Economic Efficiency of Table Grape Production in Waterberg and Sekhukhune Districts, Limpopo Province, South Africa

Table grape production plays an important role in the economy of many countries in Africa. It serves as a source of income for the people who are engaged in its production and being one of the enterprises that is labour-intensive, thereby providing employment for more people. The main purpose of this study was to analyse the economic efficiency of table grape production in Waterberg and Sekhukhune Districts of Limpopo province, South Africa. The study used primary data collected through administration of structured questionnaires on a sample of 12 farmers by employing a snowball sampling method. Analytical tools employed include descriptive statistics (such as tables and frequencies), Stochastic Frontier Model and Technical Inefficiency Model. Results from data analysis revealed that in terms of efficiency, farming experience (p<0.01), educational level (p<0.05), household size (p<0.10) and age of farmer (p<0.10) were associated with increased efficiency indicating that these factors play important roles in ensuring that resources used in the production of table grapes enhanced productivity and were not wasted. Also, technical efficiency among farmers was found to range from 0.8 to 1, with a mean of 0.89, thus implying a major possibility for improvement in production. However, the allocative efficiency was found to range from 0.47 to 1, with a mean of 0.68. This indicates that some farmers were finding it difficult to allocate their resources efficiently. Again, economic efficiency ranges from 0.56 to 1, with a mean of 0.73, an indication that most of the farmers were economically efficient. Meanwhile, some of the constraints faced by these farmers include high electricity bills and labour costs, water shortages as well as instability around land policy. The study therefore recommends capacity building of farmers through education and other skill enhancement programmes. Also, provision of incentives to encourage youth participation in farming through internship programmes is very important to increase farm productivity.