Access To Local Agricultural Markets And Information For Subsistence Farmers In Clau-Clau Mbombela, South Africa

Abstract

The study examined the factors affecting smallholder farmers access to local agricultural markets in Clau-Clau, South Africa. Random sampling method, and structured questionnaires were used to obtain responses from 330 subsistence farmers. The hypothesis was tested using multinomial regression analysis. The study found that farm size (P<0.016) was significant and positively related to the choice to participate in local markets. However, farm experience (P<0.043), contact with extension services (P<0.043), membership of association (P<0.013), access to credits (P<0.000), and distance (P<0.010)from farm to markets were the independent variables found to have significant relationship with participation in local markets. Concerted effort should be made to encourage joint action to link subsistence farmers to markets. Networking for information sharing is important for agri-business supply chain and marketing. Marketing infrastructures and food safety environment must be provided to avoid local consumers shifting from patronizing local markets. The developmental initiatives of empowering smallholder farmers should not only be seen in a parochial context of farm subsidy, land redistribution and restitution, but in a wider domain of access to formal markets, credits, training, and advisory services.