Browsing by Author "Mahlobo, Busie Truetia"
Now showing 1 - 1 of 1
Results Per Page
Sort Options
- ItemMulti–criteria livestock assessment for sustainability of smallholder farms in Kwa-Zulu Natal(Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2016-03) Mahlobo, Busie Truetia; Molotsi, Annelin H.; Dzama, Kennedy; Seifert, T.; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Agrisciences. Dept. of Animal Sciences.ENGLISH ABSTRACT: This study was conducted to evaluate the sustainability of smallholder livestock farmers in Kwa-Zulu Natal. The aims of the study was: (i) to evaluate social and economic sustainability, and (ii) to investigate production constraints experienced by smallholder farmers in Umvoti Municipality, KZN Province. A sample of 55 smallholder farmers were interviewed using structured questionnaires in their homestead. The survey was conducted in February and July (2015) for two weeks. Soil samples were collected on 17 farmers’ field plot using an auger at a depth of 45 cm from the top soil. The study revealed that livestock was kept for cultural purposes (78%), income (73%) and ceremonies (51%). Only 5% of the respondents had tertiary education, 35% primary and 29% secondary. The lack of education limits the extent to which knowledge can be transferred from researchers to farmers. Livestock ownership was male dominated (53%) and there was an association between gender and ownership. Youth participation was lacking because most of the respondents were old people with mean age group of 57. Livestock were grazed on communal rangelands (94%) and continuous grazing was employed. No breeding plan was in place and 85% used a communal owned bull. About 78% of the respondents did not practice supplementary feeding. Respondents stated that water and feed availability, theft, diseases, and finance are major production constraints that negatively affect their performance. A net loss value of R14 418 per annum was obtained for all households owning livestock. Communal crop producers had a positive net value of R310 per year. Commercial crop farmers obtained a positive net value of R688 800 per year after all deductions. Fixed income (pensions, wages, grants, home industry and gifts) collectively had the highest relative contribution of 55% to household livelihoods. As a result, the alternative hypothesis was accepted at 5% level that farmers employ mixed livelihood strategies to minimise risks against income and food deficits. An asset value was assigned and calculated for 111 calves, 304 cows, 61 heifers, 58 bulls, 19 steers, 206 kids, 336 does, 92 bucks and 34 wethers. Interest was calculated per household and per livestock type. Cattle accumulated the highest asset value (R3 517 821) than goats (R711 131). Statistically the study showed no evidence against the null hypothesis that crop inputs have different effects on potassium (K), calcium (Ca) and manganese (Mg), (p>0.05). Cropping patterns showed to have different effects on soil carbon percentage (p<0.05) and the null hypothesis was rejected. The veld condition was medium degradation with a condition score of 40–60%. Soil samples were analysed for textual group, pH, exchangeable cation (Na, K, Ca, & Mg), C%, N%, and base saturation (Na%, K%, Ca%, Mg% and T–value cmol/kg). Effects of crop inputs (manure, fertilizer, mixed inputs and none (control) and cropping patterns (mixed, mono cropping, rotational and combination) on soil minerals were also evaluated. The negative net value obtained from livestock and low profit from cropping, suggest that farmers are getting income somewhere else to subsidise farming.