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Business orientation and the food security status of small scale producers in the Venda region, South Africa

Author

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  • le Roy, L.J.P.
  • van Rooyen, C.J.
  • D'Haese, Luc
  • de Winter, A.

Abstract

Questions addressed in this paper are: How to determine the food status of rural households; and does an agribusiness orientation enhance the food security status of farm families. A study was conducted on two groups of small scale black farmers in the Venda region: one group, agribusiness directed and generally more progressive towards technology, produces mangos and other subtropical fruits (cash crop farmers); the other group concentrates on locally consumed and sold vegetables (food crop farmers). Their food status was quantitatively determined by means of household energy, protein and fat balances and food security determinants were identified. More than 80% of the households had a negative balance for energy, protein or fat. Business orientation and farming type in this particular case study does not influence the energy, protein and fat coverage significantly. The marginal nature of farming by these small holders could explain this finding. Significant predictors of food security status were rather factors such as the household size and the availability of outside sources of income and cash to spend on food.

Suggested Citation

  • le Roy, L.J.P. & van Rooyen, C.J. & D'Haese, Luc & de Winter, A., 2000. "Business orientation and the food security status of small scale producers in the Venda region, South Africa," Agrekon, Agricultural Economics Association of South Africa (AEASA), vol. 39(1), pages 1-9, March.
  • Handle: RePEc:ags:agreko:54201
    DOI: 10.22004/ag.econ.54201
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Johann Kirsten & Robert Townsend & Chris Gibson, 1998. "Determining the contribution of agricultural production to household nutritional status in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa," Development Southern Africa, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 15(4), pages 573-587.
    2. Marijke D'Haese & Johan van Rooyen & Guido van Huylenbroeck & Luc D'Haese, 1998. "Problem-solving strategies for small-scale emerging commercial mango farmers in Venda," Development Southern Africa, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 15(3), pages 471-489.
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    Keywords

    Agribusiness; Food Security and Poverty;

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