Factors influencing the marketing of horticultural produce among small scale farmers at Etunda Irrigation Scheme in the Omusati region Namibia
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Date
2019
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Publisher
University of Namibia
Abstract
This study investigated factors influencing the marketing of horticultural produce among small scale farmers at Etunda irrigation scheme in the Omusati region ofNamibia. The researcher sought
to answer the following questions. A mixed method through the use of both quantitative and
qualitative research designs was used to carry out this study at Etunda irrigation scheme. The study
targeted small scale horticultural farmers at Etunda irrigation scheme and employees of AMT A at
Ongwediva Fresh Produce Hub. Simple random sampling was used to select respondents from
horticultural farmers at Etunda and employees of AMT A. Questionnaires and interview guides
were used to collect primary data. The analysis was done using descriptive statistics and the results
were presented in tables and pie charts. The study faced numerous limitations such as the absence
of readily available research grants on critical research topics such as this one has also been a
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limitation as their availability could have led to countrywide studies being undertaken and made
literature based on nationwide studies available. The researcher had to rely on data from other
countries who are also embarking on horticultural production. The major limitation of the study
was that not all the small scale farmers in the country or the region were selected to
participate.Study findings showed that lack of on-farm infrastructure, lack of capital, poor mode
of transportation, were some of the challenges faced by small scale horticultural farmers. It was
also found that there are enormous difficulties and challenges facing Small-scale farmers in
marketing their horticultural produce. These challenges range from inaccessibility to the Hub,
fluctuating market prices, perishability of fresh produce, limited production, lack of on-farm
infrastructure, poor quality of fresh produce, lack of capital/finance in engaging large quantity of
fresh produce and disagreements in price between farmers and AMT A. Farmers inability to market
produce means lack of income for production outputs, consumer goods and immediate cash
requirements and this inhibit income generation. The major challenges from the research show that
distance to Hub and high transport costs, is a central concern for small-scale farmers in Namibia.
Small-scale farmers need access to competitive markets not just for their produce but also for
inputs, income generation, technology (storage) advancement, consumer goods, credit and labour.
The study concluded that the Ongwediva Fresh produce need to reduce wastage, improve
sustenance of the Hubs, diversify markets and reduce dependency on the importation of primary
and secondary value added products. The study also emphasize that, there should be collective
engagement of the farmers with policy makers to create a conducive environment for the success
of agro-businesses. There is also a need to improve the collection of horticultural produces from
farmer through a formal process because distance becomes barrier in conveying these produces to
the market. Farmers are encouraged to join cooperatives to enhance their chances of accessing
critical production inputs and the government should ensure that farmers 'perception of incentives
associated will be associated with formal channel in transportation of their produce. Their physical
costs of market access can be reduced by good road construction, road maintenance and improved
transport, storage and information
Description
A research thesis submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the Degree of Master of Business Administration (Natural Resources Management)
Keywords
Small scale farmers, Etunda irrigation scheme, Omusati, Namibia, University of Namibia, Horticultural farmers, Ongwediva fresh produce hub