Factors influencing the production of oilseed crops among smallholder farmers in Limpopo Province

Abstract

Smallholder farmers in rural communities that are prevalent in provinces such as Limpopo are not only confronted with the challenges of their direct environment but they also face new challenges in terms of the type of crops to produce in the era of climate change and variability. These challenges influence the way farmers make key decisions. Given that agricultural practices affect more than the farming unit, it is of interest to understand farmers’ behaviour. A survey was carried out across agroecological zones in Limpopo. Six hundred farmers were interviewed to establish key factors underlying their choice of oilseeds to produce. Descriptive statistics and factor analysis were used to analyse the data. Results showed that the choice of crops to produce was influenced by socioeconomic and climatic factors. Factor analysis indicated that floods were the most influential factor in the choice of oilseeds. This was followed by implements, temperature, rainfall, cash, irrigation equipment, input availability and food security. Determining factors varied amongst farmers producing groundnut, soybean and sunflower. Farmers were more hesitant to cultivate sunflower and soybean primarily because of the lack of familiarity with these crops and this in turn magnified the risk created by the uncertainty surrounding the future financial returns from these crops. Further results highlight concerns about resource and input availability in the area. The provision of support in terms of inputs availability, implements, the development of reliable networks for information dissemination and training of oilseed farmers beyond their local environment and sphere is critical. This is particularly so given there is a host of site-specific factors that have a bearing on the farmers’ decision-making processes. Stakeholders therefore need to take into account the variation in factors influencing farmers’ decisions, and put in place site specific measures to properly guide farm management choices.