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Assessing the Venturing of Rural and Peri-Urban Youth into Micro- and Small-Sized Agricultural Enterprises in the Eastern Cape Province, South Africa

Author

Listed:
  • Zimi Thibane

    (Discipline of Agricultural Economics, School of Agriculture, Science and Environmental Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, P/Bag X01, Scottsville, Pietermaritzburg 3201, South Africa)

  • Lelethu Mdoda

    (Discipline of Agricultural Economics, School of Agriculture, Science and Environmental Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, P/Bag X01, Scottsville, Pietermaritzburg 3201, South Africa)

  • Lungile Gidi

    (Department of Agricultural Economics and Animal Production, University of Limpopo, P/Bag X1106, Sovenga 0727, South Africa)

  • Anele Mayekiso

    (Department of Agricultural Economics and Extension, Faculty of Science and Agriculture, University of Fort Hare, P/Bag X1314, Alice 5700, South Africa)

Abstract

This study aimed to empirically assess the venturing by rural and peri-urban youth into micro- and small-sized agricultural enterprises in the Eastern Cape Province, South Africa. The aim of the study was achieved by focusing on the following specific objectives: analyzing youth involvement in agricultural enterprises; estimating the factors that influence youth participation in micro- and small-sized agricultural enterprises; and identifying constraints and opportunities for youth involvement in micro- and small-sized agricultural enterprises in the Eastern Cape Province. The study used multi-stage and snowballing sampling to select the respondents, and cross-sectional primary data were collected from 120 youths who ventured into micro- and small-sized agricultural enterprises. Only 70 youths from the sample participated in agricultural enterprises. The study was geared toward proposing a funding framework aligned with the characteristics of small- and micro-sized enterprises (SMEs) which can be used by both development finance institutions (DFIs) and commercial banks to assess applications for funding SMEs.

Suggested Citation

  • Zimi Thibane & Lelethu Mdoda & Lungile Gidi & Anele Mayekiso, 2023. "Assessing the Venturing of Rural and Peri-Urban Youth into Micro- and Small-Sized Agricultural Enterprises in the Eastern Cape Province, South Africa," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(21), pages 1-18, October.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:15:y:2023:i:21:p:15469-:d:1271356
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
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