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Perceptions Of Risk Among Commercial Farmers In Kwazulu-Natal In A Changing Economic Environment

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  • Stockil, R.C.
  • Ortmann, Gerald F.

Abstract

This study analyses the importance and dimensions of risk sources and computer adoption among farmers in a changing economic policy and trade environment. A survey was conducted in 1996 among 112 commercial farmers in KwaZulu-Natal. The majority of respondents were in favour of a liberalized trade environment and deregulated domestic product and input markets. Respondents identified changes in the cost of farm inputs, government legislation (tax, labour, and land redistribution), the Rand exchange rate, and product prices as the most important sources of risk. Factor analysis of risk sources showed that various dimensions to risk exist, including changes in government policy, enterprise gross income, credit access and cost changes. Computers, a risk management tool, are more likely to be adopted by larger farm operators who have higher levels of education and who use more information sources, whilst operators of extensive production systems are less likely to adopt computers.

Suggested Citation

  • Stockil, R.C. & Ortmann, Gerald F., 1997. "Perceptions Of Risk Among Commercial Farmers In Kwazulu-Natal In A Changing Economic Environment," Agrekon, Agricultural Economics Association of South Africa (AEASA), vol. 36(2), pages 1-21, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:ags:agreko:54912
    DOI: 10.22004/ag.econ.54912
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. MacNicol, R. & Ortmann, Gerald F. & Ferrer, Stuart R.D., 2007. "Perceptions of key business and financial risk by large-scale sugarcane farmers in KwaZulu-Natal in a dynamic socio-political environment," Agrekon, Agricultural Economics Association of South Africa (AEASA), vol. 46(3), pages 1-20, September.
    2. repec:zbw:inwedp:592016 is not listed on IDEAS
    3. Manuela Larcher & Martin Schönhart & Erwin Schmid, 2016. "Risikobewertung und Risikomanagement landwirtschaftlicher BetriebsleiterInnen in Österreich – deskriptive Befragungsergebnisse 2015," Working Papers 592016, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna, Department of Economics and Social Sciences, Institute for Sustainable Economic Development.
    4. Thi Tam Duong & Tom Brewer & Jo Luck & Kerstin Zander, 2019. "A Global Review of Farmers’ Perceptions of Agricultural Risks and Risk Management Strategies," Agriculture, MDPI, vol. 9(1), pages 1-16, January.
    5. MacNicol, R. & Ortmann, Gerald F. & Ferrer, Stuart R.D., 2008. "Management decisions on commercial sugarcane farms in KwaZulu-Natal: a focus on choice bracketing behaviour for risk management," Agrekon, Agricultural Economics Association of South Africa (AEASA), vol. 47(1), pages 1-24, March.
    6. Ortmann, Gerald F., 2000. "Use of information technology in South African agriculture," Agrekon, Agricultural Economics Association of South Africa (AEASA), vol. 39(1), pages 1-10, March.
    7. Kisaka-Lwayo, Maggie & Obi, Ajuruchukwu, 2012. "Risk perceptions and management strategies by smallholder farmers in KwaZulu-Natal Province, South Africa," International Journal of Agricultural Management, Institute of Agricultural Management, vol. 1(3), pages 1-12.
    8. Larcher, Manuela & Schönhart, Martin & Schmid, Erwin, 2016. "Risikobewertung und Risikomanagement landwirtschaftlicher BetriebsleiterInnen in Österreich – deskriptive Befragungsergebnisse 2015," Discussion Papers DP-59-2016, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna, Department of Economics and Social Sciences, Institute for Sustainable Economic Development.
    9. Bown, A.N. & Ortmann, G.F. & Darroch, M.A.G., 1999. "Use Of Maize Marketing Alternatives And Price Risk Management Tools By Commercial Maize Farmers In South Africa," Agrekon, Agricultural Economics Association of South Africa (AEASA), vol. 38(3).

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    Keywords

    Farm Management; Risk and Uncertainty;

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