African Journals Online
South African Journal of Agricultural Extension

Volume 29, 2000
Abstracts

Assessing the profitability of using animal traction under smallholder farming conditions
Simalenga, T.E.Jongisa, L.L. 1-9

Abstract: A study was carried out to assess the profitability of using draft animal power under smallholder farming conditions. The study, which was carried out in the central region of the Eastern Cape Province, revealed that most smallholder farmers in the study area use draft animals as the main source of farm power. To carry out the cost benefit analysis, six scenarios were considered. These were: The use of oxen for ploughing only; use of oxen for ploughing and carting; use of donkeys for ploughing; use of donkeys for ploughing and carting; use of horses for ploughing and the use of horses for ploughing and carting. For all scenarios, the benefit exceeds the cost and the net farm income is positive and significant. The study has confirmed that draft animal power is still a realistic and cost-effective option for improving smallholder-farming systems. Since draft animal power is an alternative, complementary technology, the necessary support is required in terms of scientific research, education, training and to provide improved agricultural support services for rural communities in South Africa.

Towards an appropriate extension approach for agricultural and rural development in South Africa
Duvel, G.H. 10-23

Abstract: Recent paradigm shifts have seen an increase in the interest of new and more appropriate approaches in extension. This paper identifies some of the background reasons and discusses the myths or unfounded assumptions and constraints preventing the search, identification of evolvement of appropriate approaches. An overview is given by contrasting extreme approaches using dichotomies and then comparing in some detail the production technology approach and the more participatory and facilitative problem-solving approaches. Ultimately any approach has to be adapted to specific situations and in view of this a series of principles currently important for the South African context are identified and discussed.

Some causes and strategies pertaining to land degradation in southern Africa
Pelser, A.J.Kherehloa, T. 24-46

Abstract: "The greatest damage that humans inflict on the Earth - and, by implication, the greatest threat that humanity poses to its own future survival - is through the practice of agriculture" (Yeld 1997:48).

Gender roles in livestock production : the case of Tchenzema Ward in the western Uluguguru Highlands - Morogoro - Tanzania
Mollel, N.M.Mtenga, N. 47-57

Abstract: The study was designed to determine livestock production relations by gender in a matrilineal society in Tchenzema Morogoro Tanzania. A structured questionnaire was used to collect data from a randomly selected sample of 200 households with equal numbers of men and women. Secondary data was obtained from literature. The data was compiled by using the D Base Programme and analysed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences Programme. The study results showed that livestock husbandry tasks were shared between males and females of all ages. However males contributed slightly more labour than females in feeding, health care, cleaning shed and marketing. Decisions on task allocation and time for a task as well as livestock purchase, innovation adoption and marketing were jointly made by couples. There was no gender variation in the extension method preferred but both gender preferred demonstrations and extension officers visits over other methods. The least preferred extension method by both gender was institutional training. It is recommended that in order to improve livestock production in the area extension messages should be targeted to both gender using extension officers visits and demonstrations.

The specialist or the generalist : what does the year 2000 and beyond require for sustainable agricultural development?
De Beer, L. 58-72

Abstract: The debate whether extension should specialise or not to attain successful and sustainable agricultural development will continue for times to come. This article takes a critical look at what is understood to be extension, agricultural development and specialisation. The role of credibility, knowledge, perception and programmed extension will also be considered and how these factors/elements relate to the rendering of effective and successful extension services. It is of major importance that the situation and needs of clients/beneficiaries of extension services be taken into consideration, as this should form the basis of any decision taken towards more specialised - as compared to generalised approaches. Care should be taken that decisions are not based on the needs and/or aspirations of those who render these services. Furthermore the issue of responsibility of the extension agent and the extent of this responsibility is of significance. This responsibility may be to maintain and improve the availability of existing information (e.g. research), the transfer of technology to communities (e.g. training) or a responsibility towards funding agents, financiers, government, etc. The responsibility towards the members of the community, on the other hand, is of vital importance if successful and sustainable development is to be achieved. The slow progress made with development in certain communities could amongst other reasons, be attributed to extension agents not being sufficiently trained or development being approached in an ad hoc or non-scientific way. Many field workers on the other hand seem to lack commitment to implement proper development principles. The challenge for the year 2000 and beyond is to ensure that development is approached in a programmed and scientific manner, with well-trained extensionists to manage and implement these programmes. All role-players should be involved as far as possible and they should be experts in their fields and co-ordinated by a suitable development agent. The development agent(tm)s role may also change over time, as development is a dynamic process with the needs of people changing continuously.

Gender roles in the household and farming systems of Tchenzema, Morogoro - Tanzania
Mollel, N.M.Mtenga, N.A. 73-88

Abstract: The purpose of the study was to determine gender roles in a matrilineal society in domestic and crop production activities. The role of gender in decision making was also investigated. The study was conducted in Tchenzema ward in the Western Uluguru mountain Morogoro, Tanzania. A structured questionnaire was used to collect primary data while secondary data was obtained from the literature. The study findings show that females of all ages did all the domestic work except fuel wood collection which was done by males of all ages. There was no clear cut division of labour between gender in either cash or food crop production. Decision on production and resource allocation were done jointly between spouses while decision on hire of labour was mostly done by men. Gender production relations in the society studied differs from those in patrilineal societies. It was recommended that the extension service and development projects should address both gender equally. Extension meetings should be organised at times and places that would enable women to attend.

Production constraints and perceived marketing problems of stock farmers in some districts of the northern communal areas of Namibia
Duvel, G.H.Stephanus, A.L. 89-104

Abstract: In an endeavour to improve the livestock production and particularly the marketing of livestock in the Northern Communal Areas of Namibia, this study analyses the perception of livestock farmers in this regard. The low off-take percentage is the most serious production constraint, but marketing, although a constraint, is not one of the most serious problems. Different traders and marketing outlets are compared in relation to livestock farmers' preferences, which are less determined by commercial considerations than by the sporadic need of acquiring additional cash when required. The perceptions tend to vary very significantly between the various districts, which is an indication of their adjustability through interventions.

The catalystic function of leadership in efficient group functioning
Duvel, G.H.Terblanche, S.E. 105-117

Abstract: The purpose of the study was to test the hypothesis that group efficiency is a function of group internal and external factors, which in turn can be mobilised through effective leadership. For this purpose seven commercial farmer study groups were studied. Significant correlations were found between the majority of group dynamic forces and group efficiency, implying that the groups, which are highly efficient, are superior regarding the intensity of the majority of all group dynamic forces. Leadership was found to be decisive in changing or improving the group dynamic forces. The more efficient group leaders were found to be more competent and revealed a greater task orientation. Compared to the less efficient groups, the better functioning groups were characterised by a higher degree of shared leadership. The bigger involvement in leadership functions seems to increase the competence without any loss in popularity.