An Assessment of Factors Affecting Income Generation from Crop Production under Irrigation in the Limpopo Province of South Africa

Abstract

The objective of this study was to assess factors that impact on income generation by smallholder irrigation famers in the Vhembe District, South Africa. A sample of 370 smallholder irrigators was r andomly selected for participation in the study. Data was collected through a pre-tested questionnaire designed to obtain information related to the study objectives. The study revealed that most respondents were aged married males who derived income mostly from tomatoes, garlic and sweet potatoes. The study showed that plot size, access to credit, access to markets, marital status, gender, level of education and age all had significant effect on income from crop production. The age of respondents however, revealed negative association with income generation. The paper recommended for an extension service that would support the elderly to transfer their farming skills to the younger generations. The second recommendation was for the development of strategies that would encourage fa rmers under irrigation to focus on more profitable crops like sweet potatoes, garlic and cabbage that appeared to have high average gross margins per growing season.