Small-scale livestock farmers' knowledge, attitudes, practices (KAPs), and willingness to pay for fodder seed technology in OR Tambo District Municipality of Eastern Cape Province, South Africa.
| dc.contributor.advisor | Aliber, M. | |
| dc.contributor.author | Toko, Ayabonga | |
| dc.date.accessioned | 2026-07-29T13:30:32Z | |
| dc.date.available | 2026-07-29T13:30:32Z | |
| dc.date.issued | 2025 | |
| dc.description | MSc dissertation | |
| dc.description.abstract | The importance of the adoption of agricultural technology in productivity and productivity gains can be realized when yield-enhancing technologies are used and disseminated. This study’s main objective was to analyse small-scale livestock farmers' knowledge, attitudes, practices (KAP), and willingness to pay (WTP) for fodder seed technology in the OR Tambo District Municipality, Eastern Cape, South Africa. Livestock farming is a vital component of the region's economy and food security; however, small-scale farmers face significant challenges, including poor-quality feed, land degradation, and climate change. The study's objectives included profiling small-scale livestock farmers’ demographic and socio-economic characteristics, assessing small-scale livestock farmers’ KAP regarding fodder seed technology, determining the relationship between their KAP regarding fodder seed technology and socio-economic characteristics, and examining small-scale livestock farmers’ WTP for fodder seed technology. Data was collected from 151 small-scale livestock farmers across three local municipalities of King Sabata Dalindyebo, Port St Johns, and Ingquza Hill using a semi-structured questionnaire. Purposive sampling procedures were employed to select small-scale livestock farmers who participated in this study. The ordered probit model was used to determine the relationship between farmer’s socioeconomic characteristics and their KAP. Where the dependent variable was the KAP and was regressed with a set of independent variables (socioeconomic characteristics of the farmers). For farmers’ knowledge of fodder seed technology, three variables were found to have a significant influence. The variables, age of the farmer, education level, and source of feed for livestock were significant at 5% 10%, and 5% significance levels respectively. For the attitude of the farmers toward fodder seed technology, two variables were found to have a significant influence. The variable farmer’s occupation status (Full-time/Part-time) was significant at a 5% significance level and the source of feed for livestock was found to be significant at a 1% significance level. For farmers’ practices towards fodder seed technology, three variables were found to be significant. Estimated monthly income was significant at a 10% significance level, source of feed was significant at a 5% significance level and sources of agricultural information were significant at 1%. The study also utilized the Contingent Valuation Method (CVM) to examine small-scale livestock farmers’ WTP for fodder seed technology. To assess how the socio-economic factors of farmers influence farmers' WTP for fodder seed technology, the study used a logistic regression model. Descriptive statistics showed that 95.36% of farmers are willing to invest in this technology, driven by the perceived benefits of increased livestock productivity and having livestock feed also in the dry seasons. Logistic regression analysis revealed that age negatively influences WTP for fodder seed technology, with older farmers being less inclined to adopt the technology. Gender was also a significant factor, with male farmers showing a higher likelihood of WTP when compared to female farmers. Additionally, higher estimated monthly income and larger household size were positively correlated with WTP, while larger arable land size, interaction with extension officers, and ownership of more goats were associated with a decreased likelihood of WTP. Despite the high willingness to adopt fodder seed technology, challenges such as high seed costs, limited access to credit, and inadequate extension services remain significant barriers. The study highlights the need for targeted policy interventions that improve access to financial services, enhance education on the benefits of fodder seed technology, and ensure the distribution of quality seeds. Addressing these challenges can significantly boost the adoption of fodder seed technology, thereby enhancing the sustainability and productivity of small-scale livestock farming in the region. | |
| dc.identifier.citation | Toko, A. (2025) Small-scale livestock farmers’ knowledge, attitudes, practices (KAPs), and willingness to pay for fodder seed technology in OR Tambo District Municipality of Eastern Cape Province, South Africa. MSc Agriculture (Agricultural Economics) dissertation. Alice: University of Fort Hare. | |
| dc.identifier.uri | http://hdl.handle.net/20.500.11837/4279 | |
| dc.language.iso | en | |
| dc.publisher | University of Fort Hare | |
| dc.subject | Farmers -- South Africa | |
| dc.subject | Forage plants | |
| dc.subject | Probits | |
| dc.title | Small-scale livestock farmers' knowledge, attitudes, practices (KAPs), and willingness to pay for fodder seed technology in OR Tambo District Municipality of Eastern Cape Province, South Africa. | |
| dc.type | Thesis | |
| person.identifier.orcid | 0000-0002-3155-508X |