The determinants of farmers’ decision to produce African leafy vegetables in the Limpopo province, South Africa

Abstract

There is a decline in the production, utilization and diversity of underutilized crops including African Leafy Vegetables (ALVs), which poses a threat to the status of food security and rural development. This study examines the factors influencing households’ participation decision in the production of African leafy vegetables in the Limpopo Province of South Africa using a double-hurdle model that accounts for whether or not smallholder farmers produce ALVs (decision to participate) and how much land was allocated for ALV production (level of participation). Participation and level of participation decisions were analysed using cross section data collected from 126 smallholder farmers in 2013. The empirical results suggest that factors explaining participation decision and the level of participation are different. Hence, it is imperative that policies that are aimed at incentivising participation and level of participation and their impacts on food security and nutrition target different groups. The commercialization of ALVs could also promote rural development in the study area.