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Socioeconomic Characteristics Associated with Farming Practices, Food Safety and Security in the Production of Fresh Produce—A Case Study including Small-Scale Farmers in KwaZulu-Natal (South Africa)

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  • Tashiana Beharielal

    (Discipline of Microbiology, School of Life Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg 3201, South Africa
    Discipline of Food Security, School of Agriculture, Environmental and Earth Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg 3201, South Africa)

  • Joyce Thamaga-Chitja

    (Discipline of Food Security, School of Agriculture, Environmental and Earth Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg 3201, South Africa)

  • Stefan Schmidt

    (Discipline of Microbiology, School of Life Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg 3201, South Africa)

Abstract

Farmer practices may influence the microbial quality and safety of fresh produce. The increasing demands to create ready-to-eat (RTE) fresh produce while providing potential niche markets for smallholder farmers might be contributing to increased numbers of fresh produce-associated foodborne disease outbreaks. This study determined the demographic and socioeconomic characteristics and farmer hygiene practices of farmers using open-ended questionnaires and key informant interviews. Additionally, the relationships between farmer socioeconomic characteristics and hygiene practices were statistically analyzed. The semi-organic smallholder farmer population and the farmworkers of the organic farm were female-dominated. Tertiary education was a predominant characteristic in the organic and semi-conventional workforces. While the semi-organic and semi-conventional farms relied on a combination of ‘store-bought’ synthetic and composted organic fertilizers, the organic farm owner only used composted organic fertilizer. The irrigation water sources varied amongst the farm types. However, most of the semi-organic farmers did not pre-treat irrigation water prior to use. The irrigation water source and fertilizer type selected by farmers varied and might affect the microbial quality and safety of fresh produce. Socioeconomic factors such as gender and education may influence farmer hygiene practices. These characteristics should therefore be considered when planning farmer support interventions.

Suggested Citation

  • Tashiana Beharielal & Joyce Thamaga-Chitja & Stefan Schmidt, 2022. "Socioeconomic Characteristics Associated with Farming Practices, Food Safety and Security in the Production of Fresh Produce—A Case Study including Small-Scale Farmers in KwaZulu-Natal (South Africa)," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(17), pages 1-17, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:14:y:2022:i:17:p:10590-:d:897456
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