Browsing by Author "Rightford, Brett Warwick Bevan"
Now showing 1 - 1 of 1
Results Per Page
Sort Options
- ItemExploring hemp farming as a sustainable agriculture in South Africa, using a social-ecological systems approach(Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2020-03) Rightford, Brett Warwick Bevan; Maciejewski, Kristine; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences. Dept. of Geography & Environmental Studies.ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Smallholder communities in the rural regions of South Africa are becoming increasingly vulnerable to challenges associated with climate change and socio-economic conditions. This study includes an exploration of hemp (Cannabis Sativa. L) agriculture in South Africa, and seeks to evaluate the sustainability of such agriculture, as well as the opportunities for agricultural and socio-economic development possible, through employing smallholder hemp agriculture in South Africa. The concepts relating to hemp cultivation, sustainable agriculture, and smallholder farming in South Africa, were unpacked, and framed using a social- ecological systems framework. A social-ecological systems approach provides a holistic perspective for understanding the social and ecological factors responsible for driving the establishing of the hemp industry in South Africa,as well as the potential impacts. To gain a South African perspective of hemp agriculture and the industry I conducted in-depth interviews with six participants, that were carefully selected based on their personal experience in hemp cultivation. A non-participant case study was also used in this study to explore a hemp research trial farm, where soil samples were taken to test for levels of minerals present in the soil. This was then analysed to determine the level of influence the hemp taproot has on the nutrient cycle of the soil. Results from this study indicated that the ecological benefits of cultivating hemp included the absence of pesticide use, and moderate fertiliser requirements, as well as the aeration and microorganism regeneration characteristics associated with the hemp taproot. The agglomeration of end-uses and industries available through hemp production meets the socio-economic contexts experienced by rural communities in South Africa, due to the economic multiplier effect of establishing a hemp industry. Observations at the research trial farm in Riebeek-Kasteel, suggested that hemp does not naturally increase the nitrogen levels in the soil, as studies have suggested, however, methods for enhancing the nutrient flow of soils through hemp cultivation are identified. Smallholder hemp agriculture in South Africa can be viable given the correct conditions, such as climate, access to resources, and guidance. Furthermore, it is highly suggested that smallholder farmers rotate the hemp crop with a nitrogen fixing, winter food-crop, to avoid depletion of soil nutrients, and to meet social drivers such as food and nutrition insecurity. With the changing of laws surrounding the agriculture of industrial hemp in South Africa and other countries throughout the world, industries such as bio- plastic, biofuel, hemp-based building materials, medicinal cannabis, and the nutrition industry, will begin to drive the development of such agriculture. This study emphasizes the importance of smallholder inclusion in the infant industry, to develop a powerful mechanism for social and agricultural development in the rural regions of South Africa.