African Journals Online
South African Journal of Agricultural Extension

Volume 30, 2001
Abstracts

Farmer-identified indigenous fruit tree with suitable attributes for the semi-arid Northern Province of South Africa
Mashela, P.W.Mollel, N. 1-12

Abstract: The study describes different research techniques used to gather useful information to assist smallholder farmers in making important decisions on the identification and selection of an indigenous fruit tree for domestication and commercialisation. The study demonstrates how action research brings together farmer-researcher actors into rural development in an interaction designed to address and find a solution to a problem as identified by farmers. In the end an indigenous technology/product is selected, that fits well into smallholder farming systems. The indigenous fruit tree, Mmupudu (Mimusops zeyheri; English = Transvaal red milkwood; Afrikaans = Moepel) was top - ranked as having favourable environmental, economic and nutritional attributes for conditions under which rural communities in the semiarid Northern Province of South Africa live.

The effects of unavailability of technical storage facilities to the marketing of fruits and vegetables for economic development in Morogoro rural and urban districts
Kasimila, B.J.Wambura, R.M.Nnko, S.A.M. 13-25

Abstract: Fruits and Vegetables are basically horticultural products, which deteriorate fast after harvest. High moisture contents and tenderness characterize them. These fruits and vegetables had a very low profile in Morogoro region in the past, but since 1980s they are increasingly being strategic products because they provide employment and contribute to family income. This paper is based on the authors' study (1998) on “the effects of the unavailability of the technical storage facilities to the marketing of fruits and vegetables for economic development in the two districts”. The study focused on the major causes of fruits and vegetables its losses and on determination of the trend and constraints pertaining to the fruits and vegetables production and marketing. Primary data were obtained through interviews with randomly selected fruits and vegetables farmers, wholesalers, retailers and consumers. Other data were obtained through group discussions with key informants and personal observations and notes in diary form. The data analysis employed the use of descriptive The main losses identified were both qualitative and quantitative resulting from damages occurring mainly during transportation and unavailability of technical storage facilities at the markets. The paper concludes that Morogoro rural and urban districts seriously lack transport and storage facilities for horticultural products. Intervention strategies that have to be taken to improve the marketing and storage of vegetables and fruits in Morogoro rural and urban district are presented.

The invisible frontier : the current limits of decentralization and privatization
Rivera, W.M. 26-39

Abstract: There is an invisible frontier that delimits the concept and, more importantly, the practices of decentralization and privatization. It is the way in which these concepts are interpreted and consequently the way they are carried out. To visualize this frontier, the meaning of decentralization and privatization must be revisited.

Some realities of extension management in South Africa
Duvel, G.H. 40-51

Abstract: The article gives a glimpse into the management efficiency of extension in parts of South Africa by providing empirical data based on the opinions and perceptions of extension personnel of different ranks. The findings confirm that it is a myth to believe that all is well with extension management in South Africa. Evidence confirms that there is cause for concern at all management levels, but particularly among the more senior management levels. There is general agreement about the importance of extension management improving extension and valuable proposals are made in this regard.

Socio-cultural strategies in mitigating drought impacts and water scarcity in developing nations
Pelser, A.J. 52-74

Abstract: A critical shortage of fresh water, particularly in developing nations, is likely to become one of the most pressing issues in decades to come as droughts and rapid growing human populations join forces to deplete available fresh water resources. This article highlights some of the most important mitigation strategies within socio-cultural contexts in the developing world that should be considered if we are to make progress in reducing societal vulnerability to drought and water scarcity. It is, amongst others, concluded that rural perceptions on water consumption and utilization should be recognized as part of a valid indigenous knowledge system, and should as such be accommodated in policy formulation. If ignored, the inevitable reform of current water policies may clash with cultural and religious beliefs in many communities, especially those in Africa.

Extension needs of small-scale dairy farmers in the North-Eastern Free State
Masiteng, T.J.Van der Westhuizen, C. 75-88

Abstract: The study evaluated the management practices of small-scale dairy farmers in the North-Eastern Free State. The sample area focused on farmers (on communal and state land farms) in the former self-governing territory of Qwaqwa, as well as in parts of the Harrismith, Kestell and Bethlehem districts where newly settled land-reform beneficiaries are concentrated. In this study it was found that most of the problems experienced by the farmers were related to the unresolved land tenure system (communal land), as well as shortage of water, lack of working capital, untimely veld fires, lack of co-operation among farmers (farming group schemes) and inadequate extension services to advise small-scale dairy farmers. Due to a lack of mechanical implements, all the small-scale dairy farmers in the sample made use of manual labour. Knowledge, skills, training and co-operation among themselves were identified by the respondents as being prerequisites for success. Future interventions aimed at improving and strengthening the sustainability and the livelihoods of the small-scale dairy farmers, thereby ensuring equity and reducing economic vulnerability of small-scale dairy projects, should take into account a number of different factors. With regard to extension, government should endeavour to provide an effective service, thereby establishing links with formal channels of marketing, as well as local markets and informal marketing systems, training in farming principles, financial assistance, assistance in acquiring a farm or more land, improving environmental conservation and promoting social infrastructure. The study also reveals that mixed farming should be promoted, since it is unlikely that small-scale farmers can make a living purely from dairying.

Towards a farmer-centred extension service : the case of Uluguru Mountain Agricultural Development Project, (UMADEP) Morogoro, Tanzania
Rutatora, D.F.Mattee, A.Z. 89-103

Abstract: Uluguru Mountain Agricultural Development Project which is based in the Department of Agricultural Education and Extension at Sokoine University of Agriculture, uses a combination of Participatory Rural Appraisal (PRA), Participatory Technology Development (PTD), Farmers' Groups and Farmer to Farmer extension approaches. Experience in the use of these approaches shows that farmers in collaboration with extension workers have developed activities which address location specific problems, generated appropriate technological innovations that are sustainable and take into account the socio-cultural and economic milieu of the communities. In addition, this has led to the formation of the farmers' groups which facilitate learning, decision-making, and adoption of agreed innovations.

Culture as a resource for development : some challenges for extension management
Stevens, J.B.Treurnicht, S.P. 104-114

Abstract: Any consideration of the science of management in an African context has inevitably to focus on South Africa because it is here that one encounters the heterogeneity of mindsets, forged in the interface of Europe, Asia and Africa: First and Third world. Westernisation is implicitly implied as a goal to promote agricultural production. This paper highlights some of the characteristics and problems of the old approach to culture development and emphasises the need for South African extension services to think in a new paradigm to be able to mobilise all knowledge systems in search of sustainable agriculture development.

Participatory Learning and Action (PLA) : sharing the South African experience : a discussion of key issues
Treurnicht, S.P.Steyn, G.J.Loots, G.M. 115-124

Abstract: In this article it is argued that PLA can do much to promote grass roots development in South Africa if it is adapted to local conditions. However it is not easy to promote this practice theory in South Africa at this point in time due to some of the reasons outlined below. Some principles of this practice theory are scrutinised briefly as well as some stumbling blocks that inhibits the growth of PLA and participatory development in South Africa in general. These problems are part and parcel of the local development culture and it emphasises how complex it is to promote participatory development if it is not well established in development practice.

Education and change management in Africa : a new framework for human capital development in agriculture
Van Rooyen, C.J.Swanepoel, F.J.C.Van Zyl, J.Rwelamira, J.Stroebel, A.Doyer, O.T. 125-146

Abstract: This study describes the nature of human capital development (HCD) in agriculture and rural development, and its implications on current programmes in the institutions of higher learning. This is in view of the fact that the majority of Africans are still “trapped” in an under performing rural and agricultural environment; and even emerging and developed economies on the continent still depend on agricultural performance to stimulate economic growth, food security and poverty alleviation. A framework is developed relating human capital to specialist role players in the agricultural and rural environment and challenges for human capital mobilisation in a number of specialist fields to impact positively on agriculture. This is then related to case studies in the South African environment and some generalizations and an agenda for change management are proposed.