The Establishment of Vegetable and Fruit Markets and Nurseries: A Case Study in the Waterberg District, Limpopo Province, South Africa

P Maponya,L Sole,J Carstens,E Van Heerden,S Mahlangu,J Malebana,D Chauke,R Mkhari,N Baloyi,A Maluleke,M Mphahlele,D Modise,M Van Der Walt,M Duba

doi:10.5539/jas.v6n7p38

Abstract

This paper highlighted the importance of the establishment of vegetable and fruit markets and nurseries in the Waterberg District, Limpopo Province, South Africa. This was achieved by taking a representative sample consisting of 57 agricultural projects, with 792 beneficiaries participating in this research. The following six local municipalities were visited: Lephalale, Thabazimbi, Mookgopong, Mogalakwena, Modimolle and Bela-Bela. Quantitative and qualitative methods were used including a detailed questionnaire written in English, focus group discussions, stakeholder’s discussions, and field observations as part of the data collection. A purposive sampling technique was used to select 57 projects, in order to cover uniformity and homogenous characteristics such as infrastructure requirements, skills availability, production challenges, agricultural training needs, water source needs, and educational level. Data was coded, captured, and analysed with a software package for social sciences (SPSS version 20) using Descriptive Analysis and Univariate Regression Analysis. The results showed a significant association among the following variables: age, educational level, farming experience, land, land acquisition, crop planted, water source, water rights, agricultural training and market participation. It is recommended that fruit and vegetable markets be established, as well as the creation of a complete, viable agro value chain that will expand community driven agricultural production and processing.

Highlights

Agriculture is the main vehicle for overall economic growth and poverty reduction in many developing countries, including South Africa
The results showed a significant association among the following variables: age, educational level, farming experience, land, land acquisition, crop planted, water source, water rights, agricultural training and market participation
It was evident that all age categories have an interest in agriculture; the training in sustainable production and establishment of agricultural markets, nurseries and agro processing plants should be supported by the identified projects in the Waterberg district

Summary

Introduction

Agriculture is the main vehicle for overall economic growth and poverty reduction in many developing countries, including South Africa. According to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO, 2012) agricultural projects are undertaken in the context of the much broader goal of rural community development, i.e. addressing the non-farm rural economy, environmental sustainability, infrastructure, financial and social services for the poor rural population. With a large percentage of rural population in the Waterberg district depending on agriculture for their livelihoods, it is critical for different stakeholders involved in the food economy to examine, question and engage in the establishment of sustainable village based markets, fruits and vegetable nurseries. According to (StatsSA, 2011) agriculture in the Waterberg district, Limpopo Province is seen as a key catalyst for significant economic development. The current agricultural situation in the Waterberg district was further provided by Waterberg District Municipality [WDM]

Methods

Results

Conclusion