Koste besparende produksiepraktyke vir kleingraanproduksiestelsels in die Suid-Kaap

[摘要] ENGLISH ABSTRACT:The protection that agriculture in South Africa enjoyed under the Marketing Act wasterminated in 1996 when the controlled marketing of agricultural products wasabolished. The grain industry and individual winter-grain producers in the WesternCape is now compelled to be competitive internationally. The ability of localproducers to compete effectively can be improved by increased yields, a reductionin production costs, higher import levies, import control and the weakening in theexchange rate of the rand.This investigation focuses on strategies aimed at reducing production costs as ameans of improving competitiveness. The field of this study is the winter-grainproducing sub-regions of the Southern Cape which are severly affected by thedeteriorating situation.In the course of this investigation typical farming units were identified that can beregarded as representative of farming activities in the specific sub-regions of theSouthern Cape. Existing literature as well as the opinions of authorities (group ofexperts) on the subject were used as sources of information in the study ofcost-saving methods of production. The emphasis was therefore on theidentification and evaluation of appropriate alternative production practices. Thepractice of minimum tillage with accomanying reduced input costs proved to havemerit. The current situation was evaluated with the assistance of a group of expertsand possible alternative practices were discussed. A financial cost-benefit analysiswas used to compare the current production practices with practices proposed inthis study in order to ascertain its feasibility.Directives are offered to producers in order to reduce the production costs andthereby become more cost-effective. Based on the results of the case studies in thedifferent sub-regions the conclusion was reached that the suggested alternativepractices can result in a reduction in production costs and thereby make a marked contribution towards the ability of winter-grain farmers in the Southern Cape toimprove their competitive position.

[发布机构] Stellenbosch University