Modernisation of small-scale farming as a strategy to improve rural economic development in uMzinyathi District Municipality
| dc.contributor.advisor | Mdiniso J. M. | |
| dc.contributor.author | Mbatha, Mfaniseni Wiseman | |
| dc.date.accessioned | 2024-07-10T12:44:09Z | |
| dc.date.available | 2024-07-10T12:44:09Z | |
| dc.date.issued | 2023 | |
| dc.description.abstract | ABSTRACT The overarching aim of the study was to investigate the experiences of farmers on the modernisation of small-scale farming as a strategy to improve rural economic development in the uMzinyathi District. The study employed a qualitative approach with explorative research design. This has been used to determine more detailed feelings, opinions, and experiences of participants with regard to their participation in small-scale farming and rural economic development. The target population consisted of small-scale farming cooperatives (1), municipal officials (1 and consisted of 5 participants per focus group discussion), ward councillors (1) from each local municipality and extension officers (2) from the only one available district department. The overall sample size of the study was fifty (50) participants. These participants were sampled through the use of both convenience (small-scale farmers and small-scale farming cooperatives) and purposive (government officials) non-probability sampling methods. The in-depth interviews, participant observations, and focus group discussions were used to collect primary data from these participants, while documental analysis was used to collect secondary data. The process of data presentation and analysis was undertaken through the use of thematic analysis and NVivo version 11. The critical aspects of the findings show that farmers relied more on the traditional methods of farming and partially integrated them with the modern methods of farming. The lack of technological use and poor infrastructural development were reported as the main problems that obstruct the modernisation of farming within the study area. The findings further confirmed the existence of the dualistic economies within the study area. However, small-scale farming is mostly associated with the Second Economy, which is dominated by people who undertake agricultural-related informal economic activities. The labour force in this economy is not covered or protected by any job security because of the lack of policies that guide the operation of small-scale farming. This study recommends that the government at all levels must develop a supporting strategy to prioritise small-scale farming. The government approach to the establishment of a sectoral support strategy must include the provision of input services and infrastructural facilities, more especially in areas where small-scale farmers are wholly directed to undertake agricultural activities. | |
| dc.identifier.uri | https://uzspace.unizulu.ac.za/handle/10530/2555 | |
| dc.language.iso | en | |
| dc.publisher | University of Zululand | |
| dc.title | Modernisation of small-scale farming as a strategy to improve rural economic development in uMzinyathi District Municipality | |
| dc.title.alternative | Small scale farming for rural ecenomic development | |
| dc.type | Thesis |