Resilience and Constraints: Analyzing the Characteristics and Challenges of Small-scale Farming in Wegdraai Village, South Africa

Abstract

This paper critically examines the characteristics and challenges of small-scale farming in Wegdraai Village, Limpopo Province, South Africa. Drawing on secondary literature, comparative case studies, and thematic analysis, the paper integrates localized evidence such as reliance on family labour, fragmented plots under two hectares, and subsistence-oriented crop diversity with global perceptions from India, Kenya, and Ethiopia. The paper’s finding demonstrated that insecure land tenure, erratic rainfall, soil degradation, and limited access to irrigations and credit undermine productivity, while women and older adults disproportionately shoulder agricultural labour yet remain excluded from decision-making. Despite these constraints, informal networks and indigenous knowledge sustain resilience strategies. Thus, by situating Wegdraai Village within an agricultural ecosystem framework, the paper shows how systemic vulnerabilities disrupt farmer supplier market institution linkages. Therefore, the paper’s recommendations emphasize tenure reform, inclusive cooperations, climate-smart training, and youth focused agric-tech initiatives to strengthen resilience and ensure sustainable food security in marginalized communities.

Keywords: {'name': 'Characteristics and challenges of small-scale farming'}, {'name': 'Social-economic'}, {'name': 'Environmental'}, {'name': 'Institutional factors'}, {'name': 'Wegdraai Village'}

Authors & affiliations

Mahlodi Daniel Raphiri
University of Limpopo

Thanyani Madzivhandila
University of Limpopo

Kgalema Mashamaite
University of Limpopo

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