1. An Evaluation of AgroForestry Farms in Limpopo Province, South Africa
Maponya PI1 Du Plooy CP1, Backeberg GR2 and Nesamvuni AE3
1Agricultural Research Council-Vegetable and Ornamental Plant, Pretoria, South Africa
2Water Research Commission of South Africa, Gezina, South Africa
3University of Venda, Office of the Registrar, Limpopo Province
Corresponding Author:
Introduction
Deliverables
Agriculture and forestry important contributions to the country's economy is well noted and it is seen as having potential to contribute to poverty alleviation and economic growth. According to the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF), the forestry sector is a major contributor to the South African economy through its well-developed and diversified forest products industry. The ministry further emphasized that is on a drive to promote the role of forests in addressing food security, multiple land use approaches such as Agroforestry and the importance of forests in stimulating rural economies. Agro-forestry is recognized as having opportunities to improve agricultural production, generate food, fibre, fuel and income, reduce pressure on natural forests and address the impacts of climate change on the agriculture and forestry sectors. The aim of the study is to evaluate status of Agroforestry farms in Limpopo province. The following study objectives have been identified: To identify and describe the characteristics of selected Agroforestry farms in Limpopo province; To determine the potential constraints of rainwater on the establishment and expansion of Agroforestry in Limpopo province and To determine factors that enhance farmers participation in the Agroforestry sector in Limpopo province.
Deliverables
Description
Timeframe
Situational Analysis and Stakeholder Mobilisation
Formation of Research Team to determine roles and responsibilities. To determine soil, water and climate needs of the study areas.
30/06/2017
Recruitment and Training of enumerators
Identification of enumerators, questionnaire design and pre testing of questionnaire.
30/08/2017
Data collection, Capturing and Analysis
Data management until results outcome.
01/12/2017
Data Compilation, Reports and Projects Prioritization
Identification of projects based on reports for strategic intervention including linkages and partnerships
30/06/2018
Stakeholder Engagements and Reporting
Consolidation of reports to facilitates research and extension needs
30/10/2018
Reports and Submission of any Research Output
Submission of three identified reports and any other research output
01/12/2018
Capacity Building, Monitoring and Evaluation improvements
Report progress on student supervision and identify good monitoring and evaluation for extension service purpose
01/04/2019
Finalisation and Submission of Final Report
To finalise report with all workshops/ fieldwork inputs and recommendations
30/09/2019
Methodology
This research proposal will follow a participatory action approach since the researcher, collaborators, extension officers, farmers and funder will be actively involved in all phases to achieve 8 deliverables. The method of participatory action research is most appropriate since people especially farmers benefit while the research is ongoing. The participatory action approach was also recommended by various authors who emphasised that participatory action approach is a good alternative to the traditional " transfer of technology" or " top - down approach" to agricultural research and extension. It is against this background that the approach will be used to achieve the research aims, objectives and deliverables. The research will use quantitative and qualitative methods. A detailed questionnaire written in English will be developed as a quantitative data collection method. The questionnaire will use both open and closed ended questions. Qualitative data collection method will include focus group discussions and field observations. As part of standard protocol for conducting the study, meetings will be held with relevant stakeholders in the Limpopo province: The aim of the meetings will be to introduce and explain the aim of the study. A purposive sampling technique will be used to select 100 Agroforestry farms in Limpopo province (Capricorn, Vhembe, Mopani, Greater Sekhukhune and Waterberg Districts). The sampling will be used to assess uniformity and homogenous characteristics. Data will be captured and analysed with SPSS and descriptive, correlations and regressions analysis will be conducted.
PROPOSED RESEARCH DELIVERABLE AND INDICATORS
Conclusion
The following products will be realized: Report on the current status of Agroforestry farms in Limpopo province; Report on the influence of rainfall on Agroforestry farms and Report on how farmers can benefit from Agroforestry cultivation.