Abstract

TSHIKOLOMO, K.A. et al. Analysis of Stakeholders Influencing Smallholder Mango Production in Limpopo Province of South Africa. S Afr. Jnl. Agric. Ext. [online]. 2025, vol.53, n.6, pp.18-33. ISSN 2413-3221.  https://doi.org/10.17159/2413-3221/2025/v53n6a21405.

The purpose of this study was to determine the influence of stakeholders on smallholder mango production in Limpopo Province, aiming to increase the effectiveness of this influence. Purposive sampling of the population of 374 smallholder mango producers with a plot size of ±4.7ha was used. Primary data was collected from the smallholder producers using a structured questionnaire designed to include selected variables on stakeholder interactions and influence. Key stakeholders included the Limpopo Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (LDARD), the South African Mango Growers Association (SAMGA), the Agricultural Research Council (ARC) and the National Agriculture Marketing Council (NAMC). The LDARD provided broad support, mainly farm management and marketing information (57%), SAMGA provided production (fertiliser application and spraying) information (86%), ARC provided research information (92%), while NAMC provided market information (59%). Interactions with the producers were mainly through LDARD meetings (11%) and visits (41%), SAMGA meetings (70%) and visits (23%), ARC meetings (12%) and emails (9%), and NAMC meetings (10%) and visits (11%). Lack of transformation and budgetary constraints were the main challenges limiting smallholder mango production. The study is crucial for efficient resource deployment and the maximisation of impact from development initiatives, especially in our country, which faces severe budgetary constraints and associated austerity measures.

Keywords : Smallholder Mango Producer; Mango Production; Stakeholder; LDARD; SAMGA; ARC; NAMC; Limpopo Province.

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