Perceptions and determinants of smallholder farmers’ participation in the production of indigenous leafy vegetables: The case of Coffee Bay, Eastern Cape province of South Africa

Abstract

There is a high level of consensus on the relevance of indigenous leafy vegetables (ILVs) in complementing household food security. Despite such a high level of consensus and several nutritional and health benefits, farmers have opted not to include them in their farming systems thus affecting production volumes and their availability on market. With the emerging interest of linking biodiversity to food security in the face of climate change, there is a need to appraise why many farmers have opted not to include ILVs in their farming systems. Against this background, this study used cross-sectional survey data to estimate determinants of farmers’ participation in the production of ILVs. Descriptive results reveal that the majority of people in the study area share positive perceptions with regards to ILVs. Regression estimates further indicate that production of ILVs are mostly conditioned by shared perceptions and institutional factors rather than socio-economic attributes of farmers. Public policies that address the institutional framework in favour of ILVs are more likely to promote production. Also, more research on benefits of ILVs supported by investments targeting educational campaigns towards promoting positive attitudes and dispelling fears and myths surrounding ILVs will further promote production.