Abstract:
The purpose of this project was to evaluate small-scale farmers’ management of sheep
production systems in the Eastern Free State. Primary data were collected from 40 small-scale
farmers using questionnaires in the study area and the results were analysed using a
descriptive analysis model. The results indicate that the majority of the respondents (35 or
87.5%) were male, and five (12.5%) were female. This indicates the general farming
demographics of the regions. The results also showed that only 32.5% had a tertiary
education. Parameter estimates are indicated from low education levels and a lack of farming
skills pertaining to livestock production (with only 42.5% of the farmers having adequate skill
levels); poor management skills in terms of nutritional and health management (only 57.5%
supplied supplemented feeding prior to lambing); high transportation costs (48% of farmers
did not own transportation to the market); lack of market information (66% of the farmers
actively marketed their product); and poor delivery of support services from the government
as only 45% of farmers surveyed received support services from government. It was also
evident that the majority of the farmers did not have the most basic equipment i.e. dosing gun,
syringe and castration equipment. The findings also showed that 34% of the respondents
suffered from a lack of market information owing to poor communication, tools, and support
services from the government and extension officers. The majority of the farmers relied on
word of mouth, family, and own research for information regarding product prices, which in
most cases was biased, inaccurate, and/or out-dated. The study recommends that the
government must host planned workshops for all farmers in order to equip them with
knowledge. Short courses should be provided to small-scale farmers, furthermore, support
must be provided through training activities, and business counselling must be given to the
farmers and farm managers in the Eastern Free State.
