International Collaboration Investigates Market Access of Smallholder Livestock Farmers

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The African Centre for Food Security (ACFS) at UKZN, in collaboration with South Africa’s National Agricultural Marketing Council (NAMC) and Cornell University in the United States, is conducting a red meat baseline study to assess smallholder livestock farmers’ perceptions of and barriers to commercial markets.

ACFS has partnered with Cornell for 12 years, hosting student researchers annually to explore market access issues for small-scale farmers. This collaboration sees Cornell and UKZN students working together on projects.

A recent presentation session drew more than 40 participants, including UKZN and Cornell researchers and students, small-scale farmers, and representatives from the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Agriculture, Land Reform, and Rural Development (DALRRD), the Agricultural Research Council (ARC), and NAMC.

ACFS Director Professor Joyce Chitja welcomed guests to the session, which concluded a two-week visit by Cornell students from the Small Farms Programme, led by Professor Anu Rangarajan.

Rangarajan emphasised Cornell’s commitment to student engagement and real-world experience through its Student Multidisciplinary Applied Research Team (SMART), which enables students to work globally on community-focussed projects.

During the visit in January, researchers from both institutions collaborated on project design, implementation, and analysis, applying their expertise to agricultural and rural development challenges to identify investments and interventions for smallholder farmers. Rangarajan expressed appreciation for UKZN’s hospitality and praised the students’ dedication.

Representing UKZN’s College of Agriculture, Engineering and Science, Professor Muthulisi Siwela of the School of Agricultural, Earth and Environmental Sciences (SAEES) emphasised the alignment of the project with UKZN’s pillars of research, teaching, and community engagement. Chitja acknowledged stakeholders for their contributions and their recognition of the benefits of collaboration.

Stakeholder presentations included contributions to NAMC’s work on a farmer database to understand challenges and facilitate integrated responses. DALRRD’s Mr Mthokozisi Thabethe discussed red meat services and community development, including efforts to support smallholders transitioning to formal markets through the Agriculture and Agro-Processing Master Plan. Dr Baldwin Nengovhela, scientist manager of animal production, detailed regulatory services in the red meat sector.

Mr Graham Armstrong of the Upper Midlands Agricultural Transformation Initiative (UMATI) spoke on agricultural structures that support farmers, linking them to government resources, and providing livestock sales, veterinary support, infrastructure development and training. Ms Lerato Majoro, a DALRRD extension officer, outlined facilities available to assist developing farmers.

Farmer and Agricultural Sciences teacher Mr Henry Langa shared his experiences in pig farming, while Mr Sizothule Muthwa discussed the cultural significance of cattle and the importance of market access.

Cornell and UKZN students and researchers presented their SMART projects, covering study objectives, research methods, cultural considerations, and farmer typologies - commercial, emerging, and community.

They analysed farmer motivations, demographic characteristics, and case studies while addressing misalignments between government services and farmer needs, youth engagement in livestock farming, and challenges such as dip tank issues. The study also explored opportunities for food sovereignty.

Students proposed tailored investments for each farmer typology and acknowledged stakeholder contributions. The session concluded with discussions on short- and long-term strategies to address smallholder farmers’ needs. Chitja invited stakeholder input to further the baseline study’s impact.

Researchers thanked UKZN’s SAEES, Cornell University, the Mooi Mpofana Agricultural Association, UMATI, DALRRD, NAMC, ARC, KwaZulu-Natal Private Abattoirs, the Siyaphambili Livestock Agricultural Primary Cooperative, and the communities of KwaXimba, Embo Hillcrest, Inanda, Emachobeni, Mpumuza, and Swayimane.

Words and photograph: Christine Cuénod