Exploring the management challenges faced by small-scale farmers in Dr Kenneth Kaunda district municipality, South Africa

Abstract

This study aimed to explore the management challenges faced by small-scale farmers in Dr Kenneth Kaunda District, South Africa. A qualitative research method was employed following a research onion approach, underpinned by an interpretivist philosophy through which the researcher identified themes and subthemes in participants' experiences and perspectives. Data were collected from 10 participants through semi-structured interviews, including 7 men and 3 women aged 43 to 73, and data saturation was reached. The collected data were transcribed and reviewed, and thematic analysis was applied to identify key themes and subthemes related to participants' experiences and perceptions of the management challenges they face. Eight themes were identified: limited business management skills and marketing skills, limited access to finance, ineffective labour management, inadequate risk management practices, insufficient record-keeping systems, limited adoption of technology, and inadequate government support. Key subthemes included lack of financial planning, lack of marketing plan, inconsistent market supply, high input cost, lack of mechanisation, dependence on government grants, insufficient collateral, incomplete records, high employee turnover, lack of insurance coverage, high stock theft rate, low affordability for technology, and insufficient grant support. Two major categories for themes and subthemes are identified as limited knowledge and insufficient capital. The study found that there were repercussions of limited knowledge (coded as "know how"), mentioned by more than 50% of participants; limited access to finance affects 9 out of 10 participants in growing their small-scale farming businesses; all small-scale beef cattle farmers interviewed sell their cattle at auctions where they are charged 8-10% commission fees; limited access to the market; all pig farmers interviewed complain about low producer pork prices and high pig feed costs, in relation to the retail prices paid by consumers for pork at the retail market. Moreover, all participants who farm with livestock reported livestock theft and expressed concerns about the inadequacy of government support for small-scale farmers in Dr Kenneth Kaunda District. All participants recommended that government support be improved to fast-track the commercialization of small-scale farmers in the district. One recommended approachis to improve the efficiency of extension service delivery. These findings underscore the importance of aligning existing policies and programs with the management challenges faced by small-scale farmers in Dr. Kenneth Kaunda District.