The impact of farmer support programmes on household income and sustainability in smallholder production: A case study of the Eastern Cape and KwaZulu Natal farmers, South Africa.

A number of Farmer Support Programmes have been implemented in South Africa to reduce the risk of a lack of capacity and a lack of economic and/or financial experience in smallholder farms. Intervention measures have been instituted to these smallholder farmers to assist them to move out of poverty through agricultural production. Unfortunately, smallholder farmers are further constrained by institutional obstacles which include lack of access to information, lack of technical skills, high marketing and transaction costs leading to low quality and volumes.

The aim of this study was to assess the role played by Farmer Support Programmes in addressing income and welfare of smallholder farmers in South Africa. Findings show that household size, education level of household head and distance to the nearest market were found to be significant. Farmer Support Programmes and collective marketing activities such as the collection and sale of members’ output appear to have a significant and positive impact on smallholder welfare of those farmers engaged in them.

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The impact of farmer support programmes on household income and sustainability in smallholder production: A case study of the Eastern Cape and KwaZulu Natal farmers, South Africa.