Household consumption patterns were investigated to determine the impact of an income shock on household expenditure and to establish the potential for demand-led growth in a rural area of KwaZulu-Natal. Household consumption data were collected from sample households in the Embo ward of...

South African (SA) farmers are faced with a dynamic global economic and trade environment caused by the liberalisation of international markets and rapid advances in information and communication technologies In addition to dealing with the deregulation of domestic agricultural markets in the...

This study presents a production function analysis of fresh milk production in the Highlands of Eritrea, where most dairy farmers in Eritrea are located. To ensure representative production functions, this region was divided into three relatively homogenous study areas, namely Central Zone,...

Household consumption patterns were investigated to determine the impact of an income shock on household expenditure and to establish the potential for demand-led growth in a rural area of KwaZulu-Natal. Household consumption data were collected from sample households in the Embo ward of...

Three development finance institutions (DFIs) which operate in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN)province were assessed in 1996/97 to see how they could improve financial viability andoutreach to emerging farmers, agribusiness and micro-entrepreneurs. Improved servicequality and emphasis on mobilising savings...

Bivariate probit analysis was used to assess the efficacy of a South African microlender’s loanscreening process. This micro-lender grants short-term cash loans to individuals who areemployed and earning a fixed salary. Loan applicants with more stable incomes, who arecontactable via telephone...

This study analyses the importance and dimensions of risk sources and computer adoptionamong farmers in a changing economic policy and trade environment. A survey was conductedin 1996 among 112 commercial farmers in KwaZulu-Natal. The majority of respondents were infavour of a liberalized trade...

A study was conducted during 1994-1995 amongst policy makers, government officials, retailersand millers in Lesotho to review the maize marketing system and procedures for setting maizeprices at producer, mill-gate and consumer levels. Set prices distort price signals whichinfluence decisions to...

The productivity of small-scale sugarcane contractors affects not only their own profitability and sustainability, but that of other stakeholders as well, such as the small-scale sugarcane farmers they contract to and the sugar mills they supply with sugarcane. This study examines the attributes...