Analysis of extension services on capacity building of smallholder livestock farmers at Midvaal Local Municipality, Gauteng province

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to analyse access and effectiveness of extension and advisory services in capacity building of smallholder livestock farmers in Midvaal Local Municipality, Gauteng Province, South Africa. Survey design and quantitative research methods were used for sample purposes and a structured questionnaire was used to collect data from the target participants of 148 livestock farmers. The data gathered from participants was coded and captured in Microsoft Excel (Ms Excel). Descriptive statistics such as frequency counts, mean, percentages, standard deviation, rank order and inferential statistics such as binary logistic regression were used to analyse the data, via SPSS. The results showed that technical farm visits (M = 3.3, SD=± 1.36) and informal training (M = 3.2, SD=± 1.31) are professed to be effective at the study area. The study further showed that extension services have less impact on enabling farmers to penetrate formal market (M = 2,0 SD=± 1.06) and access to finance (M = 1.9, SD=± 1.01). Binary logistic regression results showed that the gender and employment status were the main variables that significantly influenced livestock farmers’ access to extension services. In conclusion, it was noted that extension and advisory services have a positive impact, meaning that they are effective at the study area. The study recommended that Extension Recovery Plan (ERP) pillars must be fully implemented at the study area for the effectiveness of extension services. Furthermore, choosing the right approach or approaches is necessary. Participatory approach should always be encouraged among extension services, farmers, researchers, and other relevant stakeholders. All the parties involved in the development of the farming community must collaborate and work collectively as a unit for the development of the farming community.