Research Interests:
This paper investigates the competitive performance of the South African citrus fruit industry relative to its
Research Interests: Competitiveness and South
Research Interests:
A stochastic frontier model was applied to cross-sectional data to examine whether availability and accessibility of agricultural infrastructure for emerging farmers enhance their agricultural income through efficiency gains. Using a... more
A stochastic frontier model was applied to cross-sectional data to examine whether availability and accessibility of agricultural infrastructure for emerging farmers enhance their agricultural income through efficiency gains. Using a stratified sampling approach, the study grouped the farmers into two; those who had agricultural infrastructure and those who did not have it. Through a survey, data collected from a sample of 150 smallholder farmers in the study area were analyzed using the frontier model. The explanatory variables that were statistically significant and which influenced the agricultural income of the emerging farmers in the study area included the following: equipment, social, institutional availability and physical accessibility indices, education, access to agricultural extension services, age of farmers, assistance of household members in farming, membership in farmers’ organizations, and marital status of the farmers. Informed policies aimed at improving the incom...
Research Interests: Agriculture and Frontier
Market participation is a very crucial element among smallholder farmers through its effects on income, poverty reduction and rural economic development. Woolgrowers seek to maximise profits by sourcing for avenues for higher market value... more
Market participation is a very crucial element among smallholder farmers through its effects on income, poverty reduction and rural economic development. Woolgrowers seek to maximise profits by sourcing for avenues for higher market value for their products. The study identifies factors which determine participation of woolgrowers in high value markets. Using stratified random sampling, data was collected from 248 woolgrowers of the National Wool Growers Association (NWGA). A Logistic regression model was used to determine the factors that influence participation of woolgrowers in high value markets. The results reveals that wool growing experience (â =.033, Sig = .000), skill acquisition (â=.728, Sig=.000) and wool price have a positive (â= .071, Sig. = .000) and significant effect on woolgrowers’ participation in the highly paid markets, while gender (â =-.412, Sig=.006) has a negative and significant effect. The findings of this study would enhance future decision and policies th...
Research Interests:
Research Interests:
The purpose of this experiment was to evaluate the behavioural response of Boer goats and Tswana goats to successive handling. Boer goats and Tswana goats were subjected to aging and tail restrain during handling. Behavioural response was... more
The purpose of this experiment was to evaluate the behavioural response of Boer goats and Tswana goats to successive handling. Boer goats and Tswana goats were subjected to aging and tail restrain during handling. Behavioural response was recorded through the vocalisation score (VS), crush score (CS), flight speed (FS), and flight time (FT) scores twice a week for eight weeks. A total of thirty six Boer goats and Tswana goats were used in this experiment. The results indicated that the Tswana goats were the most temperament (p < 0.05) and Boer goats were the calmest. Behavioural scores significantly increased throughout the experiment.
Research Interests:
Research Interests:
Research Interests:
Research Interests:
This paper examines the market analysis of Mahikeng Forestry, Nursery and Vegetable project. A total of 150 respondents were visited and interviewed using a well structured questionnaire aimed at acquiring market information. The study... more
This paper examines the market analysis of Mahikeng Forestry, Nursery and Vegetable project. A total of 150 respondents were visited and interviewed using a well structured questionnaire aimed at acquiring market information. The study found that spinach topped the list of vegetables produce for consumption (38%), followed by cabbage, carrot, potato and tomato in that order. Twenty four percent of producer's intend to produce spinach for sale confirming it the most popular vegetable in the project area. In choosing crops for production either for consumption or for sale by households, potato top the list with 27%, followed by cabbage (21%), spinach (19%), carrot (18%) and tomato (16%). The study found that seedlings productions are the main activity currently at the site but these seedlings are provided to the community free of charge. If the project were to go commercial, this services cannot continue to be provided free of charge. The study revealed that vegetables were mostly demanded by the people in the area and most of the top ten vegetables consumed in this area come from Lichenburg, Klerksdorp and South Rand. [Lekunze J N Antwi, M.A Oladele O.I. Market Analysis: The Case of Mahikeng Forestry Nursery and Vegetable Project. Life Sci J 2013;10(2):548-554]. (ISSN: 1097-8135). http://www.lifesciencesite.com. 80
Research Interests:
The purpose of this experiment was to evaluate the behavioural response of Boer goats and Tswana goats to successive handling. Boer goats and Tswana goats were subjected to aging and tail restrain during handling. Behavioural response was... more
The purpose of this experiment was to evaluate the behavioural response of Boer goats and Tswana goats to successive handling. Boer goats and Tswana goats were subjected to aging and tail restrain during handling. Behavioural response was recorded through the vocalisation score (VS), crush score (CS), flight speed (FS), and flight time (FT) scores twice a week for eight weeks. A total of thirty six Boer goats and Tswana goats were used in this experiment. The results indicated that the Tswana goats were the most temperament (p < 0.05) and Boer goats were the calmest. Behavioural scores significantly increased throughout the experiment.
Research Interests: Agronomy and Agriculture
Context: Medicinal and Aromatic plants (MAPs) extracts have become an essential part of exports in the developing countries. Due to the rich diversity of MAPs and as consumers of natural products increase, there is a potential to exploit... more
Context: Medicinal and Aromatic plants (MAPs) extracts have become an essential part of
exports in the developing countries. Due to the rich diversity of MAPs and as consumers
of natural products increase, there is a potential to exploit this niche market. Aim: The
objective(s) of the study was to identify and analyze challenges militating against economic
development potential of African aromatic, beverage and medicinal herbs industry. Settings
and Design: The study was undertaken in three (3) provinces (Limpopo, Mpumalanga
and the Western Cape) of South Africa. The population included all men, women and
youth involved in production/harvesting and trading of MAPs. Four focused groups of
randomly selected 30 individuals per group from the list of resource constrained farmers
provided by local extension officers were formed per province. Materials and Methods:
Using desk-top reviews, focus group discussions and key stakeholders’ interviews, the
study employed holistic and participatory methodologies to examine aspects of African
medicinal and aromatic agricultural industry in South Africa. Triangulation of qualitative
data gathered from previous research and reports, interviews, focus group discussions and
industry visits observations were done. Information was gathered from primary users of
agricultural technologies, while information on technology development and use was from
developing farmers. Key government units relating to agricultural medicinal and aromatic
industry were consulted and reports used to verify findings from focus group discussions.
Secondary data was from literature review, namely; annual reports from the Agricultural
extension (Agritex) office, non-governmental organizations and research institutions. The
majority of the data/information sources pointed to the need for encouragement towards
cultivation of MAPs as field and horticultural crops. Statistical analysis used: All the
data from focus group discussions, key informant interviews, secondary data and field
visit observations was consolidated (the South African perspective) and analyzed using
Atlas software to summarize the data. Information from the key informants’ interviews
was used to triangulate information gathered from the desktop review and focus group
discussions. Results: Major challenges observed from the study included; very lowyielding
species, poor quality outputs and poor processing methods. In addition, most
MAPs do not adhere to agricultural propagation practices, deterring them as desirable
crops. Moreover, there are many differences in traditional medicines so produced in
respect of quality. Determining the right medicinal concentrations, dosage and toxicity
concerns require highly efficient modern technologies. Other issues of concern revealed
included, intellectual property rights, lack of access to information, marketing of products
and sustainable conservation. Conclusion: The preference by consumers to have natural
products has grown over the years. This increases annually and has allowed medicinal,
aromatic plants to present a unique and niche market base for pharmaceuticals, cosmetics
and other industries (food & industrial use). South African farmers can exploit this new
industry to grow the sector, create jobs and increase economic development.
exports in the developing countries. Due to the rich diversity of MAPs and as consumers
of natural products increase, there is a potential to exploit this niche market. Aim: The
objective(s) of the study was to identify and analyze challenges militating against economic
development potential of African aromatic, beverage and medicinal herbs industry. Settings
and Design: The study was undertaken in three (3) provinces (Limpopo, Mpumalanga
and the Western Cape) of South Africa. The population included all men, women and
youth involved in production/harvesting and trading of MAPs. Four focused groups of
randomly selected 30 individuals per group from the list of resource constrained farmers
provided by local extension officers were formed per province. Materials and Methods:
Using desk-top reviews, focus group discussions and key stakeholders’ interviews, the
study employed holistic and participatory methodologies to examine aspects of African
medicinal and aromatic agricultural industry in South Africa. Triangulation of qualitative
data gathered from previous research and reports, interviews, focus group discussions and
industry visits observations were done. Information was gathered from primary users of
agricultural technologies, while information on technology development and use was from
developing farmers. Key government units relating to agricultural medicinal and aromatic
industry were consulted and reports used to verify findings from focus group discussions.
Secondary data was from literature review, namely; annual reports from the Agricultural
extension (Agritex) office, non-governmental organizations and research institutions. The
majority of the data/information sources pointed to the need for encouragement towards
cultivation of MAPs as field and horticultural crops. Statistical analysis used: All the
data from focus group discussions, key informant interviews, secondary data and field
visit observations was consolidated (the South African perspective) and analyzed using
Atlas software to summarize the data. Information from the key informants’ interviews
was used to triangulate information gathered from the desktop review and focus group
discussions. Results: Major challenges observed from the study included; very lowyielding
species, poor quality outputs and poor processing methods. In addition, most
MAPs do not adhere to agricultural propagation practices, deterring them as desirable
crops. Moreover, there are many differences in traditional medicines so produced in
respect of quality. Determining the right medicinal concentrations, dosage and toxicity
concerns require highly efficient modern technologies. Other issues of concern revealed
included, intellectual property rights, lack of access to information, marketing of products
and sustainable conservation. Conclusion: The preference by consumers to have natural
products has grown over the years. This increases annually and has allowed medicinal,
aromatic plants to present a unique and niche market base for pharmaceuticals, cosmetics
and other industries (food & industrial use). South African farmers can exploit this new
industry to grow the sector, create jobs and increase economic development.