The study evaluated

This paper forms part of a research study for a PhD, which has been conducted in the North Coast of KwaZulu-Natal and focuses on the sustainability of emerging cane growers. The research problem of the study was that cane growers cannot be sustained beyond the current generation of existing farmers because young people are not interested. Agriculture takes place in rural areas which are characterised by high levels of poverty. Cane farming, like other agricultural production activities, is the major economic driver in these areas. However, the current cane growers are ageing and the economy will be negatively impacted unless the youth succeed their parents as farmers. Sustainability of cane production depends on the preparedness of the offspring of the cane growers to succeed them as farmers. The results of the study revealed two responses. The first response suggested that young people whose parents are cane growers are willing to succeed their parents and become cane growers. The second response suggested that where discussions on succession planning have taken place there was an increase in the number of young people indicating an interest in succeeding their parents. The paper concludes with a recommendation that there is a need for developing succession planning in the North Coast farming area.

Different food security (FS) indicators were used to determine the level of FS on all dimensions of FS in the informal settlement areas of the Western Cape Metropole in South Africa. With regards to food access, 78% of households are severely food insecure, while just more than 50% of households earn more than the US$ 2 per capita per day food poverty line and with 21% of the households that fall below the critical point of US$ 1.25 per capita per day. The average total household expenditure on food is R338.26, whereto the share of income spent is an average of 52.5% of household income. Households experience 4.3 hungry months during a year, meaning challenges are experienced concerning food availability. The household diet diversity score (HDDS) was used to measure utilisation and it was found that 10.4 out of 18 different food groups/categories were consumed. Most significant differences can be seen for FS indicators between areas, but no significant differences were measured between farming and non-farming households. This means that households involved in farming are not more food secure than those not involved in farming. Bonteheuwel and Kraaifontein were the two areas most severely affected by food insecurity according to Household Food Insecurity Access Scale (HFIAS), Household Diet Diversity Score (HDDS) as well as Months of Adequate Household Food Provisioning (MAHFP) and the food poverty measures. Gugulethu and Khayelitsha on the other hand seem to be the most food secure of all these areas.

The objective of this research was to establish the role of agricultural extension in communal farmers' market systems by looking at possible ways in which it could intervene and support communal farmers in the marketing of produce. The study was conducted in the area of Mhondoro-Mubaira, which is situated in Mashonaland West Province in Zimbabwe. The target population comprised of 150 communal farmers and 25 extension officers. Poor technology and an under-resourced extension department is one of the factors identified by the extension officers (84%) for poor extension delivery (p =<0.464). The communal farmers referred to in this study have a negative perception of government-led extension support, especially in the area of agricultural market support. About half (56%) of the farmers indicated that they do not receive any form of agricultural marketing extension support. The reasons for the poor ratings of government extension support by communal farmers include the following: they are hardly available (8.88%); they are not knowledgeable enough (13.02%); and they do not offer practical solutions (24.85%). Communal food production and food security could be significantly improved if farmers receive appropriate input, training and extension support. Market linkage from the extension department could effectively boost income from agriculture enterprises and upgrade communal farmers who come from the most vulnerable section of the country's population.

Agricultural mechanisation has received increased interest during the last decade for the development of agriculture in African countries. One of the challenges of mechanisation in farming is the high cost associated with the procurement and maintenance of tractors and implements. Therefore, a mechanisation programme to assist with the development of emerging farmers in the country was established. The study was undertaken to determine the effective implementation of the mechanisation programme from the perspectives of farmers and extension officers. The study aimed to investigate whether the programme has assisted with the development of emerging farmers and whether the current implements in centres are suitable for the various commodities produced per area. To meet the objectives of this study, structured questionnaires were administered to participants and interviews were conducted with stakeholders in management positions. The findings revealed that the efficiency of the mechanisation programme can be improved upon, as farmers highlighted challenges that included access to mechanisation centres, the correct type and availability of implements. Nevertheless, the mechanisation programme has had a positive impact on the development of emerging farmers, and they feel that if issues are addressed, the programme could be even more beneficial in ensuring that recipients of the programme reap maximum benefits.

This study investigated the impacts of COVID-19 on the aquaculture sector in South Africa. The study was conducted on the West Coast of the Western Cape, South Africa. A multiple-case study approach was followed, focusing on the marine mussel farming sub-sector in Saldanha Bay. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with the owners or managers of nine mussel farming enterprises, and with nine representatives of role players with responsibility or experience in aquaculture, agriculture, or enterprise development. The results of the study focussed on the impacts of COVID-19 on the aquaculture sector and role player organizations; COVID-19 support; initiatives for preparation, survival, and rebuilding; factors promoting resilience, survival, and rebuilding; and requirements to survive and rebuild the sector. The main impact on the aquaculture sector was the closure of markets, which led to cascading impacts on all aspects of the value chain. Role players were affected through impacts on programmes, projects, and staff. Various COVID-19 relief schemes were made available however these could not address all the needs of the sector. Enterprises prepare for the pandemic and the future through long term planning. The main factors contributing to resilience were subsidisation from shareholders, having reserve funds and multiple streams of revenue. The most critical requirements to survive and rebuild the sector was financial support and the opening of markets. The study recommends follow up assessments of the aquaculture industry to fully understand and quantify the effects of the prolonged pandemic and provide tailor-made solutions for each sub-sector to stabilise, revive and grow the aquaculture sector in the medium to long term. Aquaculture enterprises that have closed or are at risk of closure should be prioritised first before any investment in new ventures is considered. In addition, the development of an aquaculture industry-based Business Continuity Strategy and the Ocean Economy Master plan should be prioritised to assist enterprises until the pandemic is over, to prepare for normalisation of operations thereafter, and to prepare the sector and individual enterprises to be more resilient in case of future global crises and disasters.

The Aquaculture Technology Demonstration Centre is aided by the Chinese government to enhance the development of aquaculture in South Africa, and thus provide agricultural extension services to farmers and fisheries. The approval of activities and site selection was endorsed by Chinese and South African representatives. The project is based at the Gariep dam in the Xhariep District. The centre primarily focuses on training, demonstration, and research. It is currently being operated by the Free State Department of Agriculture with support from the Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries. At present, research is being conducted on the culturing of the following fish species, catfish, carp, goldfish, and koi. Tilapia will be introduced in the near future. The purpose of the research is to improve the livelihoods of poor communities, to commercialise small-scale farmers, and to exhilarate economic growth. In addition, the centre aims to support and encourage the use of affordable and natural resources, and to address several challenges including a lack of land, skill, sufficient production, as well as market and quality inputs. Therefore, the practice of fish breeding at the centre aims to deliver extension and advisory services to South African farmers and fisheries. Furthermore, the centre will aim to assist with the production of quality fish stock, to remedy breeding difficulties, and to address fish production shortfalls.

Households in the informal