Proceedings of The 5th International Conference on Advanced Research in Management, Business and Finance
Year: 2022
DOI: https://www.doi.org/10.33422/5th.icmbf.2022.10.20
[PDF]
An Evaluation of Factors Affecting Small, Medium, and Microenterprises for Commercial Farming: A Case For Smallholding Farmers In Wintervedlt
Louisa M. Matjane,Chiedza Tsvakirai, Makgopa Tshehla
ABSTRACT:
The South African agricultural landscape focuses on livestock and crop farming, which includes vegetables, fruit, nuts, and grains. The catalysts of this sector are well-developed commercial and emerging farmers/smallholder farmers. Most African countries, including South Africa, are developing, and their population is expected to grow in the future. The anticipated population growth requires the agricultural sector to adjust accordingly. The South African government not only expects the agricultural sector to boost the country’s food security but also boosts job creation. Small, medium and microenterprises (SMMEs) in agriculture are also expected to play a major role in growing the national income. This study aims to evaluate factors affecting SMMEs in commercial farming in Wintervedlt. Ten farm owners and five farm workers were interviewed. The researchers used a mixed research design. The study’s results revealed that the most prevalent demographics in livestock agriculture are males and people who are or are nearing retirement age. Youth is underrepresented in this sector. Access to credit, formal markets and infrastructure remains the main challenges for smallholder farmers.
Keywords: SMME, agriculture, smallholder farmer, commercial farming.