https://ir.unisa.ac.za/handle/10500/32479 Fri, 22 May 2026 22:02:20 GMT 2026-05-22T22:02:20Z https://ir.unisa.ac.za/handle/10500/32491 Strategies for Climate-Change Resilience Among Maize Farmers in Lesotho Manenzhe, Teboho Derick; Zwane, Elliot Mahlengule; Bengeza, Zingesele Maize is a staple crop in Lesotho; hence, it can be vital in improving food security and strengthening the economy. However, climate change necessitates the adoption of sustainable agricultural practices in the growing of maize. It is assumed that small-scale maize farmers lack awareness of climate change and mitigation strategies. This hypothesis has not yet been assessed in Lesotho, especially in the study area; hence, this study is conducted to evaluate it. One hundred small-scale maize farmers from Mafeteng and Mohale’s Hoek Districts were selected to participate in the study. The data was collected using a structured questionnaire. The results show that small-scale maize farming in Mafeteng and Mohale’s Hoek is dominated by older women (54%) who are within the age group 56 to 65 years (32%) with a low level of formal education (33%). 70% of farmers have been in farming for more than 20 years. Most (70%) of farmers indicated that their maize production is negatively affected by climate change, and 51.7% of farmers experienced poor yield, maize quality, and rainfall. This has led to food insecurity (44%). Therefore, 89% of farmers want to increase fertiliser use to maximise production and improve food security. 37% of farmers desire to switch to CSA, and the majority (83%) intend to adopt CA systems to mitigate climate change. Further studies are recommended to identify LikotiLikoti’s system’s ability to boost agricultural yields and increase food production, combat soil erosion, and enhance fertility and to assess if Machobane system - Mantsa Tlala, or “expeller of hunger leads to a rise in per capita food production and overall land productivity. Sun, 01 Jan 2023 00:00:00 GMT https://ir.unisa.ac.za/handle/10500/32491 2023-01-01T00:00:00Z https://ir.unisa.ac.za/handle/10500/32490 The Constrains Affecting Competitiveness of Emerging Household Citrus Farmers in Mpumalanga Province, South Africa Manenzhe, Teboho Derick This study looked at the constrains affecting competitiveness on emerging citrus household farmers using primary data collected from a convenience sample of 150 emerging farming households in Nelspruit and Onderberg citrus administration regions of Ehlanzeni District Municipality of South Africa. The results showed that tertiary education and farming models influenced farming households to produce good quality citrus fruit and access both export and local fruit markets. In addition, study results indicated that other household socioeconomic constraints such as gender, age, training, business plan, water, input costs, barriers to engaging in farming on a commercial level, food safety, and good agricultural practice standards, and lack of title deed had a negative influence on the competitiveness of emerging household farmers in the study area. Policies that encourage a regular visit to farmers to follow up on the compliance of food safety and good agricultural practice standards by CGA advisors and agricultural extensionists are recommended for increased compliance. Mon, 06 Sep 2021 00:00:00 GMT https://ir.unisa.ac.za/handle/10500/32490 2021-09-06T00:00:00Z https://ir.unisa.ac.za/handle/10500/32489 Factors affecting sustainability of land reform projects in Ehlanzeni District Mpumalanga Province, South Africa Manenzhe, Teboho Derick; Zwane, Elliot Mahlengule; Van Niekerk, Johan The study evaluated factors affecting sustainability of land reform projects in Mpumalanga Province in Bushbuckridge Local Municipality (BLM) of Ehlanzeni District. The study was conducted between July and September 2014. A random sampling technique was used in selecting 31 key informants from the projects. Data were collected using face-to-face interviews with key informants that had benefited from the projects using a questionnaire administered as an interview schedule. Data collected were analysed using SPSS. The results shows that both males and females were well represented (50% males) and (50% females), 42% of participants are above 50 years, 83% does not have farming skills, 42% had formal education up to High school level, 75% received agricultural training. Training improved project performance (67%), sustainability (67%), enhanced job creation (58%) and boosted project profitability (92%). 67% received post training support, 92% received training through top down approach. The most factors affecting projects sustainability are lack of government support (75%), failure to receive training on time (75%), and complicated bureaucracy in accessing training (67%). N/A Fri, 01 Jan 2016 00:00:00 GMT https://ir.unisa.ac.za/handle/10500/32489 2016-01-01T00:00:00Z