An evaluation of the performance of the Department of Agriculture in Limpopo Province in improving the livelihood of smallholder farmers during the period 1994-2004, with special reference to the Vhembe District

[摘要] ENGLISH ABSTRACT: This research work focuses on the role that the Department of Agriculture has played inthe improvement of the livelihood of smallholder farmers in the Vhembe District,Limpopo Province, for the period 1994 to 2004. The research endeavours to determinewhat was done to improve the livelihood of smallholder farmers, and the extent to whichsmallholder farmers were developed. It determines the stage of development smallholderfarmers are in after a decade of democracy. The study considers various variables thatcould be responsible for the good or bad performance of the Department of Agriculture inthe Vhembe District.The Vhembe District was chosen because it consists of varied ecological and climaticregions, making it possible for various farming enterprises to flourish in one area. Theresearch links the role played by the Department of Agriculture with the level ofdevelopment of smallholder farmers in the District. It investigates the support that theDepartment of Agriculture provided through various strategic programmes, such as theComprehensive Agricultural Support Programme, the Revitalisation of SmallholderIrrigation Schemes, training and development, and poverty-alleviation programmes,aimed at kick-starting micro-enterprises.The research identifies areas where the Department did not meet the expectations of thesmallholder farmers regarding support. It outlines possible reasons for good and poorperformance of the Department of Agriculture and its extension officers in the four localmunicipalities of the Vhembe District, namely Makhado, Musina, Mutale and Thulamela.This is based on data gathered through focus group discussions with various groups offarmers and extension officers.The research reveals that the budget allocation for agricultural development has neverbeen enough to address the pressing and varied needs of smallholder farmers in theVhembe District. The conclusion is reached that the support provided by the Departmentof Agriculture to improve the livelihood of smallholder farmers was inadequate. Another conclusion is that smallholder farmers are heavily reliant on the Department for almostall their farming needs. This dependency has led to many smallholder farmers not beingable to creatively initiate any action that would ultimately empower them to become selfreliant.However, the research shows that a small percentage of farmers have realised theneed to become independent in order to avoid lifelong dependency on the Department ofAgriculture.The researcher concludes that, after a decade of democracy, there is still a great need forthe Department's support in order to improve the livelihood of smallholder farmers.There is also a need to conduct a skills audit, which will help the Department to placeofficials according to their areas of expertise, and to capacitate officials who may belacking some skills through various capacity-building programmes. The research revealedthat there may be officials who are morally corrupt in their behaviour and conduct. Thishas resulted in inefficiency and poor service delivery to farmers. On the other hand thereare officials who perform exceptionally well and whose behaviour is beyond reproach.The researcher concludes that these exceptional performers should be recognised andrewarded for their good performance, while those with unsatisfactory performance shouldbe dealt with according to the disciplinary code and procedures of the public service.The need is identified to channel resources to smallholder farmers who will utilise themeffectively. This would promote self-sufficiency in the long term. In channelling theseresources, the Department should also consider the promises made, with the view to fulfilthem as far as possible.The researcher concludes that in order for smallholder farmers to realise their potentialthey have to change their lives through agriculture. They need to become more organisedin order to speak with one voice. They also need to participate in secondary agriculture,where they are able to access more markets, not only as producers but as agro-processorsas well. With appropriate and consistent support by the Department of Agriculture in the VhembeDistrict, smallholder farmers' livelihood could be improved, which will lead to economicdevelopment of the local municipality, the district, the province and ultimately SouthAfrica as a whole.

[发布机构] Stellenbosch University