder farmers to play such a role they need to be competitive. The concept of competitiveness can be defined as the ability of an industry or firm to compete successfully in order to achieve sustainable growth while earning at least the opportunity cost on resources employed. The main aim of this study was to analyse the determinants of competitiveness of smallholder avocado farmers in the Vhembe District of the Limpopo Province based on the Porter’s Diamond model framework in order to assess the level of competitiveness of farmers and to establish how the farmers can be assisted to reach their full potential. The study was conducted in the Vhembe District Municipality and a sample of 60 farmers was interviewed. SPSS (SPSS 26.0) was used to analyse the data. Three analytical techniques were used in the analysis for this study. Firstly, factor analysis was used to reduce and group the number of variables associated with competitiveness of the farmers. Secondly, profitability analysis through enterprise budgeting was used to categorise the farmers into two groups; competitive and noncompetitive. Thirdly, Logistic regression was used to establish the socio-economic and Porter’s Diamond model determinants that could be linked to the competitiveness of the farmers. From the factor analysis, 5 factors were extracted, namely; “chance”, “government, related and supporting industries”, “factor conditions”, “firm strategy structure and rivalry” and “demand conditions”. From the profitability analysis the farmers were grouped into competitive and non-competitive categories with 22 farmers classified as being competitive and 38 farmers as being non-competitive. From the results of logistic regression, 7 out of 12 hypothesised variables were found to be statistically significant, these were; age of farmer, number of trees planted, related and supporting industries, firm strategy structure and rivalry, chance, demand conditions and factor conditions. Chance was the only variable with a statistically significant v negative influence on the competitiveness of the farmers, this was because factors that were tested for their influence on the competitiveness of the farmers are among others: Crime, HIV/AIDS, fires, frost and floods. Based on the research findings, several policy suggestions were made, these include; mentorship and encouragement of youth participation in farming, provision of agricultural land, capacity building for farmers, government support and stakeholder mobilization, specialized extension service and formation of cooperatives as well as encouraging commercialization.
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Moshabele, Magape Edwin. "An analysis of determinants of bank loan default of small farmers in the regions of North-West province / Magape Edwin Moshabele." Thesis, 2005. http://hdl.handle.net/10394/11284.
Full textAbstract:
The main objective of the study was to investigate the causes underlining small-farmers
default on bank loan repayments in the North West Province. One hundred and sixty
farmers were randomly selected to be part of the sample. Questionnaires were issued to
both farmers and bank officials. Descriptive statistics, correlation and regression models
were used to analyse the data. The overall results indicate that most of the small farmers
are in the old age category (58 years on average) with very low educational level. This
scenario poses a challenge to the stakeholders in agriculture specifically the succession
plan to these elderly people when they leave agriculture due to retirement.
It was revealed by the study that the farmers do not keep either financial or production
records. The analysis shows that the small farmers lack skills in financial management
therefore, they are unable to execute the prerequisite to modern farming which are
literacy and numeracy as indicated by Woohall et. al.,( 1985).
Most of the respondents have outstanding debt from Agribank yet they received loans
from Landbank. Because of their low production and other many responsibilities, they
are unable to repay loan instalments thus leading to loan default to their current
financial supplier, which is Landbank. Lack of monitoring of loan funds was identified as
one of the causes of the farmers Joan default.
The analysis also indicates that the small farmers have access to finance but the major
problem is lack of financial management skills, more involvement in household
responsibilities, and lack of technical assistance from relevant stakeholders like
extension officers and project managers from the bank or from the Department of
Agriculture. Since the Land bank have no field officers to assist the farmers, it is
recommended that the bank should have field officers to assist farmers in their business,
especially with production, marketing, financial management and farm management
Skills. The inability of the farmers to access good value markets for their products was
identified as one of the problems, which led to loan default because the farmers are
unable to market their products at the right time for good value in excess of their cost. It
is recommended that financial institutions should assist their clients to access better
markets for their products for better price which will in turn give them better income in
order to repay their loans.M.Sc. (Agric. Economics) North-West University, Mafikeng Campus, 2005
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Pateguana, Carmelia. "The Bank of Mozambique : historical review from 1975 to 2010." Diss., 2016. http://hdl.handle.net/10500/21785.
Full textAbstract:
The Banco de Moçambique (Bank) was established in May 17, 1975. The 1920 Brussels Conference recommended that in countries without a central bank, it should be created. The ‘Bank’ followed the new model of emerging countries’ central banks (mid-1950s), where those central banks regulated and controlled an existing financial system and promoted the emergence of a money and capital market.
From 1975 the Bank performed commercial functions until 1992, when the functions of commercial banking and central banking were separated. Mozambique tried to establish a socialist society. The prevailing financial system, primarily consisting of of expatriate banks, was reorganised under the state bank. This was a restructuring and integration process. In 1980 the Metical, the new currency of Mozambique, was introduced.
In the 1980s weakening economic conditions in Mozambique mandated the reconsideration of post-independence economic policies. In 1984 Mozambique accepted assistance from the Bretton Woods institutions and from 1987 the country embraced the Economic Rehabilitation Program. The Bank embarked on monetary, credit, supervisory and regulatory policies reforms, to consolidate conventional central bank functions.History
M.A. (History)
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Mahasha, Phetole Previous. "Gender analysis of access to formal credit by small-scale farmers in the Greater Letaba Municipality." Thesis, 2019. http://hdl.handle.net/10386/2919.
Full textAbstract:
Thesis (M.Sc. Agriculture (Agricultural Economics) -- University of Limpopo, 2019Agriculture has long been argued to be the dominant sector of the South African economy. Despite the huge agricultural potential of the country, the agricultural sector is underperforming in Less Developing Countries (LDCs) to some extent because female small-scale farmers, who play a vital role in agriculture, encounter credit constraints because of their gender and this in turn reduce their productivity. Therefore, the gender gap in terms of access to credit indicates that there is a need to reassess the problem of credit access by small-scale farmers on the basis of gender. This study was carried out in the Greater Letaba Municipality (GLM) which is situated in the Mopani District of Limpopo Province, with the aim of analysing factors that influence formal credit access by both female and male small-scale farmers. Structured questionnaires were employed to collect the data for the analyses from 140 sampled small-scale farmers (70 males and 70 females) selected using stratified random sampling technique. The findings of the probit regression model discovered that gender, extension services, land ownership, age, collateral and farm size had a significant positive influence on small-scale farmers` access to formal credit in the GLM. Additionally, the findings further revealed that household size, farming experience, farm-income, marital status had an insignificant negative influence on the small-scale farmers` access to formal credit whereas education level had an insignificant positive influence on the small-scale farmers` access to formal credit. On average, male and female small-scale farmers with access to formal credit were 71 % and 29 %, respectively whereas the male and female small-scale farmers without access to formal credit were 35% and 65%, respectively. The female small-scale farmers` perceptions towards the credit system that were derived from the Principal Component Analysis (PCA) are as follows: (i) male smallscale farmers effortlessly get credit from banks contrasted with their female counterparts, (ii) small-scale farmers with more education and collateral tend to access formal credit than their counterparts and (iii) small-scale farmers who are nearest to iii the banks are more likely to access credit than small-scale farmers who are far away. Based on the study findings, a set of recommendations for achieving equitable formal credit access by male and female small-scale farmers were put forward.
National Research Fund (NRF)
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Hewlett, John P. "The effect of various management and policy options on the financial stress situation of Oregon grain and cattle producers." Thesis, 1987. http://hdl.handle.net/1957/26854.
Full textAbstract:
Agricultural economists have devoted considerable attention to
the financial stress situation of agricultural producers. Many
studies have been conducted in various regions of the U.S. in an
attempt to better understand the causes of the problem. The costs
associated with farm financial stress imply corresponding benefits to
be realized by its reduction. Benefits of studying and resolving farm
financial stress reach beyond the farms and ranches to many related
sectors such as rural communities, agribusinesses, and lending
institutions.
The specific hypothesis tested in this thesis is as follows:
some but not all farms and ranches which have undergone serious
financial stress in the early part of the 1980's in Oregon can be
assisted in withstanding fluctuations in economic conditions by
adopting specific strategies which promote financial stability and
profitability. One of the specific objectives of this thesis was to
evaluate the level of financial stress for two different agricultural
production units in Oregon under differing leverage positions, and
macroeconomic conditions. The production units selected for study
were a cattle ranch and a wheat farm, based on their relative
importance to Oregon. This first objective was satisfied through
analysis of a baseline scenario, which was essentially a continuation
of current conditions. Debt levels and growth rates were then altered
to reflect the desired study conditions. Changing and considering
three leverage ratios (20%, 40%, and 70%) and three sets of
macroeconomic conditions (baseline, pessimistic, and optimistic) allowed studying of nine alternative situations to the base firm type
or a total of 18 alternatives.
Analysis of these different alternative production units was
accomplished through a deterministic computer-based simulation model.
The model simulates the financial structure and performance of a farm
business over a transition period of four years with emphasis placed
on the financial transactions of the firm. These transactions include
purchases and sales of farm assets, financing terms, debt management,
cash flows, tax obligations, consumption levels, and growth rates.
The computer-based model made necessary calculations of cash flows and
changes in financial statements to derive the ratios used for
financial analysis over the planning horizon of four years beyond the
present input case and is deterministic in the sense that all
essential variables are entered by the researcher. Output from this
model includes a set of coordinated financial statements for the firm
over the planning horizon: a balance sheet, an income statement,
statements for changes in net worth, flow of funds statement, and a
fund availability report. The model also calculates profitability,
liquidity, and solvency ratios used in financial ratio analysis which
are provided on a summary sheet. These statements and reports are
provided on an annual basis; thus, financial information is provided
on yearly changes in financial position over the four year horizon.
Another objective of this thesis was to evaluate various policy
and management strategies designed to reduce financial stress. This
objective was achieved by analysis of various scenarios designed to
reduce stress simultaneously with the baseline case, which served for
comparison. The specific scenarios considered were: 35% reduction of
debt, 35% reduction of interest rates, two year deferral of debt,
sales of 35% of total assets with no lease back, sales of 35% of total
assets with lease back arrangements, and an infusion of equity capital
equal to 35% of total debt. Results from this analysis were intended
to show what, if any, courses of action could be pursued by
agricultural firm managers and policy makers to reduce farm financial
stress.
The best test of the ability of these scenarios to reduce
financial stress occurred in application to the high leverage wheat farm situations, as these were the cases with the most financial
stress. Appropriate programs could be adopted to strengthen the
financial position of the farm; in the case of low liquidity, asset
sales-lease back; in cases of low solvency, equity infusions; and in
circumstances where profitability needs to be enhanced, interest
reductions would be the best choice. The results also seemed to
suggested that public programs can maintain current levels of
financial performance for producers under financial stress but do
little to improve those positions.Graduation date: 1988
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Morrell, Robert Graham. "White farmers, social institutions and settler masculinity in the Natal Midlands, 1880-1920." Thesis, 1996. http://hdl.handle.net/10413/6188.
Full textAbstract:
The midlands was the first area occupied and farmed by white settlers. It became the agricultural heartland of colonial Natal. Its farmers became politically and economically powerful. Their success rested on the construction of a community. They formed a close-knit society in which family links and a sense of belonging were constantly reinforced. The community was closed to blacks. A keen sense of class was developed which made it difficult for outsiders to gain admission. In order to become a member, new immigrants could enroll in some of the many social institutions which were created. It was these institutions which served to integrate the community, to order and police it, and to define it. The community was composed of people who all owned land. A sense of belonging to this community was achieved in a number of ways. Families were nurtured, becoming exceptionally important as institutions through which wealth was passed. They were places of social interaction as well as transgenerational units which ensured a continuous presence in the area.
Amongst the institutions which the settlers founded were schools, societies, volunteer regiments. agricultural organisations and sports clubs. The institutions were consciously modelled on their metropolitan counterparts. Settler masculinity was nurtured in the institutions. It prescribed male behaviour according to the values of a land-owning settler gentry. This masculinity was disseminated throughout the colony, becoming a key feature of the colonial gender order. A strong emphasis was placed on being tough and fit, on obedience and teamwork. These were values which gave sport major popularity within the colony and which fueled a militarism that had a bloody and brutal climax in the 1906 rebellion. The institutions gave men power and served as networks by which white male prestige and influence was sustained . Although women were formally excluded. they occupied a central position within the family and made a major contribution to the reproduction of the community. White boys and men found the demands of settler masculinity exacting. Nevertheless. apart from providing them with powerful places in the colonial order, its emphasis on male
companionship and fit bodies produced a powerful camaraderie. On the other hand. It stigmatised men who did not fit the mould, enforcing conformity as it did so. Settler society was able to renew and reproduce itself largely through its own institutions outside the sphere of the state. The expansion of the state in the twentieth century threatened settler institutions though they were successfully defended. The midland community and its families were not as homogenous as they liked to pretend. They maintained a facade by excluding and silencing dissidents. This process was a necessary part of the creation of a myth which elevated old Natal families to positions of social status and prestige.Thesis (Ph.D.)-University of Natal, Durban, 1996.
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Ogunkoya, Folasade Temitope. "Socio-economic factors that affect livestock numbers : a case study of smallholder cattle and sheep farmers in the Free State province of South Africa." Diss., 2014. http://hdl.handle.net/10500/18251.
Full textAbstract:
The study was conducted across the four district municipalities in the Free State province of South Africa. The objective of the study was to determine socio-economic factors that affected livestock numbers among smallholder cattle and sheep farmers in the Free State province of South Africa. The research was qualitative and quantitative in nature. Proportionate random sampling method was used to collect data. The population comprised of smallholder cattle and sheep farmers that kept at least 30 livestock. Data between the 2008 and 2012 farming seasons were collected by administering well-structured questionnaires to 250 smallholder cattle and sheep farmers. Data collected were captured and analysed using the statistical package for social sciences (SPSS version 22 of 2013) to obtain frequency, cross-tabulation, descriptive statistics and ordinary least square (OLS) regression. Descriptive statistics results indicated that lack of camp systems, drought prevalence, increased feed costs, poor veterinary interventions, insufficient breeding stock, high cost of fuel and transportation, lack of equipment, diseases, stock theft and pilfering, and insufficient grazing land were the prevalent factors that affected cattle and sheep farming in the province.The OLS regression results indicated that the variables that significantly affected livestock numbers were district, household size, livestock numbers in 2008, planted pastures, grazing land condition, grazing land acquisition, service, advice / training, veterinary services, purchase of dosing products and sales per year. The results also indicated that the majority (96.8%) of the smallholder cattle and sheep farmers would like to increase their livestock numbers. It was therefore recommended that extension and veterinary services should be strengthened in the study area. In addition, it was recommended that smallholder livestock farmers should be encouraged to plant pastures to reduce pressure on the natural veld and make forage available throughout the year. Lastly, as a recommendation, government should provide subsidies with distribution policies that will ensure that all smallholder livestock farmers can benefit.Agriculture and Animal Health
M. Sc. (Agriculture)
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Kassim, Mansura Mosi. "Determinants of participating in non-farm economic activities in rural Zanzibar." Thesis, 2011. http://hdl.handle.net/10413/8466.
Full textAbstract:
This study set out to examine the determinants of participation in non-farm economic
activities by farming households in rural Zanzibar, using data from the Agriculture
Census of 2003. The study goes beyond the traditional focus of non-farm studies that
focus on analysing geographical and socio-economic variables on decisions to participate
in non-farm activities and in so doing, fills an information gap and contributes to the
understanding of determinants of farm household participation in non-farm activities in
rural Zanzibar.
The survey from which data were drawn, included surveys of 4755 household heads.
Descriptive statistics and logistic regression model were applied to investigate the effect
of individual characteristics on the decision to participate in non-farm economic
activities. Gender, age, family size and level of education were used as variables to
explain individual preference with regard to the decision to undertake non-farm
economic activities. The analysis also included farm production factors including farm
size, planted area and the main source of household income.
The results show that gender, age, household size and income sources outside agriculture
are the key factors that influence farming household’s decisions to participate in non-farm
activities. Women and young farmers were more likely to participate in non-farm
activities. Heads of larger households were also more likely to participate in non-farm
activities, and undertake more than one activity in this sector. The type of activity
engaged in also seems to have a positive influence on the decision to participate in the
non-farm sector, with selling of agricultural products, fishing (including seaweed farming
and selling of fish), wage employment and petty trade being more popular and attractive
activities. Factors like education, landholding size and area of land planted were less
important in influencing participation in non-farm activities.
All sampled households participated in non-farm economic activities, with 70 per cent of
the participants undertaking more than four activities simultaneously. This points to the
importance of non-farm economic activities in providing opportunities to sustain
household food security and increase the capacity for households to mitigate shocks.
However, a strong relationship was found between participation in non-farm activities
and the use of forest resources, as a significant number of activities depend on forest
resources. The forest-based non-farm activities reported were: beekeeping, charcoal
making and tree logging for poles, timber and firewood. This raises significant concern
over the over-utilization of forest resources and subsequent sustainability of the related
activities.
It is recommended that efforts towards promoting non-farm economic activities should
be directed towards developing non-farm activities that are not dependent on forest
resources. Interventions enabling increased farm productivity or non-forest activities are
important in ensuring food security in Zanzibar. More policy and programme attention
should be given to the role of women in non-farm activities.Thesis (M.Agric.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg, 2011.
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Botterill, Linda. "Muddling through or just a muddle : Australian government responses to farm poverty 1989-1998." Phd thesis, 2001. http://hdl.handle.net/1885/148109.
Full text
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Sitepu, Robinson. "A comparative analysis of rice marketing between private traders and cooperatives in the Hulu Sungai Tengah district (Indonesia)." Thesis, 1994. http://hdl.handle.net/2440/107812.
Full text
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Gobaw, Berhanu Zeleke. "Challenges and opportunities of development in Ethiopia through urban-rural economic linkages (URELs)." Thesis, 2016. http://hdl.handle.net/10500/21172.
Full textAbstract:
The transformation of rural people and land to urban land and culture is a natural
discourse and inevitable process. In the process, more than half of the current world
population are living in urban centres. The number of urban centres and their population
is rapidly increasing while the situation of integrated development of urban centres and
rural areas such URELs for sustainable development have given less attention in
agricultural based countries (ABCs). Multi-disciplinary (agriculture and agro-industries)
integration, multi-spatial (urban centre and its hinterlands) linkages, multiscalar (micromeso
and macro) levels, multi-actors and stakeholders involvement are the noteworthy
innovations in the field of development studies. This study mainly focused on URELs for
agribusiness and value chains under the development themes of governance and
development as well as contemporary debates. Policies, institutional settings and practical
implementation strategies of integrated and balanced development discourse of basic
sectoral and urban-rural economic linkages (URELs) missed in ABCs such as Ethiopia‟s
comprehensive development policy ADLI neglecting the rapidly growing urban centres.
Owing to this, this study is designed to examine the challenges and problems, status and
agribusiness and efficiencies of URELs for exploring theoretical empirical model for
virtuous circle URELs. Methodologically, the study used sequential explanatory mixed
methods research and cross-sectional survey design. The sequential approach was
quantitative method, qualitative method and integrating the two findings on interpretation
and discussion. The findings present truncated BPLs and FPLs of agriculture and agroindustries.
It was was mainly due to poor and greater ranges of efficiency from TE, AE
and EE for both agriculture and agro-industries, form of government as ethnic-federalism
and regionalism, violation of the existing institutional frameworks, dejure-defacto
discrminatin, government businesses, policy and institutional settings, lack of R&D,
many paradoxical acts and poor resources mobilization and utilization. These problems
and challenges are taken as potential opportunities for improvement and new lens of
developing empirical model. The overall recommendation lies on creating enabling
environment for virtuous circle URELs and integrated regional development using
regional development approach, avoiding illegal interventions, import-export balance,
proper resource mobilization and utilization.Development Studies
D. Litt. et Phil. (Development Studies)
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Berlie, Arega Bazezew. "Determinants of rural household food security in drought-prone areas of Ethiopia : case study in Lay Gaint District, Amhara Region." Thesis, 2013. http://hdl.handle.net/10500/13615.
Full textAbstract:
This study examines rural household food security and its determinants in drought-prone Amhara Region of Ethiopia by focusing on Lay Gaint district as a case study site. A range of factors from physical environmental circumstances to policy and institutions-related issues determine households‟ vulnerability to food insecurity and livelihood outcomes. The survey results showed that the majority (74%) of the sampled households experienced food insecurity. The situation was worse among female-headed households such that 86% of them were food insecure. The study revealed that, despite the low level of productivity related to local environmental constraints, rural livelihoods remain undiversified with small scale rain-fed agriculture to provide the primary source of livelihood for the large majority of households (~93% of respondents). Only about 25% of the respondents participated in some form of non-farm or off-farm activities, but with only little contribution to their total annual incomes. Food insecurity is a chronic problem in that, on average, households in the study area consume from own production for only about six months. The study found out that the majority of households (about 80%) perceived annual rainfall to be inadequate to support the growing of crops and grazing of animals. The main adaptive strategies employed by the majority of households included diversifying livestock kept, planting trees and diversifying crops. The study revealed that incidence, depth and severity of food insecurity of the food insecure households showed that Woina-Dega and Kolla agro-ecologies are prone to vulnerability to food insecurity. This suggests that development interventions that are geographically differentiated; and build household assets will improve household food security in the study area, and in other similar environments in the country.Geography
D.Phil.
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Mthembu, Nonkululeko. "Perceptions of barriers to market participation among three farmer groups in rural KwaZulu-Natal." Thesis, 2008. http://hdl.handle.net/10413/766.
Full textAbstract:
There has long been evidence that many smallholder farmers can benefit from marketoriented agriculture. However, smallholder farmers often face a number of barriers to accessing the markets. Smallholder market access is often cited as a factor that exacerbates the smallholder situation, but is little researched. This study investigated barriers to market participation among three smallholder farmer groups in rural KwaZulu-Natal. It is hypothesised that identification of these barriers could assist in institutional innovation to alleviate market constraints and challenges faced by smallholder farmers. It is also expected that addressing such barriers may create enabling conditions that would encourage smallholder farmers to access and participate more effectively in markets. Such efforts could improve the ability of smallholder farmers to become part of the mainstream or commercial agricultural economy. Three farmer groups from rural areas of KwaZulu-Natal (Centocow, Mbumbulu and Muden) were selected to participate in the study because they had interests in marketing fresh produce. One group (Mbumbulu) was a certified organic producer and was supplying a formal market. The other two groups (Centocow and Muden) were not organically certified and sold produce to informal markets. A three way comparison that included agricultural Policy Reform, Integrated Development Plans (IDPs) from Local Municipalities and focus group discussions was used to check and validate farmers’ responses to questions asked. Agricultural policy reforms relevant to these groups were reviewed. IDPs were analysed to evaluate service delivery and provision of infrastructure (enabling conditions for market participation). Focus group discussions were conducted to investigate farmer experiences in marketing and perceptions of agricultural policy constraints. The study revealed that access to resources, market information, infrastructure and farmer support services were barriers to market participation. Efforts to incorporate smallholder farmers through agricultural policy reforms in large scale agriculture have failed. Programmes to create enabling conditions (e.g. infrastructural development and telecommunications) were either not budgeted for or not implemented by local municipalities. Local economic development programmes focused on developing tourist attractions, although communal areas (Centocow and Mbumbulu) have the potential for agricultural growth. Local municipalities also faced challenges, such as lack of capacity to plan, implement, budget for planned projects, lack of service provider commitment and municipal funds. The results showed that despite barriers to market participation, smallholder farmers still marketed limited amounts of produce. If identified barriers are addressed, the issues raised in this study might improve market participation. Some barriers require direct intervention by government, as in the case of support services, extension service, credit and training. Investment in good infrastructure may encourage smallholder farmers to participate effectively in markets. This may be done by establishing a market infrastructure that includes collection points, transportation and market deposits in order to address the problems of proximity to markets. Such intervention should require the involvement of the private sector.Thesis (M.Sc.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg, 2008.
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Akindola, Rufus Boluwaji. "Understanding poverty: perspectives from poor rural people in Oyo State, Nigeria." 2006. http://repository.unimelb.edu.au/10187/2863.
Full textAbstract:
This thesis is an attempt to fill the gap in our knowledge about rural poverty and what it means to be poor. It has grown out of concerns that a lot has been said and written about poverty, yet poor people’s own understanding of their poverty is hardly ever included in policy and programs designed to reduce poverty. The rural poor are particularly marginalised in terms of voice as they are often represented by mere statistical figures. (For complete abstract open document)