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An assessment
of the use of mineral and organic fertilizers by smallholder
farmers in Vhembe district, Limpopo province, South Africa
Jude J. O Odhiambo1*
and Vidah N. Magandini
1Department
of Soil Science, School of Agriculture, Rural Development
and Forestry, University of Venda,
Private Bag X5050, Thohoyandou, 0950, South Africa.
2Department
of Soil Science, School of Agriculture, Rural Development
and Forestry, University of Venda , Private Bag X5050,
Thohoyandou, 0950, South Africa.
*Corresponding author. E-mail:
Jude.Odhiambo@univen.ac.az
Accepted 15 April, 2008 |
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The use of mineral and organic fertilizers as straight
fertilizers or in appropriate combinations may alleviate the
problem of declining soil fertility and hence lead to
increased crop yields. The objectives of this study were to
(i) assess the use of mineral and organic fertilizer and
(ii) determine the constraints with regards to use of
inorganic and organic fertilizers by smallholder farmers in
Vhembe district municipality, Limpopo province, South
Africa. A survey of 84 randomly sampled farmers was
conducted using a standard questionnaire. An interview
schedule was the main tool of data collection while
descriptive statistics were the main analytical technique.
Of the farmers interviewed, 79% accessed information from
neighbouring farmers. Only 50% of the farmers had easy
access to fertilizers and the fertilizers were always
available when needed. However, 75% of the farmers could not
afford the required quantities of fertilizers due to limited
funds. Up to 97% of the farmers could not access any credit.
Over 65% of the farmers knew how and when to apply manure.
Manure was affordable and readily available but
transportation costs were high. Over 60% of the farmers
stored manure in the open leading to significant losses of
nutrients. Based on the results of this study, majority of
farmers could not afford fertilizers nor access credit
facilities. Fertilizer accessibility was still a problem in
some areas. Extension services, especially with regards to
information on the appropriate use of mineral and organic
fertilizers, were not available to most farmers.
Key words:
Mineral fertilizers, organic fertilizers, smallholder
farmers, Limpopo province. |
