Technology Profiling for Emerging Commercial Cotton Farmers in the Makhathini Region

Abstract

This research article profiles cotton technology in the Makhathini region, focusing on the extent to which it is available to support farmers Although Makhathini Farmers have produced cotton for more than 10 years at a subsistence level, and despite using the related technology extensively, the farmers' mission remains to produce cotton commercial. The technology mentioned in the study is available worldwide, as well as locally. The technology accessed is readily available to the local farmers. Representatives of 13 Famers' Associations were interviewed and a response rate of 13/13 (100 percent) was obtained. The findings indicate overwhelming use of technology by the farmers. Yet an issue that is unresolved is why farmers are not producing at a commercial level despite the aid of technology. OPSOMMING'n Profiel van die katoen tegnologie gebruik in die Makhatini streek word aangespreek in hierdie navorsingsartikel. Die fokus van die artikel is gerig op die mate van ondersteuning beskikbaar aan die boere in die streek. Die klein boere verbou die afgelope 10 jaar katoen in die streek. Die verbouing van katoen is meer gerig op oorlewings boerdery, maar dit is 'n oogmerk van die boere om in die toekoms katoen op 'n kommersiële vlak te verbou. Die tegnologie waarna verwys word in die artikel is globaal sowel as plaaslik van toepassing in die verbouing van katoen en is vrylik beskikbaar aan die boere in die streek. Gestruktureerde onderhoude is met boere van 13 plaaslike boere verenigings gevoer en die navorser het daarin geslaag om 'n 100 persent terugvoer reaksie hiermee te verkry. Die bevindinge dui daarop dat boere in die streek tegnologie gebruik in die verbouing van katoen. Die onbeantwoorde vraag is dan waarom die verbouing van katoen nie op 'n kommersiële vlak plaasvind nie.