Dataset Information

A gross margin analysis for Nguni cattle farmers in Limpopo Province, South Africa.

ABSTRACT: Factors such as increases in population, urbanization, growth in per capita income and changes in consumer taste and preferences are causing gradual increases in livestock product consumption and demand. South Africa is addressing this predicted increase in livestock products demand by commercializing smallholder livestock producers. The Limpopo Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) Nguni Cattle Development Project is an example of such effort. The economic performance of these efforts needs to be evaluated. We use gross margin analysis to evaluate the performance of the Limpopo IDC Nguni Cattle Development Project. Additionally, we use regression analysis to identify factors influencing gross margins. Our results indicate that although smallholders show potential to commercialize, they lack commercial farming experience and require that a strong extension support system be used as one of the strategies to improve profitability. We also noted that individual farmers were more profitable than group farmers. Multiple regression analysis shows that three variables could be used to stimulate gross margin among the Limpopo IDC Nguni Cattle Development Project farmers. These are herd size, distance to market and farm size. Since farm size is a given, policy should focus on assisting farmers to build their herds and to have better access to markets.

SUBMITTER: Nkadimeng MV

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8224916 | biostudies-literature | 2021

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature

ACCESS DATA

Publications

A gross margin analysis for Nguni cattle farmers in Limpopo Province, South Africa.

Nkadimeng Mapule Valencia MV Makombe Godswill G Mapiye Obvious O Mapiye Cletos C Oluwatayo Isaac I Dzama Kennedy K Mojapelo Cedric C Mollel Naftali N Ngambi Jones J Mautjana Madimetja Human MH

PloS one 20210624 6

Factors such as increases in population, urbanization, growth in per capita income and changes in consumer taste and preferences are causing gradual increases in livestock product consumption and demand. South Africa is addressing this predicted increase in livestock products demand by commercializing smallholder livestock producers. The Limpopo Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) Nguni Cattle Development Project is an example of such effort. The economic performance of these efforts needs ...[more]

PMID: 34166430

Similar Datasets

Project description:The study was conducted to phenotypically characterize Nguni goats from four agro-ecological zones of Limpopo province, South Africa. A total of 426 goats were sampled from four agro-ecological zones. The quantitative traits that were studied for phenotypic characterization using Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) were heart girth (HG), body length (BL), withers height (WH), sternum height (SH), rump height (RH), rump length (RL), rump width (RW), cannon circumference (CC), testicular length (TL) and scrotal circumference (SC) while qualitative traits were coat colour pattern and type, back profile, ear orientation, presence of horn, horn shape and orientation. The study further looked at the structural indices of the goats. The findings indicated that the agro-ecological zones significantly affected (P<0.05) the quantitative traits of Nguni goats. Female goats from arid zone had higher (P<0.05) BW, HG, BL, WH, RH, and CC with mean values of 35.76±0.92, 73.89±0.63, 66.26±0.62, 63.40±0.56, 64.71±0.44 and 8.07±0.06, respectively as compared to the other zones. Male goats from arid zone had higher (P<0.05) BW, HG, BL, RW, TL and SC with mean values of 37.20±2.29, 78.75±1.44, 70.95±1.57, 16.83±0.38, 15.50±0.50 and 31.00±0.00, respectively as compared to other zones. In terms of qualitative traits, the goats were characterized by higher proportion of patchy coat colour pattern (62.7%), brown dominant colour type (42.6%), straight back profile (46.6%), and semi-pendulous ear orientation (65.4%). The goats had horns (100%), curved horn shape (71.6%) and backward horn orientation (89.4%). Though the agro-ecological zone had non-significant influence (P>0.05) on the qualitative traits. Findings of structural indices on dactyl-thoracic, transversal pelvic, longitudinal pelvic and proportionality indicated that the Nguni goats can be matched as light medium meat type. In conclusion, the variation in morphometric traits of Nguni goats and knowing their structural and functional indices can assist in their conservation and genetic improvement. There was no difference in the qualitative traits of the goats in four agro-ecological zones. Studies needed to be conducted on genetic characterization using genetic markers to integrate the information from morphological traits.

Project description:BACKGROUND:In 2015, malaria infected over 212 million people and killed over 429,000 individuals, mostly children under 5 years of age, with 90% of malaria cases occurring in sub-Saharan Africa. The aim was to develop an age and culturally appropriate song for Tshivenda-speaking children under 5 years of age to decrease the risk of malaria in Limpopo Province, South Africa. METHODS:Document review was used to identify appropriate disease determinants to decrease risk in children < 5 years old in the study area. These were used to develop lyrics and music for a song about malaria in line with the principles of participatory risk analysis. The age and cultural appropriateness of the song as well as disease determinants chosen were reviewed using a modified Delphi technique, by 10 purposively selected experts in malaria (4), Vhavenda music (3) and early childhood education (3). Thereafter, the song was translated into Tshivenda and reviewed by two focus groups living in the study area, one including female caregivers and pre-school teachers (n = 7) and a second comprising of male community based malaria control personnel (n = 5). RESULTS:The experts surveyed and both focus groups strongly supported the inclusion of knowledge about the link between mosquitoes and malaria and that children should know the signs of malaria to facilitate early diagnosis. Although the expert group felt that bed nets should not be mentioned, both focus groups suggested the inclusion of bed nets and it was observed that community members were purchasing their own nets. Focus group members also felt that young children should not be involved in internal residual spraying initiatives. CONCLUSIONS:It was concluded that although risk communication on malaria prevention and treatment in young children should be aimed at caregivers, an age and culture appropriate song about malaria could be developed to help young children protect themselves. This song focused on understanding the link between mosquitoes and malaria, preventing exposure and recognising signs of disease.

Dataset Information

A gross margin analysis for Nguni cattle farmers in Limpopo Province, South Africa.

Publications

A gross margin analysis for Nguni cattle farmers in Limpopo Province, South Africa.

Similar Datasets

OmicsDI is part of the ELIXIR infrastructure

Tweets