Small-scale Sugarcane Research Articles

Greenhouse gas emission implications of small-scale sugarcane farmers’ trash management practices: A case for bioenergy production in South Africa

Sugarcane trash is a source of biomass available for energy generation. However, this potential has not been explored in the South African small-scale sugarcane sector. The current trash management practices of farmers, especially, pre-harvest burning, have huge negative environmental implications. Sustainable management of sugarcane trash could help address several challenges in the sugarcane industry including the high cost of irrigation. Therefore, this study is meant to assess small-scale growers’ trash management practices and their implications on greenhouse gas emissions. It also ascertains the potential for using sugarcane trash in the co-generation of electricity. The study was conducted in two communities in KwaZulu-Natal and Mpumalanga provinces with 330 small-scale farmers. A probit regression was used to determine factors that influence farmers’ trash management practices. Other analyses such as estimations of the amount of available trash, burning emissions and potential energy from sugarcane were informed by previous studies. The findings showed that pre-burning of sugarcane is a common practice among smallholder producers in South Africa. However, some farmers have attempted to move away from this practice opting to leave their sugarcane in the field or use it for compost. The farmers’ burning of sugarcane releases an estimated 0.08 tCO2-e per ha into the atmosphere. In total, the estimated greenhouse gas emissions from sugarcane burning of all small-scale growers in the two provinces are 725 tCO2-e per annum. The findings also revealed that having more land, poor endowment with psychological capital, lack of access to extension, limited resources, and working in silos compound the practice of burning sugarcane. The estimated energy potential from small-scale sugarcane producers in the country, using a 50 % recovery efficiency and 36 % energy conversion efficiency is 150,323.3 MWh. The study proposes several recommendations for improving trash management practices and initiating the co-generation of electricity from trash in the small-scale sugarcane industry.

The impact of credit accessibility and information communication technology on the income of small-scale sugarcane farmers in Ndwedwe Local Municipality, KwaZulu-Natal Province, South Africa.

Access to credit and information and communication technology (ICT) plays a pivotal role in enhancing the practices of small-scale sugarcane farmers, impacting their financial, social, and economic wellbeing. However, many small-scale farmers need help accessing these resources, thereby affecting their ability to generate sustainable income. This study aimed to assess the factors influencing the adoption of ICT and access to credit and their subsequent impact on small-scale farmers' income. Employing a multistage sampling technique, 300 small-scale farmers were selected as participants in the study. The recursive bivariate probit regression model was used to assess the factors affecting adoption ICT and a selectivity-corrected ordinary least square regression model was utilized to estimate the synergistic effect of ICT adoption and access to credit on the income of small-scale sugarcane farmers. The findings revealed that approximately 77% of small-scale farmers had access to credit, while more than 80% had adopted ICT. The results derived from the recursive bivariate probit (RBP) regression model indicated that access to credit, education, and extension support positively and significantly influenced the adoption of ICT. Conversely, marital status and non-farm income exhibited a negative and significant influence on the adoption of ICT. Gender and marital status were positively and significantly associated with access to credit, whereas age, education, and non-farm income showed a negative and significant relationship on access to credit. Subsequently, a selectivity-corrected ordinary least square regression model analysis revealed that factors such as gender, marital status, extension, government support, and transportation costs positively and significantly influenced farmer's income. In contrast, education, employment status, and non-farm income exhibited a negative and significant influence on income. The study concludes that socio-demographic factors, such as gender, marital status, extension support, government support, and transportation costs, positively contribute to farmers' income. Small-scale sugarcane farmer involvement in other non-farm activities is associated with reduced farm income. This implies that farmers' livelihoods options are reduced as they can only focus on sugarcane development as a source of income. There is a pressing need to educate small-scale farmers on ICT and provide them with access to agricultural credit. Additionally, extension workers should offer advisory support to small-scale farmers requiring assistance in accessing agricultural credit. There is a need to train sugarcane farmers on different agricultural income generating activities to reduce their over-reliance on sugarcane development. By addressing the identified socio-demographic factors and implementing targeted policy interventions, stakeholders can foster an enabling environment for small-scale farmers to thrive, ultimately contributing to the sustainable development of the sugarcane sector and the broader agricultural landscape in South Africa.

Promoting Adoption of Soil Health Related Regenerative Agriculture Practices Amongst Small-Scale Sugarcane Grower Communities in South Africa

Promoting Adoption of Soil Health Related Regenerative Agriculture Practices Amongst Small-Scale Sugarcane Grower Communities in South Africa

Perceived Factors affecting Sugarcane Production Among Small-Scale Farmers in Kilombero District, Morogoro, Tanzania

This study investigates the nuanced perspectives of small-scale sugarcane farmers around the Kilombero Sugar Company in the Kilombero District, Morogoro, regarding the effects of weather variability, climate change, extension services, and support from sugar processing companies on sugarcane production. Cross-sectional research design was employed to gather information using a questionnaire survey from 128 farmers who were obtained through a simple random sampling technique. Descriptive statistics were used for analysis. The findings elucidate climate change and altered weather patterns are influencing agriculture, in this case, impacting the cultivation of sugarcane such that that changes in temperature and rainfall patterns have indeed resulted in unpredictable flowering and maturity cycles in sugarcane crops. Furthermore, the study highlights the significant role of extension services in enhancing agricultural practices and adequate pest and disease management practices contributes to the overall health and vigour of their sugarcane crops. It is concluded that weather variability, climate change, extension services, and support from sugar processing companies on sugarcane production are important factors influencing sugarcane production. The study emphasises the necessity of tailored education and outreach programs to bolster farmers' understanding and adoption of effective pest and disease management practices essential for sustainable sugarcane production in the Kilombero District

Evaluating the Challenges Facing Small-Scale Sugarcane Farmers (Sugarcane Outgrowers) In Zimbabwe: A Case Study of Chiredzi District in Masvingo Province, Zimbabwe

The study was based on the evaluation of the challenges facing small-scale sugarcane farmers (sugarcane outgrowers) in Zimbabwe and focusing on Chiredzi District. Consequently, the research used phenomenological philosophy to study this phenomenon and the sample was made of 50 persons comprising of 20 sugarcane outgrowers, 5 Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development officials, 5 Ministry of Women Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprises, 5 Agritex, 5 Village heads and 10 spouses. Accordingly, the findings from the study show that small-scale sugarcane farmers in Chiredzi District are facing a myriad of challenges and that the government should intervene in order to save the industry. Likewise, microfinance institutions should help sugarcane outgrowers with the much-needed funds for their day-to-day operations. Thus, it was suggested that Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development officials and the Ministry of Women Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprises should help sugarcane outgrowers with establishing a workable relationship with Tongaat as the current one is unhinged in favour of Tongaat Hullets. Similarly, sugarcane outgrowers are playing a vital role in developing Zimbabwe economically. Therefore, should be equipped with the much need entrepreneurship prerequisite skills sets though up-to-date trainings in order to equip sugarcane outgrowers with extant and suave entrepreneurial skills in order for them to increase production and meet the expectations of their miller through capacity building.

Enhancing Small-scale Sugarcane Growers’ Productivity at Felixton Mill through Agriculture Value Chains Collaboration

Enhancing Small-scale Sugarcane Growers’ Productivity at Felixton Mill through Agriculture Value Chains Collaboration

Design and Development of a Hot Water Treatment Device for Small-Scale Sugarcane Farmers

Design and Development of a Hot Water Treatment Device for Small-Scale Sugarcane Farmers

Understanding climate adaptation practices among small-scale sugarcane farmers in Indonesia: The role of climate risk behaviors, farmers’ support systems, and crop-cattle integration

Understanding climate adaptation practices among small-scale sugarcane farmers in Indonesia: The role of climate risk behaviors, farmers’ support systems, and crop-cattle integration

The Economic Challenges Facing Small Scale Sugarcane Farmers in Malava Sub-County, Kakamega County, Kenya

This study examined the challenges and their effects on sugarcane farming in the Malava sub-county, Kakamega County. The study objectives were to: assess cane transportation problems and establish challenges related to the marketing of sugarcane farmers in the Malava Sub-county. It was undertaken in Malava Sub-county, where sugarcane is the economic backbone and the region’s key cash crop owing to the favourable geographical conditions in Western Kenya. Despite Malava Sub-county’s vast experience in sugarcane farming, production has gone down. Furthermore, such a study is yet to be done in Malava. The study purposed to find out the reasons for inefficiency and insufficiency in sugar production. A descriptive research design was used. Purposive and systematic random sampling techniques were used to select sugarcane farmers from the seven wards; Manda/Shivanga, Butali/Chegulo, Chemuche, East Kabras, West Kabras, and South Kabras, Shirugu/Mugai and the sugar factory stakeholders in the two sugar factories; Butali and Kabras in Malava Sub-county. Malava Sub-county has an estimated population of 65,323 sugarcane farmers. From this population, a sample of 384 was used, based on Mugenda and Mugenda’s formula (2003): n=z2pq/d2, for a target population which is greater than 10,000. Primary data was collected by the use of questionnaires, interview schedules, Focus Group Discussions, and observation guides. Secondary data was collected through a literature search in online journals, theses and publications related to the study topic. Analysis was done using descriptive statistics aided by Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS). The presentation of data was done using tables and graphs. A pilot study in Lwandeti and Chevaywa wards in Lugari Subcounty was conducted to test the validity and reliability of the data collection instruments, and Cronbach’s alpha of 0.8 was good evidence of reliability. Research findings showed that 70% (269) of the respondents accepted that the transportation charges were high compared to other costs of production, 60% (230) of the cane farmers sampled said that there was a ready market for mature sugarcane, while 40% (154) responded negatively and 100% of the farmers indicated that they never witnessed the weighing of their cane. Finally, 79.95% (307) of the farmers accepted that the equipment for the operation of cane farming was mainly the locally available ones for instance, Jembes, Pangas, and ox ploughs; and 83% (319) of farmers failed to uproot old cane due to lack of money to hire the tractors and high technology equipment. Small-scale farmers in the Malava sub-county have low productivity due to these factors. This study recommends that sugar millers cover transportation costs, provide licenses on schedule, introduce mobile weighbridges to allow farmers to observe the weighing of their cane, and the government provide loans for small-scale farmers to acquire village tractors

Costs of Agronomic Practices: Profitability at Different Scales of Sugarcane Production in Brazil

The diversity in agronomic practices being used by sugarcane producers in Brazil determines differences in economic performance and cost structure. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the cost of six systems of agronomic practices using fixed or variable rates for soil amendment, fertilizer, and defensive applications and assess the profitability of these systems at three scales of sugarcane production. We then describe the data sample related to the 2019–2020 harvest season and collected from fifty-five sugarcane producers in the central-south region of Brazil. Thereafter, using a quantitative approach, a cost analysis was performed, and the cumulative frequency of the net revenue for the three scales of production (small, medium, and large), was calculated using a Monte Carlo simulation. The cost analysis indicated that fertilizer had the highest cost considering the agronomic practices adopted at the three scales of production analyzed. The cumulative frequency analysis results from the Monte Carlo simulation showed the highest net revenue per hectare for medium sugarcane producers. In addition, the presence of economies of scale was not confirmed because the lowest cost was found in small-scale sugarcane producers and the highest net revenue was obtained by medium-scale sugarcane producers.

Potential socio-economic challenges facing small-scale sugarcane production in Bungoma County, Kenya

The sugar industry is an important agricultural sector in Kenya. In 1995, the industry had employed over 35,000 workers and supported over 2 million people in the region. The sector contributes about 16% to the nation’s Gross Domestic Product. Despite of its immense contribution, its output is on decline, standing at 65 tonnes from 100 tonnes per hectare. This paper investigated socio-economic factors affecting sugarcane production in Bungoma County. The study is based on the Production Theory and Correlation Design. The targeted population was 5,838 small scale sugarcane farmers in Bumula Sub-County. The coefficient of determination indicated 67.5% variance in sugarcane output relating to the socio-economic factors of the study variables. The F value was 161.406 indicating that the regression model was fitting well. The mean variance of inflation factor (VIF) was 2.349. The study revealed that education level, farm size, land ownership, farming experience, incentives, record keeping systems, extension education, cane by-products and non-contracted cane farming had significant positive effect on cane output. Input cost was found to be a major contributor of declining cane output. The study recommends that poor cane pricing, lack of extension education and inadequate financing in the sugar sector be addressed.

Limited access and use of climate information by small-scale sugarcane farmers in South Africa: A case study

South Africa is continuously experiencing significant irregular climate attributable to both climate change and the El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO). Air temperature increases, sporadic precipitation patterns and increased frequency of extreme events are expected across the region. Agricultural production, either rainfed or irrigated will be affected by such changes. Small-scale farmers are disproportionately vulnerable owing to a series of factors constraining them from adaptation. Hence, a shift of the attention towards identifying adaptation strategies for small-scale farmers is necessary. This study assessed the use of climate information by small-scale sugarcane farmers to cope with and adapt to climate variability. The study employed a face-to-face interview following a questionnaire guide to collect data from sixty-six farmers in the Swayimana community, KwaZulu-Natal Province, South Africa. Using descriptive analysis, the study analysed access and/ or lack of access to climate information, observed climate changes by the small-scale farmers and the perceived benefits of accessing and using climate information. The study results suggest that most sugarcane small-scale farmers do not access climate information. The inaccessibility of climate information sources and lack of capacity to respond to the provided information greatly hinders the access to and the use of climate information. These research findings provide evidence of the vulnerability differences across the farming group within the sugarcane industry in South Africa.

Population Growth as a Socio-Economic Factor Affecting Small Scale Sugarcane Farming in Bumula Sub County, Bungoma County, Kenya

The sugar industry in Kenya is mainly supported by the small holder farmers who supply 92% of the sugarcane milled in the country. This paper considers the effect of population growth on plot sizes of arable land as a socio-economic factor that affects sugarcane farming among the small-scale farmers of Bumula Sub County, Bungoma County Kenya. The study was based on three objectives: to evaluate how population growth affects plot size of the arable land; to establish if small scale farmers know the measures for birth control and the available technology used to increase yields. Descriptive survey method was used in the study because the researcher was to collect data from members of a given population with respect to one or more variables in the study. A total of 327 farmers were sampled using stratified random sampling while five extension officers and three area leaders were selected using purposive sampling. Data was collected using interviews for the extension officers and area leaders while questionnaires for the farmers. Quantitative data was analyzed using frequencies and percentages. Qualitative data was transcribed, categorized and reported in themes relevant to the study. Findings from this research have provided recommendations to the concerned stakeholders in the sugar industry so that necessary control measures can be taken. The findings are of great importance to the sugarcane farmers, sugarcane millers, and the sugar industry in Kenya. Appropriate recommendations have been made to relevant bodies for action.

An Investigation of Coping Strategies Adopted by Small-Scale Sugarcane Growers in Bungoma County, Kenya

This paper reports on one of the findings of a study undertaken to investigate the coping strategies used by small-scale sugarcane growers in Bungoma County, Kenya. A descriptive survey design was used. A multi-stage sampling procedure was employed in the selection of the divisions, villages, key respondents, and sugarcane farmers to be interviewed. Primary data were collected using questionnaires from 100 small-scale sugarcane growers’ household heads from Bumula Sub-County. Data were collected during the month of December 2016. Qualitative data collected were analysed thematically. Quantitative data was analysed using regression in SPSS version 23 and Microsoft Excel. Results from small-scale sugarcane farmers in Bumula Sub-County revealed a declining farmers’ participation in sugarcane farming activities in the area. Coping strategies identified included off-farm income-generating activities, sale of sugarcane by-products and non-contracted cane farming. Significance test qualification was based on a percentage of adjusted R2 and within 0.3 to 0.7 ranges for Beta weight value. The correlation coefficient (R-value) for the model was 0.362, indicating a moderately positive relationship between variables. The coefficient of determination (R2) was found to be 0.284 (28.4%). Adopted coping strategies accounted for 28.4% variability in the declining farmers’ participation in sugarcane farming. This result suggests the existence of other factors that explain the remaining 71.6% of the variation in the declining farmers’ participation. Farmers should enhance both on-farm and off-farm income-generating activities, sugarcane by-products value addition, and non-contracted cane farming in order to reverse the outcome and result in an enhanced farmers’ participation in sugarcane farming activities by 36.2%

An Investigation of Coping Strategies Adopted by Small-Scale Sugarcane Growers in Bungoma County, Kenya

This paper reports on one of the findings of a study undertaken to investigate the coping strategies used by small-scale sugarcane growers in Bungoma County, Kenya. A descriptive survey design was used. A multi-stage sampling procedure was employed in the selection of the divisions, villages, key respondents, and sugarcane farmers to be interviewed. Primary data were collected using questionnaires from 100 small-scale sugarcane growers’ household heads from Bumula Sub-County. Data were collected during the month of December 2016. Qualitative data collected were analysed thematically. Quantitative data was analysed using regression in SPSS version 23 and Microsoft Excel. Results from small-scale sugarcane farmers in Bumula Sub-County revealed a declining farmers’ participation in sugarcane farming activities in the area. Coping strategies identified included off-farm income-generating activities, sale of sugarcane by-products and non-contracted cane farming. Significance test qualification was based on a percentage of adjusted R2 and within 0.3 to 0.7 ranges for Beta weight value. The correlation coefficient (R-value) for the model was 0.362, indicating a moderately positive relationship between variables. The coefficient of determination (R2) was found to be 0.284 (28.4%). Adopted coping strategies accounted for 28.4% variability in the declining farmers’ participation in sugarcane farming. This result suggests the existence of other factors that explain the remaining 71.6% of the variation in the declining farmers’ participation. Farmers should enhance both on-farm and off-farm income-generating activities, sugarcane by-products value addition, and non-contracted cane farming in order to reverse the outcome and result in an enhanced farmers’ participation in sugarcane farming activities by 36.2%

An Investigation of Coping Strategies Adopted by Small-Scale Sugarcane Growers in Bungoma County, Kenya

This paper reports on one of the findings of a study undertaken to investigate the coping strategies used by small-scale sugarcane growers in Bungoma County, Kenya. A descriptive survey design was used. A multi-stage sampling procedure was employed in the selection of the divisions, villages, key respondents, and sugarcane farmers to be interviewed. Primary data were collected using questionnaires from 100 small-scale sugarcane growers’ household heads from Bumula Sub-County. Data were collected during the month of December 2016. Qualitative data collected were analysed thematically. Quantitative data was analysed using regression in SPSS version 23 and Microsoft Excel. Results from small-scale sugarcane farmers in Bumula Sub-County revealed a declining farmers’ participation in sugarcane farming activities in the area. Coping strategies identified included off-farm income-generating activities, sale of sugarcane by-products and non-contracted cane farming. Significance test qualification was based on a percentage of adjusted R2 and within 0.3 to 0.7 ranges for Beta weight value. The correlation coefficient (R-value) for the model was 0.362, indicating a moderately positive relationship between variables. The coefficient of determination (R2) was found to be 0.284 (28.4%). Adopted coping strategies accounted for 28.4% variability in the declining farmers’ participation in sugarcane farming. This result suggests the existence of other factors that explain the remaining 71.6% of the variation in the declining farmers’ participation. Farmers should enhance both on-farm and off-farm income-generating activities, sugarcane by-products value addition, and non-contracted cane farming in order to reverse the outcome and result in an enhanced farmers’ participation in sugarcane farming activities by 36.2%

Creating self-reliance and sustainable livelihoods amongst small-scale sugarcane farmers

ABSTRACT Purpose Creating ‘self-reliance’ and improving ‘livelihood sustainability’ amongst small-scale sugarcane farmers remains challenging in part because the underpinning theories are poorly understood. Methodology This study comprised a literature review to clarify the two concepts and a field study conducted amongst small-scale sugarcane farmers in South Africa. Findings Key to fostering sustainable livelihoods is developing human capital. Self-reliance lies in human capacity and thus impacts directly on achieving livelihood objectives. The process of developing self-reliance among farmers embraces understanding the characteristics of small-scale farmers and building farmers' capacity to run their farming enterprises, ensure sustainability of the enterprise and continuously learn. Farmers’ perspectives show that self-reliance indicators are interconnected and interdependent. Building farmer capacity goes beyond improving knowledge and skills to genuine inclusive participation in farmer development programmes especially inclusion in decision-making. Practical implications Understanding the significance of self-reliance helps extension workers prioritise building human capital as the starting point in strengthening livelihoods, and guides planning, implementing and evaluating extension programmes enhancing the capacity of farmers to run their farming operations, ensure sustainability and continuously learn. Theoretical implications This reinforces the growing understanding that extension is primarily a function of developing human capacity rather than finding specific technological solutions to challenges faced by farmers. The findings provide fresh insight into livelihoods and extension theory, bringing them closer together. Value Strengthening the theoretical connection between livelihoods and extension gives each more power and functionality and increases synergy between them.

Estimating efficiency levels and their determinants among small-scale sugarcane growers in Northern KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

South African small-scale sugarcane growers are faced with high production costs that have an impact on agricultural efficiency and their ability to adopt newly available technologies for production purposes. This study employed the Data Envelope Analysis (DEA) approach and Truncated regression model to analyse data collected from 160 growers. The findings reported technical, cost and allocative mean scores to be 95.6,% 55.2%, and 57.5% in the Felixton region whereas 95.2%, 69.1% and 72.6% were achieved in the Amatikulu area, respectively. The age, extension support, and off-farm income had a negative effect on agricultural efficiency followed by positive effect of experience, education, access to credit and employment that showed positive relationship. We propose government to work jointly with mill owners to train, develop extension officers and subsidise inputs and equipment to address the poor allocation of resources because of financial constraints currently faced by small-scale sugarcane growers.

An Exploratory Examination on Small Scale Sugarcane Harvesting Machine

The work in this paper is focused , about the sugarcane harvesting machine, as India is considered as one of the higher consumers and producers of sugarcane and its by products and to due to huge population, there is a high demand of sugarcane and to meet the demand of population, large scale production has to be adopted, hence for farming and harvesting the sugarcane an automated, low cost harvester is necessary for the farmers to reduce the efforts of sugarcane harvesting and to increase the rate of sugar cane cutting. This machine will be helpful for the farmers having both small and big farms, the work on this paper was carried to identify the major options along with the opportunities and major chances for future enhancement in the field of agriculture industries.

Productivity and Efficiency Change of Small-Scale Sugarcane Growers in Amatikulu and its Policy-Related Sources, South Africa

Productivity and Efficiency Change of Small-Scale Sugarcane Growers in Amatikulu and its Policy-Related Sources, South Africa