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Abstract:
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This study was undertaken by a team comprised of five staff members from both the Agricultural
Research Council and Limpopo Department of Agriculture (LDA), participating in the Agricultural
Research for Development (ARD) learning programme, at the Tompi Seleka Farmer Development
Centre.
The study was conducted in the Sekhukhune district of Limpopo Province, to identify opportunities for
commercializing crop production in Elandskraal, Krokodil, Phetwane, Mogalatsane and Setlaboswane
irrigation schemes.
The analysis of the various irrigation schemes led to the conclusion, that there is dichotomy on the
views on commercialization at the various schemes as well as negative perceptions of manner in which
LDA introduced the strategy by the farmers. The farmers felt much needs to be done before their
farming units could be economically viable. This would need to include; providing assistance to secure
farming resources, improving farming infrastructure, capacity building to enhance technical and
business skills and providing incentives to promote youth participation as crucial steps in setting up a
comprehensive development programme for the schemes.
The study therefore recommends improved access to production resources and strengthening of local
structures to enable the farming enterprises to realize the anticipated commercial potential. It was also
strongly suggested that, a basket of options for commercializing the farm units be presented to farmers,
to accommodate the diversity of the farmers in the irrigation scheme. The study also identified a need
to have strong coordination in the economic development of schemes by service providers and all
stakeholders through a forum. |