Perceptions Of Smallholder Farmers Research Articles

Gender Perceptions of Small Holder Farmers on the Impact of Climate Change in Communal Areas of Zimbabwe

Climate change has caused severe havoc to social, economic, environmental and physical repercussions to development. The world has encountered the unprecedented natural catastrophes which encompass climate induced calamities such as hurricanes, floods, volcanoes, droughts and cyclones. The study was aimed at unpacking the gender dimensions of small holder farmer on the impact of climate change, vulnerability, adaptation in communal areas. Quantitative primary data was collected from a sample of 244 selected smallholder communal famers, in which stratified random sampling was used to select the respondents to this study. A self-administered structured questionnaire was used to solicit quantitative data from smallholder communal farmers, Bikita rural district council (department of environment) and from Agriculture Extension department. A total of 188 questionnaires were responded to and used for data analysis. Using SPSS version 16.0 quantitative data were analysed using a mix of descriptive statistics, correlation analysis and regression analysis. The study established that the negative effects of climate change and variability are mitigated through growing of drought resistant small grains, growing early maturity seed varieties, adjusting crop planting times, application of lower levels of fertilizers, winter ploughing and ridging and pot-holing. Participation of smallholder farmers in climate change adaptation interventions in Bikita district is subject to socio-political, resources and physical systems and processes barriers. It also established a negative relationship between resource availability and female smallholder farmers’ participation in climate change adaptation practices and the study concluded that availability of resources is a key factor to female small holder farmers’ participation in climate change intervention. There is also need to avail agricultural research results relevant to the small holder farmers and train them on how to use the results to make informed on-farm investment decisions.

Nature of climate change-induced risks in semi-arid northwestern Ghana: Gauged observations, perceptions of smallholder farmers, and perspectives for livelihood adaptation

Climate variability and impact have been an endemic challenge to smallholder farmers who largely depend on rainy weather for livelihoods in semi-arid north-western Ghana. Many households in semi-arid regions exhibit low levels of adaptive capacity due to ineffective adaptation strategies and poor coping strategies. This study examined (1) trends in gauged rainfall and temperature data spanning the period from 1984 to 2014 and (2) smallholder farmers’ perceptions about yearly cyclical weather, and difficulties associated with climate change adaptations. The study adopted the participatory rural appraisal design using questionnaire, interviews and focus group discussions for collection of data for analysis. Estimated parameters partially supported that yearly temperatures are increasing, whereas annual rainfall is declining, although the latter is not significantly related to the former. Smallholder farmers’ perceptions about changing weather conditions did not corroborate the observed declining annual rainfall trend. These farmers are faced with livelihood-affecting risks during either ‘prolonged dry periods from October to May’ or ‘short annual rainy season from mid-May to September. Therefore, access to climate information and available climate adaptation strategies could improve farming activities and livelihoods of farmers in response to climate change.

Knowledge and perceptions of smallholder farmers regarding Solanum incanum L. use as a pesticide in Mkoba community in Gweru, Zimbabwe

This study explored the knowledge and perceptions the smallholder farmers in Mkoba village hold regarding the use of extracts of the root and fruit of S. incanum. A questionnaire was administered to 49 sampled respondents (age range 16 to 70 years) from Mkoba village who practiced communal gardening and used Solanum incanum as a pesticide. The data were reported in frequency tables and graphs. The Chi-square was used to determine the associations between the respondents’ perceptions and education level, age, and gender at p = .05. An independent t-test was also used to determine whether there was a statistically significant difference between the different educational groups in their perceptions of S. incanum at p = .05. Of the 49 respondents, 20(40.8%) were in the age range of 30-50 years, and 30 (61.2%) were female. The study found that respondents were knowledgeable about the S. incanum preparations, of which 18 (36.7%) of that indigenous knowledge came from their parents. Many uses of S. incanum were reported which included wound healing 23 (46.9%), toothache 32 (65.3%), and stomach-ache 34(69.3%) remedy. There were mixed opinions reported regarding its environmental user-friendliness, health benefits, and efficacy. Twenty-six 26 (53%) of the respondents believed that S. incanum was non-poisonous and therefore they did not see the need for any precautional measures including the use of personal protective clothing. The most prevalent symptoms of diseases were skin rash 30 (61.2%), nausea 13 (26.5%), headache 15 (30.6%), and poor vision 8 (16.3%) and these symptoms were common in the age group 30 to 60 years. The popular use of S. incanum was attributed to the strong cultural background as well as the unavailability of money to purchase commercial pesticides. Appropriate awareness and education programmes in the community should be organised by the community leaders to increase the level of knowledge to enhance appropriate attitudes and perceptions regarding the hazards S. incanum brings as a pesticide. Key words: Solanum incanum, knowledge, perceptions, pesticides, poison, health- symptoms, smallholder

Socioeconomic Determinants and Perceptions of Smallholder Farmers towards Agroforestry Adoption in Northern Irrigated Plain, Pakistan

Amid the epoch of global overpopulation, the agroforestry system can intervene as a novel practice that can safeguard agricultural sustainability, provide a means of livelihood, yield ecological benefits, and contribute to household food security. However, the adoption of sustained agroforestry practices requires an understanding of both farmers’ personal characteristics and perceived statuses, constituting a difficult task to anticipate, analyze, and visualize. To this end, it is crucial to understand and identify the most significant factors driving the adoption of agroforestry. This research attempts to examine the determinants and psychological drivers of smallholder farmers’ intention to plant trees on farmland and the factors that may discourage them from doing so. The conceptual framework of the study was developed based on the theory of planned behavior. We draw on survey data from 400 smallholder farmers in a northern irrigated plain of Pakistan. A binary logistic regression model was employed to explore how socio-psychological drivers influence farmers’ decision to adopt agroforestry practices. The study results reveal that 60.5% of the respondents prefer to adopt agroforestry practices. The results from a logit estimation showed that socio-economic variables such as family size, land ownership, subsidies, livestock rearing, sources of energy, and total income had a significant positive influence on the planting of trees on farmland, while age had a negative influence. Moreover, runoff control and the control of heat significantly affect the perceptions of farmers regarding the adoption of agroforestry. The findings suggest that implementing policies that enhance the delivery of robust agricultural extension services and training programs for farmers could disseminate the agroforestry system countrywide, which might offer substantial benefits for farmers in the long term while maintaining environmental integrity.

Perceptions of Smallholder Farmers on Climate Change in the uMkhanyakude District of KwaZulu-Natal Province of South Africa

This study assesses smallholder farmers’ perceptions on climate change using a sample of 400 farmers in the uMkhanyakude district of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. Using descriptive statistics, farmers perceived that rainfall had decreased during the study period while temperatures had increased. Principal component analysis (PCA) further revealed that farmers’ perceptions could be grouped into: a) natural disasters; b) institutional support; c) decrease in crop yields and loss of assets; d) changes in temperature and rainfall and e) extension on climate change and poor livestock production. In light of these findings, the study recommends that agricultural support for groupings of farmer’s perceptions be provided to help farmers cope with the negative effects of climate change.

Infrastructure Performance and Irrigation Water Governance in Genadendal, Western Cape, South Africa

Disasters such as the 2015–2018 drought in South Africa usually negatively impact agricultural water, especially in smallholder farming systems. This study assessed the availability of irrigation water, performance of irrigation infrastructure, and water governance systems in Genadendal, Western Cape, with a focus on smallholder farmers. Data for streamflow, dam levels, and rainfall were acquired from water institutions and analysed using Microsoft Excel. The performance of the infrastructure and water governance were assessed based on the perceptions of smallholder farmers and key informants. A questionnaire was administered to eight smallholder farmers, followed by a focus group discussion with fifteen smallholder farmers. Interviews were conducted with eight key informants who worked in water-related institutions. Qualitative data from the interviews were analysed using thematic content analysis. The study showed adequate agricultural water resources during the 2015–2018 drought period for the smallholder farmers who relied on water from dams. However, smallholder farmers who relied on the Riviersonderend River experienced severe water shortages during the same period. The findings showed poor performance of irrigation water infrastructure due to inadequate maintenance. Lack of coordination among institutions, insufficient funding, political interference, fragmentation of roles and responsibilities, lack of human resources, and farmers’ lack of participation and commitment in water resource management all contributed to the dysfunctionality of irrigation water governance systems, leading to water insecurity. This study concludes that while agricultural water resources in Genadendal are sufficient, water governance systems need improvement in order to strengthen the water security status for smallholder farmers. This study recommends adequate funding for the operation and maintenance of infrastructure. Furthermore, water institutions need to support smallholder farmers with training skills in agricultural water management and infrastructure maintenance. Further studies are recommended to quantify the amount of water lost due to the poor performance of water infrastructure and to develop effective water governance in Genadendal. In addition, issues relating to crop varieties and changes in cropping intensity during drought periods need to be considered in future studies.

Peri-urban land governance and market dynamics: perceptions and adaptation strategies of smallholder farmers in Tamale, Ghana

ABSTRACT Access to land is critical to reducing poverty and ensuring sustained agrarian livelihoods. However, access and security of rights are shaped by land governance regimes. With increased population and urbanization, peri-urban frontiers have become key battlegrounds for control of land rights. Using the Tamale area in Ghana as a case study, we examined the perceptions of smallholder farmers on land governance practices and adaptation strategies. In a multi-stage sampling process, the study interviewed 86 smallholder farmers in five communities. The study revealed that good land governance indicators, ‘Recognition and Enforcement of Rights,’ ‘Efficient and Effective Conflict and Dispute Management,’ ‘Subsidiarity and Inclusiveness,’ as well as ‘Transparency and Accountability’ were generally below the minimum good practices benchmark based on smallholder farmers’ assessment. With the increasing deprivation of their land use rights, farmers switch to non-agricultural businesses, and/or seek refuge in nearby communities to farm either by renting or engaging in sharecropping arrangements. The results of this study underscore the need to improve land governance practices – specifically, compensation payment, transparency and accountability for land revenues, disputes resolution, and consultation on land use conversions.

Smallholder Farmers’ Perceptions towards Agricultural Credit in Tanzania

Agricultural sector plays a pivotal role in the Tanzanian economy in such a way that it qualifies as the major trigger of sustainable and robust growth of the country’s economy. Though agriculture in Tanzania is largely under small scale, smallholder farmers earn little income and therefore demand credit necessary to initiate farming and adopt new technology. Hence, demand for agricultural credit is the willingness and ability of farmers to access existing sources of funds to meet farm investment needs. This study therefore aimed at assessing the smallholder farmers’ perceptions towards agricultural credit in Morogoro municipality, Tanzania. Rational choice theory was used in this study and given priority due to its importance in explaining the access of financial services as attributes of the individual heavily influence credit demand by smallholder farmers. A multi-stage sampling technique involving purposive sampling of 10 wards out of 29 wards based on their potential in crop production and presence of credit services was adopted, followed by a simple random sample of 300 smallholder farmers randomly chosen from the selected wards. The primary data were collected using questionnaire, interviews, Focus Group Discussion (FGD) and observation from the 300 sampled farm households in the study area while secondary data were obtained through documentary book reviews, ward office reports, online internet materials and journal articles. Findings show that, smallholder farmers’ attitude towards risk associated with agricultural credit were highly perceived by the majority of them. Also, results showed that inaccessibility of credit information, lack of education, bureaucratic procedures (i.e., lending procedures) and high repayment rate i.e., price of loan were perceived to be the main challenges that affected smallholder farmers’ decisions to demand and access agricultural credit from MFIs (Microfinance Institutions). Therefore, the perception of smallholder farmers that the application procedures are cumbersome and take a long time for the applicant to get a feedback, is having a negative influence on the probability of their demand for credit from MFIs. The study recommends education provision to smallholder farmers on agricultural credit use and improved market information systems. Also, credit institution should ensure effective provision of information on agricultural credit to boost their credit services to smallholder farmers.

Knowledge, Attitude and Perception of Smallholder Farmers on Corona Virus Pandemic in Nigeria

Agriculture plays an essential role in the economy of Nigeria as it provides food for the entire population of a country and also provides raw materials for the non-agriculture sectors of the economy. Nigeria's agriculture is made up of a higher percentage of smallholder farmers who are often exposed to shocks and have less capacity to combat the impact and increase the rate of recovery due to shocks. Therefore, the strengths and weaknesses of farmers' knowledge systems are important in building a resilient agricultural sector to improve farmers' food security, and livelihoods and build resilient capacity toward pandemics. The COVID-19 pandemic was a big threat to Nigeria's food security since the bulk of the food produced in Nigeria is by the smallholder farmers who are often vulnerable to shocks. The paper examined smallholder farmers' knowledge, attitude, and perception of the COVID-19 pandemic using descriptive statistics. A total of 400 smallholder farmers in the study area were interviewed about their knowledge and perception of the COVID-19 pandemic. The finding showed that 332 of the respondents were aware of the virus, 340 did not believe in the existence of the virus, 365 believed they cannot be infected by the virus, and 271 adhered to government-imposed measures on combating the virus. On the methods employed to mitigate the spread of the virus in the study area, 180% of the respondents observed the social distancing, 78% used hand sanitizer, 48% wore nose masks and 40% reduced farm visits.

Perceptions of Smallholder Farmers towards Organic Farming in South Africa

In South Africa, smallholder farming is an important aspect of livelihood. More so, organic farming is increasingly becoming popular among farmers. However, many studies undertaken focused on the trade possibilities of the industry leaving the farmers’ perceptions underrepresented. This study, therefore, aims to capture the farmers’ opinions by evaluating the critical factors and policy implications of organic farming in the Limpopo Province of South Africa. A total of 220 semi-structured questionnaires were administered to smallholder farmers in the province. The results revealed that organic farming is gaining recognition according to 82.8% of the participants, and 86.6% believed that organic farming has high-profit returns. However, 88.4% of the respondents agreed that the required standards for organic farming are too restrictive while a further 74.6% indicated that organic farming certification is difficult to obtain. The results also indicated a statistically significant difference in the perceived benefits of organic farming (p ≤ 0.001) and access to markets (p = 0.042). Based on the results, the study suggests more awareness, training and ease of certification as a way forward in changing the perceptions of the farmers in the province.

PERCEPTIONS OF SMALLHOLDER FARMERS’ ON EXTENSION SERVICES DELIVERY IN SOUTH AFRICA

Ponte Academic JournalApr 2021, Volume 77, Issue 4 PERCEPTIONS OF SMALLHOLDER FARMERS’ ON EXTENSION SERVICES DELIVERY IN SOUTH AFRICAAuthor(s): Sithembi Mncina ,Ogujiuba Kanayo, Mahlalela MakhosonkeJ. Ponte - Apr 2021 - Volume 77 - Issue 4 doi: 10.21506/j.ponte.2021.4.6 Abstract:Contemporary pathways of innovation and diversification in the agricultural sector commands a strong emphasis in business management competence of smallholder farmers. The significance of farmer's competence in enhancing entrepreneurship activities is widely acknowledged. From specific and often circumstantial examples in daily practice, some rural farmers seem to be quite successful in developing themselves as entrepreneurs through interaction with extension officers. However, it is not clear what farmers learn in this process and whether this learning capacitates their management skills for agricultural development. This article examines the perceptions of smallholder farmer's concerning effectiveness of public extension service delivery in facilitating SMEs management at Nkomazi local municipality, South Africa. The survey used sampled twenty-five (25) respondents with purposeful sampling techniques. Twenty (20) of them were smallholder farmers, and five (5) were public extension personnel. Thematic analysis was used to explain the themes generated. Based on our findings, we recommend that agricultural policy should promote equitable and consistent extension services that can be sustainable to promote SMEs success rates. Moreover, there should be training on the proper use of the information and communication technology provided by the extension officers to the as well as the smallholder farmers. Download full text:Check if you have access through your login credentials or your institution Username Password

Climate change stressors affecting household food security among Kimandi-Wanyaga smallholder farmers in Murang’a County, Kenya

Abstract Climate change hazards including droughts and floods are adversely affecting crop productivity and food security among Kenyan smallholder farmers. This article analyzes rainfall and temperature change effects on household food security in Kimandi-Wanyaga, in Murang’a County, Kenya. Both the meteorological and the community perceptions were analyzed. Monthly rainfall and temperature data for Thika Meteorological Station were analyzed for trends using MAKESENS procedure. The community perceptions data obtained through household survey, key informant interviews, and focus group discussions were analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) and content analysis. The study hypotheses were tested using chi-square tests. The community perceived inadequate rainfall during crop growth (79%), reduced rainfall intensity (77%) and erratic onset and cessation of seasonal rainfall (73%) had interrupted their crop productivity. These disagreed with MAKESENS rainfall trends that showed statistically insignificant rainfall variability (α > 0.1). The community’s warmer temperature perceptions agreed with observed rising maximum temperature trend at 0.001 significance level. This study observed a significant relationship between the community’s perceived local rainfall and temperature changes, and household food security. For robust and strategically designed climate policies and programs for food security, governments need to communicate to policy makers the perceptions of smallholder farmers involved in autonomous climate adaptation.

Smallholder grain postharvest management in a variable climate: practices and perceptions of smallholder farmers and their service-providers in semi-arid areas

Field data on current crop postharvest management practices and perceptions from smallholder farming communities in an increasingly variable climate are scarce. Our study used a multi-dimensional approach to explore the practices and perceptions of these communities and their service-providers regarding grain postharvest management in semi-arid Mbire and Hwedza districts in Zimbabwe. A total of 601 individual household interviews, six focus group discussions with women and men, and interviews with 40 district stakeholders and 53 community key informants were conducted. Farmers and service-providers explained how climate change was threatening food security; causing reduced and more variable maize and sorghum yields of below 0.5 t/ha, alongside higher grain storage insect pest pressure. Increased food insecurity and concerns regarding grain theft have driven a shift from bulk storage in traditional outdoor free-standing granaries to polypropylene bags stacked inside the living quarters. Poor and improper use of synthetic pesticides in these circumstances exacerbates the health-related risks. Agricultural extension officers were the most common source of agronomic and postharvest information followed by farmer-to-farmer information exchange. Targeted postharvest training; participatory field trials involving agricultural extension staff, farmers and other service-providers; and policy dialogue around grain postharvest management and food security are proposed to help in strengthening the capacity to reduce grain postharvest losses under increasingly unpredictable conditions.

Smallholder Farmers’ Perception of Climate Change: The Case of Jamma District of South Wollo Zone, Ethiopia

The research is financed by African Economic Research Consortium Abstract Climate change is causing the greatest environmental, social and economic threats across the globe. Its impact has been increasing especially on agricultural activities in developing countries. It depresses crop yields through temperature increase and reductions of precipitation. Climate change mainly affected low-income countries where their adaptive capacities are perceived to be low, due to weak institutional capacity, limited engagement in environmental and adaptation issues and lack of validation of local knowledge. A better understanding of the perceptions of farmers about climate change is essential to develop appropriate adaptation measures that can alleviate the adverse effects of climate change. Therefore, the main aim of the study was to examine perceptions of smallholder farmers in the Jamma district of South Wollo Zone, Ethiopia. The study was used in both primary and secondary data sources to collect both qualitative and quantitative data. Primary data were collected from a randomly selected 156 sample households interviewed through a structured questionnaire. Focus group discussion also used to collect the qualitative data about the perception and attitudes of smallholder farmers about climate change. Descriptive statistics were used to provide insights into farmers’ perceptions about change in temperature and precipitation patterns comparing with the metrological data. Among the sample respondents, 92.3 percent perceived as an increase in temperature. Similarly, 98.2 and 90.4 percent of the sampled households perceived that decreased the Belg rain and in the overall average rainfall in the main rain season (kiremt) respectively. Keywords : Climate Change, Jamma District Zone, Perception. DOI: 10.7176/DCS10-9-04 Publication date: September 30 th 2020

Understanding the dairy cattle feeding strategies, awareness and perceptions of smallholder farmers on hydroponic fodder technology, Kibaha District, Tanzania

Understanding the dairy cattle feeding strategies, awareness and perceptions of smallholder farmers on hydroponic fodder technology, Kibaha District, Tanzania

Climate Change Grounded on Empirical Evidence as Compared with the Perceptions of Smallholder Farmers in Vhembe District, South Africa

In South Africa, the smallholding-farming system is a dominant economic activity in rural communities. This study examines smallholder-farmers’ perceptions in regards to climate changes, in comparison with evidence from meteorological data from 1980–2015, across Vhembe District; data from a questionnaire and recorded meteorological were used. The results reveal that, farmers’ perceptions of climatic conditions are consistent with meteorological details on climatic change. In other words, the study, showed that, farmers’ perceptions using climate indicators, mirror meteorological data. It was concluded that it is imperative for farmers to understand issues such as, temperature and rainfall patterns in order to identify adaptive strategies to the negative impacts of climate.

Changing the perception of smallholder farmers about cactus pear in Pakistan

The increasing demands on water and feed resources across the world's dry areas require alternative sources of animal feed - specifically crops with better water-use efficiency. One alternative with the potential for widespread contribution toward reducing the impact of reduced feed and water availability is the cactus pear (Opuntia ficus-indica). Therefore, the aim of this study was to promote O. ficus-indica as a feed resource for livestock, as it is a drought-resistant succulent plant that is spineless and holds a large amount of water. This study examined the adoption of cactus in Pakistan, through targeting 100 households selected from three strata groups: farmers not familiar with, farmers familiar with, and farmers who had already adopted cactus. Results indicated that there is a general acceptance of cactus by farmers, while farmers stated the lack of available technical or financial means as a reason for their lack of interest in cultivating cactus. The survey also showed that a large number of smallholder farmers are familiar with cactus and are also convinced that it can be adopted for livestock feeding. In conclusion, cactus has huge potential in Pakistan as a non-conventional and valuable fodder for resource-challenged areas, especially since farmers have very positive attitudes toward cactus adoption. However, more efforts are still needed to provide the appropriate technical information to ensure that the plant's potential is effectively realized; this can be achieved through the active role of local institutions, NGOs and farmers' associations.

Exploring the link between climate change perceptions and adaptation strategies among smallholder farmers in Chimanimani district of Zimbabwe

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to establish the association between smallholder farmer perceptions toward climate change and adaptation strategies at the household level in Chimanimani District of Zimbabwe.Design/methodology/approachData were collected from 284 households mainly using a structured questionnaire. The Heckman probit selection model was used to first identify the underlying socio-economic factors that affect households’ recognition of climate change in the past 10 years, and the second model the factors that influence adaptation to the climate change phenomenon.FindingsThe majority of farmers (85 percent) perceived that climate change, characterized by rising temperatures and variability in rainfall patterns, has been occurring in the past ten years. As a response, farmers adapted using methods such as manuring and staggering of planting dates. Indigenous knowledge systems and non-governmental organizations increased the likelihood farmers’ recognition of climate change (p<0.05). The probability of adopting multiple adaptation strategies was influenced by household head’s education level, land tenure and access to public extension services.Practical implicationsIntegrative extension methods that take into account socio-cultural values could be helpful in building resilience as farmers are better able to understand the climate change construct. There is a need to guarantee land tenure rights in resettlement areas to stimulate investment on farms.Originality/valueThis study showed that there is a link between farmers’ prior knowledge of climate change and the number of adaptive investments. The analysis proposed an educational and extension approach that is embedded in the socio-cultural and traditional setting of farmers.

Assessing Local Community Perceptions on Climate Change and Variability and its Effects on Crop Production in Selected Districts of Western Oromia, Ethiopia

Understanding of local people’s perception on environmental conditions is crucial to design and implement appropriate adaptation strategies to climate change and variability. This study looked at communities’ perception of climate change impacts, barriers and effective adaptation strategies towards climate change in selected districts of western Oromia. This study examines smallholder farmers’ perceptions of climate variability, climate change and its impacts on crop production, and adaptation strategies adopted over the past three 30 years. Survey data were collected from 204 respondents using both qualitative and quantitative approaches through purposive sampling techniques. Descriptive statistics such as percentage and frequency were used for data analysis. The results of the study showed that the respondents were perceived, the occurrence of climate change in terms of increase in temperatures, decrease in rainfall and change in timing of rain, change in the onset of rains, erratic rainfall pattern. The study also indicated that due to climate change induced factors the agricultural productivity was reduced from time to time. The results show that about 80%) of farmers who participated had observed recent changes in climate. Perceptions of local communities on climate change and variability are consistent with the analyzed historical climate data. The analyzed climate data show fluctuations in onset date, cessation date and length of growing season (LGS) and change in climate. Farmers perceived weather related problems such as low rain, drought, flood, heat, cold, strong wind that led increased farming problems such as soil erosion, loss of soil fertility; reduction in crop yields and high rate of disease occurrence. The impacts of climate change on crop production were revealed by changes in start of farming season; including: rainfall coming early or late, decrease in rainfall, increase in temperature and increase in farming problems, in particular, increase in soil erosion, loss of soil fertility and reduction in crop yields. The results showed that farmers perceived climate change in terms of changes in rainfall and temperature, increase in drought condition, crop pests and diseases. Those changes had significant impact on farmers’ households whose income depends on rain fed farming. The findings revealed that the impacts of climate in rural areas include reduced in crop yield (49%); increase in pest and disease (34%) and soil erosion (98%). Respondents perceived the main cause of climate change was human action through; intensified agriculture, deforestation, increased use of fossil fuel and use of chemical fertilizer on farms. Therefore, to adapt to the changing in climate, farming community practiced some adaptation measure. The adaptation measures identified were soil and water conservation, crop rotation, change crop varieties, change planting dates, late planting, diversification of crop types and varieties, drought resistant varieties, building water harvesting schemes and use of irrigation. Widely used adaptation measures are soil and water conservation, crop rotation, changing planting dates and change crop varieties in the study area. Besides, the finding identified some serious barriers of adaptation measure to climate change including lack of information, shortage of labor, lack of capital, black of access to water and poor potential for irrigation. Therefore, there is a need to focus community dimensions such as perceptions of smallholder farmers. The study recommends enhanced knowledge of climate change and climate smart agriculture practices for their improved adoption.

Perceptions of Smallholder Farmers on Determinants of Competitiveness of the Citrus Industry in Vhembe District, Limpopo Province, South Africa

ABSTRACTThe study analysed the extent to which various attributes served as determinants of competitiveness of the citrus industry based on perceptions of smallholder citrus farmers in Vhembe Distr...