WHAT IS THE CONTRIBUTION OF AGRICULTURAL FINANCE TO FARMER LIVELIHOODS?

We assessed the contribution of agricultural development financing in rural development and farmer livelihoods in KwaZulu-Natal, using the Agribusiness Development Agency as a case study. Data was collected using structured questionnaires and in-depth key informant interviews from a purposefully sel...

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Bibliographic Details
Published inSouth African Journal of Agricultural Extension Vol. 48; no. 2; p. 126
Main Authors Geza, W, Caister, K, Mabhaudhi, T
Format Journal Article
LanguageEnglish
Published Sabinet Online 01.12.2020
Subjects
Agricultural industry
Case studies
Farmers
Food supply
Rural development
South Africa
Sub-Saharan Africa
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Summary:We assessed the contribution of agricultural development financing in rural development and farmer livelihoods in KwaZulu-Natal, using the Agribusiness Development Agency as a case study. Data was collected using structured questionnaires and in-depth key informant interviews from a purposefully selected sample of ADA beneficiaries, ADA officials and government stakeholders. The findings showed that farmers who had received financial and technical support experienced positive changes in their business operations. However, the ADA's model for providing support and implementing activities does not allow for maximum participation from the beneficiaries. The beneficiaries have limited decision- making powers and minimal influence on overall project activities. The results of the study highlight the importance of targeted agricultural financing approaches, accompanied with capacity building of farmers. Keywords: Farmer perceptions, Finance, Food security, Livelihoods, Qualitative study
ISSN:0301-603X
DOI:10.17159/2413-3221/2020/v48n2a543