Joyce Thamaga-Chitja

Emerging issues in smallholder organic production and marketing in South Africa

This paper presents a synopsis of emerging issues in smallholder organic production and marketing in South Africa. The pros and cons of organic production for smallholder agriculture are demonstrated in a discussion of the reasons for adopting organic farming and the opportunities for and constraints on smallholder farmers in Africa. Also discussed are agro-ecological considerations; the process, requirements and costs for converting to certified organic production; and the information and decision-making required for smallholder organic production. Research and policy considerations are suggested.

The Context of Smallholder Farming in South Africa: Towards a Livelihood Asset Building Framework

Abstract The need to support smallholder farmers by governments in developing countries has taken centre stage globally. In this regard, the South African Government’s New Growth Plan puts agriculture, particularly the development and support of new smallholder farmers as an important area for development that could impact positively on poverty alleviation and household food security. In this paper, the researchers critically analyse the context of smallholder farming in South Africa, dynamics of market access and challenges facing smallholder farmers’ agency. Analysis denotes how institutional dynamics related to socio-economic conditions of the farmers; the policy landscape and agro-climatic zones where farmers are located in South Africa are not well-geared towards positioning smallholder farmers for meaningful participation in the market. Furthermore, the historical marginalization of smallholder farming is explored to illicit challenges of the duality of farming in South Africa which is characterised by a well-developed commercial farming sector and a poorly developed smallholder sector. The paper proposes an asset-building approach linked to social-protection and institutional readiness as a basis for enhancing market access and farmer agency in order to address poverty and inequality in South Africa.

Appraisal of hygiene indicators and farming practices in the production of leafy vegetables by organic small-scale farmers in uMbumbulu (Rural KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa).

During October, November and December 2011 (when highest sales of Agri-Hub fresh produce are observed), irrigation water, compost, lettuce and spinach sampled from four different farmer cooperatives supplying the local Agri-Hub in uMbumbulu (KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa) were analyzed monthly for the presence of total and fecal coliforms and Escherichia coli using the most probable number (MPN) technique. The pH values for all irrigation water samples analyzed were within the acceptable range of 6.5–8.5 for agricultural use. Fecal coliform levels were <1,000 MPN per 100 mL irrigation water and <1,000 MPN per g of compost. The vegetables produced by Agri-Hub small-scale farmers met the requirements for total coliforms of <200/g set by the South African Department of Health at the time of sampling. E. coli MPN values for irrigation water and vegetables were below the limit of detection. In addition, the farming practices of 73 farmers were assessed via a survey. The results revealed that more than 40% of farmers used microbiologically safe tap water for irrigation and that trained farmers have a significantly better understanding of the importance of production hygiene than untrained farmers. These results reiterate the importance of interventions that build capacity in the area of food safety and hygiene of small-scale farmers for market access of formal value chains.

The Role of Property Rights on Rural Women’s Land Use Security and Household Food Security for Improved Livelihood in Limpopo Province

Abstract Small scale agriculture is a key land based activity for rural women, yet they own very little land. Rural land access is mediated by patrilineal customary law where women have mostly secondary property rights as wives. Consequently their land use security was derived from the family and other means of fostering accountability. As these have been lost with the developments in customary law, what is the source of women’s land use security? Three communities in Limpopo Province were selected purposively; data was collected using a questionnaire, focus group discussions, key informant interviews and observation. Data analysis was through descriptive analyses and content analysis. The results show gendered access land access and secure access for mostly married women. In spite of their insecurities, women are motivated to farm for household consumption. A framework that recognises women as land users and rural development is essential to strengthen women’s land use security.

Livelihood assets and institutions for smallholder irrigation farmer market access in Limpopo, South Africa

Abstract Despite having access to irrigation water, many smallholder irrigation farmers in rural South Africa remain subsistence-oriented, with little market participation. Their tangible and intangible assets influence production and market access. Largely qualitative data collected in rural Limpopo Province show that the farmers’ tangible assets supported production but in some instances restricted them from producing efficiently. Likewise, their intangible assets mostly limited their capacity to produce efficiently, to find markets or to organize themselves. These farmers’ tangible assets need to be upgraded and their intangible assets need strengthening to increase production capacity and marketing efficiency.

Evidence for Supporting Vulnerable Households to Achieve Food Security in SADC Countries

Abstract Improved food security is an essential element of household well-being in a sustainable livelihood. This paper seeks to provide evidence for supporting vulnerable households including investing in smallholder agriculture to achieve food security among food insecure households in Southern African Development Community. It uses secondary data from various sources to explore the extent of vulnerability to food insecurity, its underlying causes, existing constraints and opportunities to improve households’ welfare and food security status. The paper points to the importance of smallholder agricultural production, social protection and development policies in combating vulnerability to food insecurity. It also points to the importance of understanding the heterogeneity of households, their interactions with resources and the role of policies in improving households’ welfare.

How has the rural farming woman progressed since the setting up of the Millennium Development Goals for eradication of poverty and hunger

abstract The Global Hunger Index indicates that the level of poverty and hunger in sub-Saharan African countries has not improved, and in some countries levels of poverty and hunger have deepened. The United Nations Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) call for hunger and poverty to be reduced is seen as a challenge, one in which women need to be situated in the centre of rural development and not marginalised further. An analysis of rural womens role in agriculture and womens livelihoods reflects that although their contribution to rural livelihoods and household food security is well substantiated by research, their attempt to uplift themselves out of poverty in the second economy are contingent upon engendered access to markets, supportive institutions and engendered policies and programmes and not least of all, secure access to land for cultivation. The discussion of rural womens poverty and livelihoods is elaborated further in research which involved interviews with a group of 15 women in a rural district of KwaZulu-Natal. The women have decided to use their traditional status as chiefs’ wives to support the initiatives by women in the rural areas where they live to develop rural livelihoods. The interviews reflect that while rural women provide food for their households, they also contend with structural, institutional and cultural barriers. Contradictions in customary and statutory laws impede their efforts to build rural livelihoods for income generation. The research confirms the broader concern that poverty alleviation and hunger must be addressed by gender enlightened policies to support womens rural livelihoods development in order for the MDGs to be met.