African Journals Online
South African Journal of Agricultural Extension

Volume 27, 1998
Abstracts

Experiences and perceptions of black small-scale irrigation farmers in the Free State
Mukhala, E.Groenewald, D.C. 1-18

Abstract: Nine focus group interviews with black small-scale irrigation farmers in the Free State, applying the principles of Participatory Rural Appraisal (PRA), revealed that this sector of agriculture is confronted with numerous constraints and obstacles. They need considerable land, funding, extension, marketing and credit services, and more than just a sympathetic ear from the authorities. Although they are highly motivated to become prosperous farmers, unless they are heavily supported by extensionists and receive aid from the government, the dream of revitalising, expanding and strengthening this sector, will be shattered.

Communication and decision making among fruit growers in the Phaswana area of Northern Province
Bembridge, T.J.Tshikolomo, K.A. 19-29

Abstract: Potential farmers identified in the study were mainly males and were of a higher socio-economic status and had greater access to agricultural resources than average households. They were still living in varying degrees of poverty and lacking agricultural support services. Decision-making was mainly male dominated, but wives played a greater role in decision implementation. It was concluded that there was a proportion of small-scale farmers who had the potential to become commercial farmers, provided the necessary institutional support was available. New strategies aimed at alleviating rural poverty, and successfully involving members of disadvantaged communities in commercial agriculture need to include land reform, capacity and institution building, scientific communication planning, as well as developing appropriate farming systems, taking cognisance of socio-cultural factors.

Managerial ability and farming success : an analysis of small farmers at the Makatini Scheme
Nel, G.P.Botha, C.A.J.Groenewald, J.A. 45-60

Abstract: Most conventional analyses of farmers' managerial ability follow the work of Burger (1971). This research and analysis drew from the field of Industrial Psychology to determine and test the effects of managerial ability on farming success. A sample of small farmers producing cotton at Makatini in Northern KwaZulu-Natal was used. The main objective of the research was to develop a model of competence for potential use as criterion for selection and training of small farmers. Six important competence clusters were identified. The approach used in this research has shown that it can be used successfully to identify at least part of the dimensions which in a particular community or area will be associated with farming success. This approach is however considered ponderous, which agitates against its use as a guide for the selection of new farmers to be settled for financing.

Coping with changes in agricultural extension in Uganda and implications for program evaluation : a review of recent experiences
Mwanje, E.E.Duvel, G.H. 61-75

Abstract: This paper presents a review of recent changes in Uganda's agricultural extension service with emphasis on management, co-ordination, and evaluation of agricultural extension organisations. The need for an effective institution in the Country to co-ordinate and evaluate agricultural extension activities is discussed. Whether such an institution should be a public or a private institution is a question that has been widely researched (Umali, 1997:204, Kraft, 1997:29, Picciotto & Anderson, 1997:249-259). However, in Uganda, this question is still one of the most controversial questions to which this paper is, but a small contribution. The solution to this question requires a thorough understanding of the changes that have affected agricultural extension during the recent past. An attempt is made, therefore, to discuss how agricultural extension could cope with the changes emanating from decentralisation, export diversification, privatisation, liberalisation, and agricultural modernisation policies. It is suggested that a national extension co-ordination organisation be formed, with the public extension system taking the lead, to co-ordinate extension activities until such a time when farmers' associations and other private organisations can take the lead in delivery and co-ordination of agricultural extension services in the Country.

Acceptability of stock reduction in Botswana
Sebina, N.V.Duvel, G.H. 76-89

Abstract: The problem of overstocking, generally accepted to be the major cause of the degradation of natural resources on the communal rangelands of Botswana, has remained unresolved. Findings from a survey conducted in 1996 amongst a random sample of 132 stock farmers on different types of ranches in the Southern Region of Botswana indicate that various socio-cultural factors place significant constraints on stock reduction. The incompatibility of stock reduction with respondents' culturally conditioned needs, is probably the major hindrance. Resistance to stock reduction also lies in the fact that the problem of resource degradation is not really appreciated, probably because of the clear evidence that stock farmers tend to overrate the condition of their grazing. The general perception that “drought” and not “overstocking” is the major problem and cause of veld retrogression, is a further hindrance and also a symptom of the underlying fatalism that makes change towards more sustainable production very difficult.