A socio-economic analysis of small-holder cattle producers in KwaZulu

Abstract

In common with most of sub-Saharan Africa, the KwaZulu grazing resources are held to be overstocked and degraded, and the values of the off-take parameters for the herd are low. These two problems were the origin of the study, and are typical of the common property problem, although the theory suggests that it is better described as an assurance or game theory case. To provide data, a total of 444 respondents was interviewed using schedules and the data were rounded off by a series of structured meetings with both groups of farmers and knowledgeable informants. Analysis of the data was hampered by the paucity of values in the variables being measured. By aggregating the data into four groups based on herd size it was possible to use the Chi-squared test to determine the probability of an animal, or owner, being involved in a transaction. The analysis showed that transaction activity was proportionately greater in the smaller herds than the larger; that smaller herds tended to grow more rapidly than larger; and that sales was a minor use of cattle, the major uses being home-slaughter and lobolo exchanges. The most important product according to the owners was milk. At the present stocking rate the herd is at least as productive as it would be, if operated at recommended stocking rates, according to an appropriate ranching regime. There is evidence that cash, where it is available, is being substituted either directly or indirectly for cattle in traditional functions. The grazing resource is not threatened by imminent ecological ·collapse, and soil erosion as a consequence of overgrazing is not as serious as is commonly assumed. This together with the al ready high value of products supplied to the cattle owning communities suggests that drastic, externally induced interventicns such as changes in land tenure cannot be justified. Low key incremental improvements in output based on technology change ,:ill provide the inducement for institutional change which would facilitate larger shJfts in the long term.