Factors impacting small-scale farmer's access to high-value livestock markets in the Greater Giyani local municipality, Limpopo Province, South Africa

Abstract

The study examined the factors impacting small-scale farmers' access to high-value livestock markets. The study's objectives were to (1) determine the socio-economic characteristics of small-scale farmers that impact on access to high-value livestock markets; (2) to explore different channels of communication used by small-scale farmers in accessing high-value livestock markets; (3) explore different marketing strategies used by small-scale farmers on access to high-value markets and (4) identify challenges faced by small-scale farmers. The study adopted a quantitative research approach and employed clustered proportional random sampling. Two hundred and fifteen (215) Greater Giyani Local Municipality livestock small-scale farmers were randomly selected. Primary data were used to address the objective of the study. Data were analysed using descriptive, inferential and Likert-scale analysis techniques. A statistical package for the social science programme (SPSS) was used. The study revealed that the majority of small-scale livestock farmers in the study area were male (62.8%) and old and that they used various communication strategies. Furthermore, the following were identified as major challenges for small-scale livestock farmers in the Greater Giyani Local Municipality: weather conditions, a lack of government support, chemicals and pesticides. One of the recommendations is that farmers should buy medication for their livestock. Besides, small-scale livestock farmers should be encouraged to grow artificial pastures to reduce pressure on the natural veld and make fodder available throughout the year. Also, the government should provide aid with distribution policies that will guarantee that all small-scale livestock farmers can benefit.