Dissertations / Theses on the topic 'Agriculture – Malawi – Business management'

As leaders of small and medium enterprises (SMEs), strategic leaders are responsible for strategising, the approach to which is influenced by their cultural paradigm. The effects of this strategising are manifested in the day-to-day activities of these leaders. This study aims to build an understanding of the shared cultural assumptions of strategic leaders in agri-based processing SMEs and how these assumptions affect the strategising activities that are adopted when addressing critical incidents related to the internal integration and external adaptation of the SME. Using Strauss and Corbin‟s (1990) grounded theory method, this study develops a theory titled Conveniencing the Family in Business, which is induced from critical incidents. A sample of critical incidents was gathered from 44 qualitative interviews conducted with strategic leaders of various agri-based processing SMEs operating in Malawi. This study found that strategic leaders display persistent and stable pragmatic business survival mind sets, but dynamic cultural assumptions about relationships with organisation members. The cultural influence of these assumptions is manifested in two distinctive and alternative processes making up the theory of conveniencing the family in business. These are the humanising and commodifying of relationships with organisation members, and they are evident in hostile and friendly business environments, respectively. Humanising of relationships with all members of the organisation builds and capitalises on inclusive, organisation-wide social capital that secures the future of the business. On the other hand, commodifying of relationships with non-family organisation members weakens collective support, which becomes mainly dependent on family and friendship ties. Thus, commodifying of relationships serves to perpetuate the close integration of business activity and family requirements to ultimately convenience the family in business, and represents the desired modus operandi of strategic leaders. As strategic leaders of SMEs have not yet conceptualised this, providing them with the conceptual theory developed here may be helpful towards a consistent re-orientation of the internal organisational support in a way that does not exclude but rather harnesses the wider solidarity of organisation members. The process explained by this theory is iterative, dynamic and distinguishes patterns of relationships amongst organisation members, which either enhances or compromises their collective support for the leaders and the enterprise. This by implication affects the performance of the enterprise. The results of this study are discussed from the perspective of social exchange and social capital theory, thereby contributing to the understanding of the strategising activities of strategic leaders, as well as the processes of building or destroying social capital in this type of enterprise.

The effect of management practices used by smallholder farmers to improve soil quality and increase maize yield was examined in an 80 ha. micro-watershed of central Malawi. Because of the complexity inherent in smallholder farming systems, this research proposed the combination of participatory methods with analytical techniques developed in field ecology, such as multivariate and spatial analysis. During a Participatory Rural Appraisal (PRA), farmers identified factors potentially influencing soil quality and maize yield. One hundred and seventy-six (176) plots were located in twenty-nine (29) fields and characterized for management practices and biophysical characteristics. Soil samples were collected at each plot and analysed for a suite of properties. The maize yield was measured for both 1996--97 and 1997--98 seasons. A formal survey was used to gather information on household characteristics. Results showed that management practices that were promoted by a previous extension project, such as alley cropping and the planting of grass on contour ridges, were strongly correlated and found mainly in fields located closer to house compounds. Farmers with a higher proportion of their land under wetland gardens tended to use less agroforestry. Food security was associated with households that were able to purchase inorganic fertilizers, had larger landholding size, and owned livestock and woodlots. The effect of management practices on maize yield and soil quality was partially confounded with characteristics of the plot, such as slope, degradation level, number of years under cultivation or pest damage. Higher maize yield was observed in plots that were better managed, as expressed by the combination of different management practices, lower pest incidence, fewer erosion signs and higher soil fertility. Some positive effects of alley cropping on soil quality were observed in plots that were cultivated for a longer period and located on flatter land. This study demo

Small, medium and micro enterprises (SMMEs) are an important sector of any construction economy. The need for efficient SMMEs is well documented and cannot be over-emphasised. SMMEs are vital in their contribution to employment creation and value reorientation. However, their in process operations are not well understood and have rarely been addressed. The aim of this research was therefore to establish a base level of understanding of the operational core-face of SMMEs in Malawi. The methodology used included an extensive literature review and field survey conducted on 52 SMMEs. The field survey used the questionnaire instrument and random sampling. The critical findings from the literature were that there are binding constraints in the operations of SMMEs. The field survey confirmed the issues raised in the literature and posited the operational challenges as lack of finance, training and business skills; limited skills in Construction Information Technology (IT), and prevalence of unethical conduct amongst some of the stakeholders. The findings make an invaluable contribution to the search for solutions to the problems faced by construction SMMEs in Malawi and provide insight for further research in institutional weaknesses and policy issues regarding in this part of the world. The implications of the findings are that unless the limitations named above are resolved, SMMEs in Malawi will continue to experience poor growth and competitiveness. The recommendations include the developing of training programmes in business management, introduction of sector specific financing programmes and the provision of an appropriate regulatory and legislative framework. By establishing the core issues affecting the operations of SMMEs in the Malawian construction industry, the research has contributed to the enhancement of the understanding of this elusive subject.

Thesis (MDF (Business Management))--University of Stellenbosch, 2009.
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The risk of operating in a foreign investment climate is a subject of interest to most investors looking for opportunities to expand their international footprint. There are many organisations that provide risk assessments of the levels of threat of specific risks in foreign countries. However, most focus on political or what is commonly known as country risk or they provide a summary of ranking providing a comparison of different countries’ investment climate attractiveness. The make-up of the variables used in coming up with the ranking or a view on a particular country do not usually provide a level of detail that allows an analyst to understand the qualitative issues that give a country a particular rating assessment or ranking. This research has tried to address this gap by coming up with a detailed qualitative model that provides understanding of the key sources of information required for each major category of risk. The research also attempts to integrate as many aspects of the business environment that could affect a country. A particular case of Malawi has been chosen to demonstrate the level detail and understanding the investors need to reach before making a decision on whether to invest in a country. The research focuses on three major areas. The first is to provide a good understanding of what is currently available for analysts to use in determining risk factors of a particular environment or risk category. The second is to illustrate the uses and limitations of the options available in the form of assessment reports or assessment models. The third is to develop a model and demonstrate its use in the context of Malawi’s investment climate.
AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Die meeste van die beleggers op soek na geleenthede om hul internasionale voetspoor uit te brei, stel ook in die risiko belang wat besigheid in ’n buitelandse beleggingsklimaat inhou. Talle organisasies verskaf risiko-assesserings van die bedreigingsvlakke van spesifieke risiko’s in die buiteland. Die meeste van hulle kyk egter na politieke of landspesifieke risiko’s of hulle verskaf ’n opsomming waarin die ranglysposisies van die aanloklikheid van verskillende lande se beleggingsklimate vergelyk word. Die samestelling van die veranderlikes in hierdie ranglysposisies of oorsig van ’n spesifieke land verskaf gewoonlik nie voldoende detail aan die ontleder om die kwalitatiewe kwessies te verstaan wat aan ’n land ’n spesifieke assessering of ranglysposisie gee nie. Hierdie navorsing fokus op hierdie gaping deur ’n breedvoerige kwalitatiewe model te verskaf vir ’n beter begrip van die vernaamste inligtingsbronne wat vir elke groot risikokategorie vereis word. Hierdie navorsing poog ook om soveel aspekte van die sakeomgewing te integreer wat ’n land kan beïnvloed. Die spesifieke geval van Malawi is gekies om die vlak van detail en begrip te demonstreer wat beleggers nodig het voordat hulle ’n beleggingsbesluit ten opsigte van ’n land kan neem. Die navorsing lê op drie belangrike areas klem. Die eerste is om ’n goeie begrip te bied van die inligting wat tans aan ontleders beskikbaar is om die risikofaktore van ’n spesifieke omgewing of risikokategorie te bepaal. Die tweede is om die gebruike en beperkings te illustreer van die opsies wat in die vorm van assesseringsverslae of assesseringsmodelle beskikbaar is. Die derde is om ’n model te ontwikkel en die gebruik daarvan in die konteks van Malawi se beleggingsklimaat te demonstreer.

Thesis (MBA)--University of Stellenbosch, 2009.
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: This paper examines the price and income elasticity of demand for fuel products in Malawi. The data have been disaggregated into various sectors, agriculture, industry, construction, commercial transport, private motor vehicles and household, in order to fully understand the nature and magnitude of elasticity for each sector. Two methods were used - the simple economic method and the correlation coefficient method. This research covers a period of 10 years from 1995 to 2004. This period has been chosen in order to arrive at meaningful conclusions. The results show that each sector responds to price and income changes differently. The agricultural sector has been found to be inelastic to both price and income both in the short and long term. This sector, however, is sensitive to other factors like drought and currency depreciation. The industrial sector has been found to be very sensitive to both price and income changes both in the short and long term. The same trend has also been established for the construction sector and the commercial transport sector. In the private motor vehicle sector, petrol-powered private motor vehicles have been found to be inelastic to price as well as income both in the short and long term. The reason for this is lack of affordable alternative forms of transport. Tests for diesel-powered vehicles show very elastic results. The demand data may have been distorted by the fact that diesel demand for other equipment than vehicles could not be identified and it has been assumed that diesel bought at filling stations or reseller points is used by vehicles. There is evidence that diesel is also used for maize mills and generators. The household sector has been seen to be very sensitive to price and income changes. The reason for this is availability of substitutes such as charcoal, firewood and other forms of biomass fuel that are extensively used in rural areas. Income sensitivity is purely due to the fact that people in rural areas earn low income. The conclusions for the household sector are that first the government should remove the paraffin subsidy as it is not achieving its intended results. Secondly, the government should establish basic wages and also offer better prices to the subsistence sector.
AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Hierdie proefskrif ondersoek die elastisiteit van prys en inkomste in die aanvraag na brandtstofprodukte in Malawi. Om die aard en omvang van die elastisiteit in elke sektor ten volle te verstaan, is die data gedesegregeer in verskeie sektore, naamlik landbou, nywerheid, die boubedryf, handelsvervoer, privaat motorvoertuie en die huishoudelike sektor. Twee metodes is gebruik: die eenvoudige ekonomiese metode en die korrelasie-koeffisient-metode. Hierdie navorsing beslaan 'n tydperk van tien jaar vanaf 1995 tot 2004. Die tydperk is gekies om sodoende betekenisvolle gevolgtrekkings te kan maak. Die resultate dui aan dat die sektore verskillend op veranderings in prys en inkomste reageer. Daar is bevind dat die landbousektor glad nie elasties is nie wat betref prys sowel as inkomste, sowel op die kort- as langtermyn. Hierdie sektor is egter sensitief vir ander faktore soos droogte en die depresiasie van die geldeenheid. Daar is bevind dat die nywerheidsektor baie sensitief is vir prys-, sowel as inkomsteveranderings op die kort- en langtermyn. Dieselfde neiging is bevind vir die bousektor en die handelsvervoersektor. In die privaat motorsektor is bevind dat petrolaangedrewe motors nie elasties is nie wat betref prys sowel as inkomste op die kort- sowel as langtermyn. Die rede hiervoor is die gebrek aan bekostigbare alternatiewe vervoermiddels. Toetse vir dieselaangedrewe motorvoertuie dui uiters elastiese resultate aan. Die data wat betref aanvraag kon moontlik verkeerd voorgestel word as gevolg daarvan dat die dieselaanvraag vir ander toerusting as voertuig nie geidentifiseer word nie. Daar is veronderstel dat diesel wat by vulstasies en herverkooppunte gekoop is, vir voertuie gebruik is. Daar is bewyse dat diesel ook vir mieliemeule en kragopwekkers gebruik word.

Thesis (MBA)--Stellenbosch University, 2000.
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: This comparative study between the Malawian and the South African Labour Relations Act examines whether local industries in Malawi could benefit more from the new Act in comparison to the South African industries which also were exposed to a new Labour Relations Act. South Africa is the biggest exporter to Malawi representing 31% of total imports. Malawi is a net importer of goods relying on agricultural products such as tobacco, tea and sugar to earn foreign currency. The majority of manufactured goods are imported competing against a relative small local industry, which is not competitive and relies on import tariff for protection against cheaper imports. However, Malawi is a member of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) and is committed to import tariff reduction and eventual tariff elimination amongst SADC countries of which South Africa is also a member. This will have a devastating effect on Malawi's manufacturing industry if it cannot improve its competitiveness. One aspect that can assist local industries to become more competitive is the advent of the new Labour Relations acts introduced in both South Africa and Malawi following the historic and co-incidental change in both countries to multiparty democracy during 1994. Both acts recognise collective bargaining as the best means of resolving industrial disputes of interests. In order to make collective bargaining more effective, both acts require employers to disclose information deemed necessary for effective negotiations and bargaining. The acts attempt to assist in the process of reaching agreement between the parties. In Malawi, unresolved disputes must be referred to the Industrial Relations Court whereas the South African act replaced the Industrial Court with a new Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration. In addition, the South African Labour Relations Act introduced the workplace forums which are organisations consisting of elected employees who have the right to consult with the employer to reach joint agreement on matters of mutual concern. The Malawian Labour Relations Act requires an employer to recognise a trade union for collective bargaining if the trade union membership represents at least twenty per cent of the employees. However, the South African Labour Relations Act attempts to create a spirit of industrial democracy through joint decisionmaking and promotes the concept of majoritarianism and collective bargaining at industry level. In Malawi, if a dispute is unresolved and it concerns the interpretation of statutory provisions or any provisions of a collective agreement or contract of employment, either party to such a dispute may apply to the Industrial Relations Court for determination of the dispute. However, the South African Labour Relations Act has created two new structures, bargaining councils and statutory councils. These structures perform primarily a dispute resolution function as part of what is referred to in the Act as the self-regulation principle which underlines the entire Act. The South African Labour Relations Act thus promotes self-regulatory principles whereas the Malawian Labour Relations Act promotes dispute resolution measures through statutory structures. In terms of both acts, employees have the right to strike and employers have the right to initiate a lock-out. It is important to note that, in the case of Malawi, seven days notice prior to taking industrial action is required whereas in South Africa only forty-eight hours notice is required. The South African Labour Relations Act has introduced workplace forums for the purpose of preventing or minimising unilateral decision making by employers. It therefore encourages worker participation in managerial decision making through workplace forums. The Malawian Labour Relations Act has not made any provision for workplace forums or any similar structure. This is a significant weakness in the Malawian Labour Relations Act as the encouragement of worker participation in managerial decision making might well be instrumental in the reduction of conflict at the workplace and for both employees and employers to appreciate each others contending goals. Unlike the new Malawian Industrial Relations Act, the new South African Act has replaced the Industrial Court with a new dispute resolution system in the form of a Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration, which attempts to resolve disputes through the process of mediation and arbitration. The South African Labour Relations Act contains a whole chapter on unfair dismissals whereas the Malawian Labour Relations Act does not specifically address this issue. As to the effectiveness of the Malawian industrial relations system, several recommendations have been made in the following key areas: • Union representation; • Workplace forums; • Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration; and • Unfair dismissal.
AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Hierdie vergelykende studie van die Malawiese en Suid-Afrikaanse Wet op Arbeidsverhoudinge ondersoek of plaaslike nywerhede in Malawi meer kan baat van die nuwe Wet in vergelyking met die Suid-Afrikaanse nywerhede wat ook aan die nuwe Wet op Arbeidsverhoudinge blootgestel is. Suid-Afrika is die grootste uitvoerder na Malawi, met 'n 31 persent verteenwoordiging van die totale invoere. Malawi is 'n netto invoerder van goedere en maak staat op boerderyprodukte soos tabak, tee en suiker om buitelandse valuta te verdien. Die meerderheid van die vervaardigde goedere word ingevoer en ding mee teen 'n redelike klein plaaslike industrie wat nie kompeterend is nie en vir beskerming teen goedkoper invoere op invoertariewe staatmaak. Malawi is egter 'n lid van die Suider-Afrikaanse Ontwikkelingsgemeenskap en is daartoe verbind om invoertariewe te verlaag en dit uiteindelik tussen die Suider-Afrikaanse Ontwikkelingsgemeenskap-lande, waarvan Suid-Afrika ook 'n lid is, uit te skakel. Dit sal 'n vernietigende uitwerking op Malawi se vervaardigingsindustrie hê as hulle nie hul mededinging kan verbeter nie. Een aspek wat plaaslike nywerhede kan help om meer mededingend te word, is die koms van die nuwe Wet op Arbeidsverhoudinge wat, na aanleiding van die geskiedkundige en gelyktydige veranderinge in beide lande na veelpartydemokrasie in 1994, in beide Suid-Afrika en Malawi ingestel is. Beide wette erken kollektiewe bedinging as die beste manier om arbeidsgeskille oor belange te besleg. Om kollektiewe bedinging doeltreffender te maak, vereis beide wette dat werkgewers inligting openbaar maak wat nodig geag word vir doeltreffende onderhandelinge en bedinging. Die wette probeer help dat ooreenkomste tussen die partye bereik word. In Malawi moet geskille wat nie besleg kan word nie, na die Arbeidsbetrekkingehof verwys word terwyl die Suid-Afrikaanse wet die Nywerheidshof met 'n nuwe Kommissie vir Versoening, Bemiddeling en Arbitrasie vervang het. Hierbenewens het die Suid-Afrikaanse Wet op Arbeidsverhoudinge die werkplekforums ingestel. Dit is liggame wat bestaan uit werknemers wat gekies is en die reg het om met die werkgewer te beraadslaag om 'n gemeenskaplike ooreenkoms oor gemeenskaplike belange te bereik. Die Malawiese Wet op Arbeidsverhoudinge vereis dat 'n werkgewer 'n vakbond erken vir kollektiewe bedinging as die vakbond ledetal minstens 20 persent van die werknemers verteenwoordig. Die Suid-Afrikaanse Wet op Arbeidsverhoudinge poog egter om 'n gevoel van arbeidsdemokrasie te skep deur gesamentlike besluitneming en bevorder die konsep van meerderheid en kollektiewe bedinging op industrievlak. As 'n geskil in Malawi nie bygelê kan word nie en dit raak die interpretasie van statutêre bepalings of enige bepalings van 'n kollektiewe ooreenkoms of dienskontrak, kan enigeen van die party tot so 'n geskil by die Arbeidsbetrekkingehof aansoek doen om 'n beslissing oor die geskil. Die Suid- Afrikaanse Wet op Arbeidsverhoudinge het egter twee nuwe strukture geskep, onderhandelingsrade en statutêre rade. Hierdie strukture verrig hoofsaaklik 'n geskilbyleggingsfunksie as deel van waarna in die wet as die selfreguleringsbeginsel verwys word en wat die hele wet versterk. Die Suid-Afrikaanse Wet op Arbeidsverhoudinge bevorder dus selfreguleringsbeginsels terwyl die Malawiese Wet op Arbeidsverhoudinge geskilbyleggingsmetodes deur statutêre strukture bevorder. Ingevolge beide wette het werknemers die reg om te staak en werkgewers het die reg om 'n uitsluitaksie te inisieer. Dit is belangrik om daarop te let dat in die geval van Malawi, sewe dae kennis gegee moet word voor dat die nywerheidsaksie ingestel kan word, en in Suid-Afrika word slegs 48 uur kennis verlang. Die Suid-Afrikaanse Wet op Arbeidsverhoudinge het werkplekforums ingestel met die doel om eensydige besluitneming deur werkgewers te voorkom of tot die minimum te beperk. Dit moedig dus werkerdeelname in bestuursbesluitneming deur werkplekforums aan. Die Malawiese Wet op Arbeidsverhoudinge het nie vir werkplekforums of enige soortgelyke struktuur voorsiening gemaak nie. Dit is 'n groot swakheid in die Malawiese Wet op Arbeidsverhoudinge omdat aanmoediging van werkerdeelname in bestuursbesluitneming straks instrumenteel kan wees in die vermindering van konflik in die werkplek en beide werknemers en werkgewers mekaar se strydende doelwitte kan waardeer. Anders as die nuwe Malawiese Wet op Arbeidsverhoudinge, het die nuwe Suid- Afrikaanse wet die Nywerheidshof vervang met 'n nuwe geskilbeslegtingstelsel in die vorm van 'n Kommissie vir Versoening, Bemiddeling en Arbitrasie, wat poog om geskille deur die proses van bemiddeling en arbitrasie by te lê. Die Suid-Afrikaanse Wet op Arbeidsverhoudinge bevat 'n hele hoofstuk oor onregverdige afdanking waar die Malawiese Wet op Arbeidsverhoudinge dié saak nie spesifiek aanroer nie. Wat die doeltreffendheid van die Malawiese arbeidsverhoudinge-stelsel betref, is verskeie aanbevelings op die volgende gebiede gedoen: • Vakbondverteenwoordiging • Werkplekforums • Kommissie vir Versoening, Bemiddeling en Arbitrasie • Onregverdige afdanking

The focus of this qualitative descriptive single case study was exploring and developing an understanding of how to leverage the service-dominant (S-D) logic framework theory and service ecosystem concept to assist small family farm owners from the crops category in Connecticut to attain a sustainable future. Participants answered 10 questions about their experiences and perceptions of the service ecosystem concept and the innovative strategies they have implemented into their business plans. Data were collected through in-depth, face-to-face interviews, unstructured observation, social media analysis, and document collection to achieve data triangulation. MAXQDA software was used to assist with coding and analysis. Two research questions guided this study. The first was as follows: How can the development of a service ecosystem influence the ability of small family-owned farms in Connecticut to advance and achieve a sustainable future? The second was the following: What strategic methods are designed in the farms’ business model for innovation and sustainability? The findings indicated that a service ecosystem was present at the metatheoretical and micro aggregation levels. The value of this research study is the contributions to the literature in the first investigation that describes the relationship between the S-D logic framework and service ecosystem concept where the farmers of small family farms have efficiently developed, implemented, and managed a service ecosystem to advance sustainability. Recommendations for future research include: (a) a study of cooperative marketing (farmers markets) in a structural equation modeling analysis with the imperfect competition theory and the phenomenon of small farmers and (b) a study on an expanded service ecosystem with multiple actors, where the phenomenon of small and mid-sized farms are extended to the midrange theoretical and meso aggregation levels from the S-D logic landscape.

Environmental sustainability in buildings is an important part of preserving the environment and reducing climate change. The increasing amount of physical infrastructure systems in Malawi has not been accompanied by policy-makers clearly understanding perceptions and attitudinal behaviors of building designers to promote environmental sustainability. Some building designers in Malawi might not be practicing sustainability innovations adequately, requiring more research to understand their perceptions and behaviors. The purpose of this mixed methods sequential and explanatory study was to explore how building designers' behaviors relate to the implementation of sustainability innovations in Malawi. Ajzen's theory of planned behavior explaining how attitudinal behaviors relate to individual's actions, served as the conceptual framework. The central research question investigated perceptions and attitudinal behaviors building designers hold about sustainability, and how these behaviors connect with practicing sustainability innovations. Data collection used a Likert scale questionnaire to capture behavior items. A sample of 99 individuals working in building organizations completed the questionnaire. Multiple linear regression analysis showed attitude behavior influenced practicing sustainability more than the subjective and perceived control behaviors. Interviews with 24 participants supported the analytical finding. Government and policy-makers were the target audience. Knowledge about behaviors toward sustainability innovations enables government and policy-makers strategize and change stakeholders' mindset to increase sustainability practices thereby impacting societal change in the construction communities.

Thesis (MBA)--Stellenbosch University, 2002.
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: This study reviews the development and current status of the weather derivative market in the world. As technology has improved, man's potential to model the unpredictable has come to the fore. Changes in the macro economic environment have prompted business to diversify. Deregulation in the American energy market and the advent of weather phenomenon like EI Nino and La Nina enticed large business to hedge their risk exposure in a different way than traditional diversification. Risk for the agriculture sector can be divided into three categories: Price risk, event risk and yield risk. Price risk has been managed by the incorporation of options and futures in the marketing of produce and acquiring of requisites. In conclusion the research finds that the SA market has the potential to grow faster than its American and European counterparts partly because techniques developed can be "leap frogged", but mostly because the SA environment induces smaller contracts that will lead to more market participants and eventually to higher liquidity.
AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Hierdie studie bespreek die ontwikkeling en huidige stand van die Weer afgeleide instrumente mark in die wêreld. Soos tegnology verbeter het, het die mens se vermoeë om die onsekere te voorspel na vore getree. Veranderings in die makro ekonomiese omgewing het besighede genoodsaak om te diversifiseer. Deregulasie van die Amerikaanse energy mark en weerverskynsels soos EI Nino en La Nina het groot besighede verplig om risiko te verskans deur middel van 'n ander metode as tradisionele diversifikasie. Risiko in die landbou sektor kan verdeel word in drie kategorie; prys risiko, gebeurtenis risiko en laastens opbrengs risiko. In die verlede is prys risiko bestuur deur die insluiting van afgeleide opsies in die bemarkingsaksie van kommoditeite. Gebeurtenis risiko is beheer deur oes versekering en die laaste word deesdae deur weer afgeleide instrumente bestuur. In samevatting bevind die navorsing dat die Suid Afrikaanse mark die potensiaal bevat om vinnig te groei. Deels omdat tegnieke wat ontwikkel is gebruik kan word en deels omdat die Suid Afrikaanse omgewing kleiner kontrakte, dog meer deelnemers in die mark stimuleer.

Thesis (MBA)--Stellenbosch University, 2000.
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: A study was conducted within the Argicultural Research Council Infruitec-Nietvoorbij, by means of a questionnaire, regarding the application of project management. The study was done to investigate and bring forth opinions and reasons why project management is deemed to be unsuccessful within the ARC Infruitec-Nietvoorbij. A comprehensive study of literature regarding the successful application of project management within an organisation, was done. This was used to develop a questionnaire applicable to the ARC Infruitec-Nietvoorbij, to test the above mentioned perceptions. With the analysis of the quantitative and qualitative outcomes of the questionnaire, opinions and perceptions of the respondents were identified, which should be of interest to the ARC Infruitec-Nietvoorbij. These opinions and perceptions undoubtedly influence the dynamics of the working environment and will in future influence the successful application of project management within the ARC Infruitec-Nietvoorbij. Therefore some areas of concern were identified which need attention before the ARC Infruitec- Nietvoorbij can be truly successful in the implementation of project management. With the analysis of the quantitative and qualitative outcomes of the questionnaire, the results also indicated that "conventional" project management, as applied to the engineering, architectural and construction fields, can not without further ado, merely be applied in a research environment and specifically the ARC Infruitec-Nietvoorbij. The ARC Infruitec-Nietvoorbij needs to give specific attention to the development of an own methodology to apply project management in the ARC Infruitec-Nietvoorbij. This methodology needs to be relayed by means of a specific strategy and policy inherent to the ARC Infruitec-Nietvoorbij.
AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: 'n Studie is gedoen by die Landbou Navorsingsraad Infruitec-Nietvoorbij aangaande die aanwending van projekbestuur, deur middel van 'n vraelys. Die studie is gedoen om opinies en redes uit te bring waarom projekbestuur onsuksesvol is by die LNR Infruitec- Nietvoorbij. 'n Omvattende literatuurstudie aangaande die suksesvolle aanwending van projekbestuur in 'n organisasie is gedoen. Die bevindinge uit die literatuurstudie is aangewend om 'n vraelys te ontwikkel wat van toepassing is op die Landbou Navorsingsraad Infruitec-Nietvoorbij, om sodoende die bogenoemde persepsies te toets. Met die analise van die kwantitatiewe en kwalitatiewe gedeeltes van die vraelys, is opinies en persepsies van die deelnemers geïdentifiseer wat betekenisvol vir die LNR Infruitec-Nietvoorbij behoort te wees. Die opinies en persepsies beïnvloed beslis die funksionaliteit van die werkomgewing en sal ook in die toekoms die suksesvolle aanwending van projekbestuur in die LNR Infruitec-Nietvoorbij beïnvloed. Daar is 'n aantal areas geïdentifiseer, waaraan aandag geskenk sal moet word, voordat die LNR Infruitec-Nietvoorbij werklik suksesvol met projekbestuur sal wees. Met die analise van die kwantitatiewe en kwalitatiewe gedeeltes van die vraelys het die resultate ook aangedui dat "konvensionele" projekbestuur soos toegepas in die ingenieurs-, argitektoniese-, en konstruksievelde, nie summier by die LNR Infruitec- Nietvoorbij en spesifiek in 'n navorsingsomgewing toegepas kan word nie. Die LNR Infruitec-Nietvoorbij moet spesifiek aandag skenk aan die ontwikkeling van 'n eie metodologie. Dié metodologie moet deur middel van 'n spesifieke strategie en beleid in the LNR Infruitec-Nietvoorbij gepromulgeer word.

Thesis (MBA)--Stellenbosch University, 2011.
AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Die besigheidsomgewing van die landbou industrie ondervind huidiglik baie veranderinge op makro sowel as teikenmarkomgewing met faktore wat nie noodwendig in die nabye toekoms gaan verbeter nie. Gebeure op die makro en teikenmarkomgewing het gelei tot meer onsekerheid en verhoogde mededinging binne die industie. Die doel van hierdie studie is om 'n perspektief te gee van 'n volhoubare besigheidsmodel vir Denau Boerdery, 'n familebesigheid, primêr betrokke in die produksie van tafeldruiwe en sagtesitrus. Met 'n analise van die eksterne en interne omgewing waarbinne Denau Boerdery opereer poog hierdie studie om die besigheid strategies kompeterend te posisioneer vir die langtermyn. Die navorsingsvraag van die studie is: Wat is die optimale besigheidsmodel vir Denau Boerdery om volhoubaar kompeterend geposisioneer te wees oor geslagte heen? Die ondersoekvelde wat op hierdie probleem impakteer is die rigting waarin die globale sagtevrugtebedryf neig ten opsigte van produksie, verpakking, verkoeling, distribusie en die dinamika binne die bemarkingswêreld vir tafeldruiwe en sitrus. 'n Kombinasie van interpretivisme (interpretivism) en subjektivisme (subjectivism) is as navorsingsfilosofie in hierdie studie gebruik. 'n Induktiewe benadering is in hierdie studie gebruik. Die resultaat van die induktiewe benadering sal wees om 'n teoretiese model te formuleer. Die benadering van hierdie studie is om 'n gevallestudie te doen met Denau Boerdery as die onderwerp van die gevallestudie. Kwalitatiewe data is ingesamel deur relevante literatuur en semi-gestruktureerde onderhoude. Vir die doel van hierdie studie is strategie gedefinieer as die kompeterende aksies en bestuursbenadering wat bestuurders gebruik om die besigheid te groei en om klante te trek en te bevredig. Hierdie kompeterende aksies en bestuursbenadering het ten doel om suksesvol mee te ding en operasionele aktiwiteite so uit te voer dat geteikende vlakke van organisatoriese prestasie bereik word. Waar tradisionele strategie gefokus het op die pas van bestaande hulpbronne op ontwikkelende geleenthede, probeer 'n dinamiese strategiese benadering om gapings vir organisasies sigbaar te maak tussen hulpbronne en aspirasies. Hierdie geidentifiseerde gapings skep die energie en motivering vir bestuur om aksie te mobiliseer wat die balans herstel. Die studie toon dat strategiese argitektuur beskryf kan word as 'n hoëvlak bloudruk vir die ontwikkeling van nuwe funksionaliteite, die verkryging van nuwe vaardighede of die migrasie van bestaande vaardighede en 'n omvorming van die interaksie tussen besighede en kliënt. Die strategiese argitektuur is 'n organisasie se kern logika om waarde te skep op 'n volhoubare basis en vorm daarom die grondslag van 'n organisasie se kompeterende potensiaal. Dit beïnvloed ook die huidige kompeterende optrede van 'n onderneming en kan daarom verduidelik hoekom 'n onderneming dalk nie kompeterend in huidige omstandighede is nie. Die strategiese argitektuur van 'n besigheid is nie dieselfde as die besigheidsmodel nie. Die strategiese argitektuur van 'n besigheid is 'n meer uitgebreide en omvattende strategiese beskrywing. Die besigheidsmodel is 'n integrale onderafdeling van die strategiese argitektuur. Volgens die litratuurstudie bestaan die hoofkomponente van 'n strategiese argitektuur die analise en ontwikkeling van: - beskrywings van kern aspirasie of 'n strategiese filosofie bestaande uit die missie, visie en organisasie waardes; - die eksterne omgewing - 'n konteksanalise wat die kompetisie in die industrie asook verbruikersneigings en -patrone reflekteer; - die interne omgewing - 'n konteks-analise bestaande uit 'n finansiële analise, interne waardeketting, kernvaardighede, produk posisioneringsanalise en strategiese kwessie-analise -'‟n besigheidsmodel-beskrywing wat die volgende insluit: o deelnemingstrategie o hulpbronstrategie o kompeterende strategie o winsstrategie - die scenarios en vooruitsigte; - die strategie-uitvoeringspraktyke wat die volgende insluit: o strategiese temas of fokusareas o strategiese padkaart wat strategiese doelwitte verteenwoordig o gebalanseerde telkaart wat strategiese metings verteenwoordig - 'n strategiese innovasiesiklus wat insluit: o besigheidsmodel-innovasie o interne en eksterne begrip o konvergerende en divergerende strategiese gesprekke. Die studie beklemtoon die belangrikheid van die implimentering van 'n strategie. Gesofistikeerde beleggers het tot die gevolgtrekking gekom dat uitvoering van strategie selfs belangriker is as visie. Navorsing toon dat twee woorde gereeld opduik waar deurbrake by uitvoering van strategie gemaak is naamlik: 'belyning' en 'fokus'. Strukture word ontwerp om die uitvoering van die strategiese plan te dryf. Strukture maak dit vir mense moontlik om verwagtinge waaraan hulle moet voldoen op so 'n wyse te definieer dat dit altyd fokus om die kapasiteit van die sisteem te verbeter en sodoende die bestaande verbruikers gelukkig te hou en nuwe verbruikers te trek. Om dit te bereik definieer die organisasie baie duidelik wat van mense op alle verantwoordelikheidsvlakke verwag word om hierdie doel te bereik. Volhoubaarheid van 'n besigheid beteken om besigheidsbedrywighede so uit te voer dat dit nie die vermoë van toekomstige geslagte om na hulself om te sien, benadeel nie. Vir hierdie studie is die term volhoubaarheid in 'n strategiese ekonomiese konteks gebruik en het nie op die natuurlike en sosiale aspekte gefokus nie. Uit die literatuur kan korporatiewe bestuur soos volg gedefinieer word: dit is die gepaste samestelling van die raad van direkteure se strukture, prosesse en waardes om te voldoen aan die vinnig veranderende vraag van aandeelhouers en belangegroepe oor hul besigheid Die King III verslag poog om aan die spits van internasionale korporatiewe bestuur te bly. Die filosofie van die verslag handel oor leierskap, volhoubaarheid en korporatiewe eienaarskap. Die onderwerp van studie in hierdie tesis is 'n gevallestudie van 'n familiebesigheid. Vir hierdie studie is 'n famliebesigheid soos volg definieer: - ten minste 51 persent van die besigheid besit; - ten minste twee familielede betrokke is by die bestuur van die besigheid; en - die oorgee van bestuur en eienaarskap na die volgende generasie in die familie in die vooruitsig gestel word. Uit die literatuur is dit duidelik dat in diepte kennis van 'n besigheid se eksterne en interne omgewing 'n voorvereiste vir bestuurders is om daarin te slaag om 'n strategie te formuleer en te belyn met die besigheid se situasie en omgewing om sodoende te bou op die mededingende voordeel en die besigheid se prestasie te verbeter. Dit is duidelik dat Denau Boerdery in 'n baie mededingende omgewing besigheid doen. Faktore in Denau Boerdery se makro-omgewing wat nie ignoreer kan word in hul strategiese posisionering is die onsekerheid wat 'n gebrek aan 'n groenskrif vir grondhervorming te weeg bring, die wisselvallige wisselkoers, MIV/Vigs se gevolge en klimaatsverandering se potensiele negatiewe gevolge. Faktore in die teikenmarkomgewing wat die grootste invloed op Denau Boerdery se strategiese posisionering kan uitoefen sluit in: - nuwe geleenthede en markte as gevolg van globalisering, - verandering in die koopkrag van supermarkte, - meer gesofistikeerde verbruikers, - intergrasie moontlikhede in die waardeketting, en - verhoudinge met sleutel besluitnemers in die mark. Denau Boerdery se interne analise toon dat die besigheid finansieel gesond is en oor 'n sterk balanstaat beskik. Denau Boerdery weeg goed op teen die meeste van die industrie se KSF'e, maar produksievolumes per hektaar kan verbeter. Voorwaardse integrasie van die besigheid deur as 'n produsente uitvoerder geposisioneer te wees pas in by huidige marktendense. Denau Boerdery volg 'n gefokusde gedifferensieerde strategie en die waardeproposisie is in opsomming op die volgende elemente gebou: - Effektiewe waardeketting na verbruikers. - Die Hoekstra Superfruit Handelsmerk. - Hoekstra Fruit Exporters se vermoë om druiwe vanaf November tot April te lewer. - Persoonlike identifisering met die Hoekstra handelsmerk en die deurlopende ontwikkeling van die handelsmerk. - Die lewering van 'n diens aan supermarkte om produkte op die regte tyd, in die gevraagde kwalitiet, in die ooreengekome hoeveelheid met die korrekte dokumentasie te voorsien. - Goeie, direkte verhoudinge met sleutel besluitnemers in die mark. - Voldoening aan alle internationale etiese en voedselveiligheidsakreditasies.
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The business environment of the agricultural industry is currently experiencing many changes on macro level as well as in the target market environment, with factors that may not necessarily improve in the near future. Events in the macro- and target market environments lead to more uncertainty and increased competition within the industry. The goal of this study is to give a perspective of a sustainable business model for Denau Farms, a family business involved mainly in the production of table grapes and soft citrus. With an analysis of the external and internal environments within which Denau Farms operates, this study aims to position the business for strategic competitiveness in the long term. The research question of this study is: “What is the optimal business model for Denau Farms to be positioned in a sustainable and competitive way over a number of generations?” The research fields that impact on this problem relates to the direction in which the global deciduous fruit industry tends regarding production, packaging, cooling, distribution and the dynamics within the marketing world of grapes and citrus. A combination of interpretivism and subjectivism is used as research philosophy in this study and an inductive approach was used. The result of the inductive approach will be to formulate a theory. The strategy is to do a case study with Denau Boerdery as the subject of the study. Qualitative data was collected through relevant literature and semi-structured interviews. For the purpose of this study, strategy is defined as the competitive action and management approach that managers use to grow a business and to draw and satisfy client's needs. These competitive actions and managment approach aims to compete successfully and perform operational activities in such a way that targeted levels of organisational performance can be reached. Where traditional strategy focuses on fitting existing resources to developing opportunities, a strategic aim points out gaps between resources and aspirations. The study shows that strategic architecture can be described as a high level blueprint for the development of new functionalities, the acquiring of new skills or the migration of current skills and the transformation of the interaction between businesses and clients. The strategic architecture is an organisation's core logic to create value on a sustainable basis and, therefore, forms the foundation of an organisation's competitive potential. It also influences the current competitive behaviour of an organisation and can, therefore, explain why an organisation is not currently competitive. The strategic architecture of a business is not the same as the business model. The strategic architecture of a business is more expanded and an extensive strategic description. The business model is only one subdivision of the strategic architecture. According to the literature, the main components of a strategic architecture is the analysis and development of: - descriptions of core aspirations of a strategic philosophy existing of the mission, vision and organisation's values; - the external environment – a context analysis reflecting the competition in the industry as well as the consumer trends and patterns; - the internal environment – a context analysis existing of a financial analysis, internal value chain, core skills, product positioning analysis and strategic issue analysis; - a business model description including the following; o participation strategy o resource strategy o competitive strategy o profit strategy - the scenarios and prospects; - the strategy implementation practices consisting of the following; o strategic themes of focus areas o strategic roadmap representing strategic goals o balanced scorecard representing strategic measures - a strategic innovation cycle including; o business model innovation o internal and external understanding o convergent and divergent strategic talks The study accentuates the importance of implementing a strategy. Sophisticated investors have come to the conclusion that the execution of a strategy is even more important than vision. Research shows that two words often surface where breakthroughs are made in the execution of a strategy, namely alignment and focus. Structures are designed to drive the execution of the strategic plan. Structures make it possible for people to define the expectations they must adhere to in such a way that it always focuses on improving the capacity of the system in order to keep the current consumers happy and to draw new consumers. To achieve this goal, the organisation clearly defines what is expected of people on all levels of responsibility. Sustainability of a company means to execute business activities in such a way that it doesn't disadvantage the ability of future generations to look after themselves. For this study, the term sustainability is used in a strategic economic context and doesn't focus on the natural and social aspects. From the literature, corporate management is defined as: the appropriate composition of the board of directors' structures, processes and values to comply with the fast changing demand of shareholders and interest groups about their business. The King III report aims to stay on the cutting edge of international corporate management. The philosophy of the report concerns leadership, sustainability and corporate ownership. The subject of the study in this thesis is a case study of a family business. For this study, a family business is defined as follows: - at least 51 percent of the business is owned by the family; - at least two family members are involved in the management of the business; and - there is the prospect of handing over the management and ownership to the next generation in the family. From the literature, it is clear that in-depth knowledge of a business' external and internal environment is a prerequisite for managers to be able to successfully formulate a strategy and to align it with the business situation and environment in order to build upon the competitive advantage and improve the business‟ achievement. It is clear that Denau Farms is doing business in a very competitive environment. Factors in Denau Farms' macro environment that cannot be ignored for their strategic positioning is the uncertainty that a lack of a green paper for land reform brings about, the fluctuating exchange rate, the effects of HIV/Aids and climate change's potential negative effects. Factors in the target market environment that can have the greatest influence on Denau Farms' strategic positioning include: - new opportunities and markets that is a result of globalisation, - changes in the buying power of supermarkets, - more sophisticated consumers, - integration possibilities in the value chain, - relationships with key decision makers in the market. Denau Farms' internal analysis shows that the business is financially sound and has a strong balance sheet. Denau Farms weigh up well against most of the industry's critical success factors (CSFs) but production volumes per hectare can improve. Forward integration of the business through being positioned as a producer-exporter fits in with current market trends. Denau Farms follow a focused, differentiated strategy and the value proposition is built on the following elements: - Effective value chain to consumers - Access to the Hoekstra Superfruit trademark - Hoekstra Fruit Exporters' ability to deliver grapes from November to April - Own interest - Good, direct relationships with key decision makers in the market - Compliance to all international ethical and food safety accreditation

Master of Agribusiness
Department of Agricultural Economics
Michael R. Langemeier
This thesis was written for the purpose of looking at the feasibility of operating a prospective business; a farm and ranch in southern Idaho. For practical reasons, I looked at a specific farm consisting of 600 irrigated acres, which are irrigated via 5 center pivots. Attached to the farm is an additional 400 acres of pasture ground seeded to crested wheat. In conjunction with operating the farm, I examined the feasibility of leasing a 300 head commercial cow herd from a separate owner than the land owner. Summer pasture for the cows would be leased from a grazing association located in northern Nevada and winter feed would come from the farm pasture, crop aftermath located on the farm, and corn stalks from a neighboring farm. Crops looked at being produced were grain corn and alfalfa hay. Operating cost projections were made using current market values, while the price received for each commodity is based on ten-year historical prices. Historical prices were used to determine whether the business is viable in the long-run. Rent on the farm is based on a 60/40 percent crop share of which the land owner’s share is 40 percent. Lease payment for the cow herd is based on a 2/3, 1/3 calf crop split of which the cow owner’s share is 1/3 of the calf crop. After analyzing the operation’s financials the business is not feasible.

A comparative study was performed to identify personal characteristics and motivation of volunteer leaders from two youth groups; 4-H and Campfire. Criteria under study were appraised using questionnaires. Data analysis based on the responses obtained from 64 volunteer leaders. The personal characteristics investigated included expected period of service, support and encouragement, time spent on volunteer activities, satisfaction from service rendered, enrollment of volunteer leaders children, place of residence, length of residence, educational level, employment status, age, gender, and ethnicity. Affiliation, achievement, and power motivation factors were assessed. Most of the personal characteristics investigated were determined to be similar in the two groups. Major differences were found in the place of residence and tenure period. Youth leaders in both groups responded to the motivation inventory in a similar manner, although the two groups originated in rural and urban environments. The 4-H and Campfire volunteer leaders were highly achievement and affiliation motivated.

Master of Agribusiness
Department of Agricultural Economics
Vincent Amanor-Boadu
Business plans are a necessity for new ventures. The plan helps to set goals for the business, establishes a good product and customer base, looks at competition, provides management strategies and develops a financial plan and succession/exit strategy. This thesis assesses the business plan that was developed for a 9,300 acre farm in Southwestern Wisconsin from an ex post perspective when assumptions about the future have been realized. It assesses the strategic direction, objectives and financial projections that were made and the assumptions that underlay the projections. The research provides a discussion of a family farming operation that ultimately became a banking investment at the cost of many family members’ lifestyles. The farm did continue on, but not with the same operators that had goals to build a new venture from the existing one. This research evaluates the financial information to determine whether the farm could have been a feasible proposition under the specified conditions. Also, the business plan is evaluated using hindsight information to assess the errors in assumptions and their effects on the projected cash flows, profitability and balance sheet situations. The research assesses the role that the template approach to the business planning process played in the results, and explored if the process model or the Cascade Approach® might have produced different recommendations. The entrepreneurial behaviors under uncertainty are discussed and evaluated, with the hubris being an underlying factor in the plan. It is concluded that the assumptions entrepreneurs make are often over-optimistic. There is, therefore, a need to temper entrepreneurs’ enthusiasm about their projects with reality to control their natural hubris.

Thesis (MBA)--Stellenbosch University, 2012.
Contract farming is being given renewed attention on the African continent in the wake of reduced public expenditure for credit programmes. Many African countries have recognised the potential of contract farming in linking farmers to viable markets and stimulating agricultural production in the face of globalisation. In Zimbabwe prior to 1998, smallholder farmers were poorly integrated in the cash economy and had extremely low incomes, largely due to poor access to productivity-enhancing inputs. Small-scale farmers were marginalised as the economy focused on the larger commercial farms. Currently, mainstream banks have been unable to provide funding due to their own capital inadequacy and the view that smallholder farming is a risky and unprofitable sector. There is also a shift in roles as the government moves from direct participation in agricultural production and marketing towards facilitation, legislation and enforcement. The private sector is now participating more actively in the agricultural sector, providing credit to smallholder farmers. This research seeks to better understand the partnership between private and public sector players in Zimbabwe’s agricultural credit programmes, through a study of Leo Marketing and the Zimbabwe Agricultural Market Development initiative called the Agricultural Input Supply Programme (AISP). In this research, the Mutasa Garlic Project, implemented by the AISP, has been analysed to achieve the objective. One hundred smallholder farmers have been contracted to commercially produce garlic in the Mutasa district. Using a sample of 20 farmers, the study examined how this financing model contributes to improved access to productivity-enhancing inputs, viable markets and technical expertise for the farmers. The analysis indicates that farmers have access to inputs but the model still needs improvement in distributing them efficiently to ensure that all farmers have their inputs in time for the planting season. Marketing and extension services in the project are operating well. The study reveals that there is potential for growth in the number of farmers contracted to the programme. As the contracting model continues to improve, the same model can be used for similar projects in surrounding districts.

Thesis (MBA)--Stellenbosch University, 2010.
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The Marketing of Agricultural Products Act 47 (No 47 if 1996) led to the dilution of single-channel marketing in the agricultural sector. Hence, marketing boards such as the Maize Board were dismantled. New legislation forced agricultural businesses to adapt to the changing environment and turn co-operatives into companies. The new developments also implied that these companies had to reposition themselves to be more competitive in a deregulated market. MGK Group Operating Company Pty (Ltd) is a prominent role player in the agricultural sector in the North West, Limpopo, Mpumalanga and Gauteng provinces in South Africa. Unexpected growth in the company as well as the deregulation of the industry necessitated a bona fide marketing communication department to manage and coordinate all advertising, promotional and communication efforts. After establishing this department all marketing communication efforts were still fragmented. Consequently, the cost-effectiveness of this department was questioned by the company’s board of directors. The MGK Group’s the board of directors received a mandate to follow a holistic approach and formulate a strategy to enhance the impact of its marketing communication efforts while cutting costs. This study sets out to establish whether the implementation of an integrated marketing communication programme can ultimately satisfy the board of directors’ requirements for marketing communication that is more accountable, effective and efficient. This study starts with a literature review of the practices and theories underpinning integrated marketing communication. This is followed by testing the applicability of the various approaches and methodologies in the MGK Group environment. The study is concluded with the formulation of a marketing communication strategy and recommendations based on the needs of the MGK Group.
AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Die Wet op die Bemarking van Landbouprodukte (Nr 47 van 1996) het eenkanaal-bemarking in die sektor verwater. Dit het daartoe gelei dat bemarkingsrade soos die Mielieraad afgeskaf is. Nuwe wetgewing het landbou-ondernemings genoop om in 'n veranderende sake-omgewing aan te pas en koöperasies in maatskappye te omskep. Die aanpassing het ook beteken dat maatskappye hulself in 'n meer mededingende en gedereguleerde mark moes herposisioneer. Die MGK Groep Bedryfsmaatskappy Edms Bpk is 'n vooraanstaande rolspeler in die landbousektor in die volgende provinsies in Suid-Afrika: Noordwes, Limpopo, Mpumalanga en Gauteng. Onverwagse groei asook die deregulering van die bedryf het meegebring dat dié maatskappy 'n bona fide bemarkingskommunikasie-afdeling nodig gehad het om alle reklame-, promosie- en kommunikasie-aktiwiteite te bestuur en te koördineer. Nadat die afdeling op die been gebring is, het bemarkingskommunikasie-aktiwiteite steeds los van mekaar gestaan. Dit het daartoe gelei dat die kostedoeltreffendheid van die funksie op divisievlak bevraagteken is. Die direksie van die MGK Groep het 'n mandaat gehad om 'n holistiese benadering te volg en 'n strategie te formuleer om die impak sowel as die kostedoeltreffendheid van die maatskappy se bemarkingskommunikasie te verbeter. Hierdie studie poog om vas te stel of die implementering van 'n geïntegreerde bemarkingskommunikasieplan uiteindelik in die direksie van die MGK Groep se behoefte aan verantwoordbare, doeltreffende en doelmatige bemarkingskommunikasie kan voorsien. Die studie begin met 'n literatuuroorsig van die praktyk en teorie van geïntegreerde bemarkingskommunikasie. Daarna word die toepaslikheid van die onderskeie benaderings en metodologieë ten opsigte van die MGK Groep getoets. Die studie word afgesluit met 'n bemarkingskommunikasiestrategie en aanbevelings wat op die behoeftes van die MGK Groep gegrond is.

Thesis (MDF)--Stellenbosch University, 2011.
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Agricultural financing has a wide and deep history in Nigeria, owing to the fact that the Nigerian economy has huge potentials for growth especially from its agriculture sector which is the second largest contributor to GDP. Since the establishment of the Agricultural Credit Guarantee Scheme over 30 years ago, the total sum of 647,351 loans amounting to over N34 billion have been disbursed to farmers as at 2009. The result from this study shows that the guarantee scheme has been effective in providing agricultural financing as well as stimulating agricultural production in Nigeria. More specifically, the study found that, out of the five variables used in the models to determine agricultural performance, the credit finance provided under the ACGS and foreign exchange rates was found to be statistically significant to agricultural output. The credit provided under the ACGS has a significant effect on aggregate output; it was also found that the crop and the fishery subsectors are significantly affected by the credit finance provided under the ACGS, due to their short gestation period. However, the livestock and forestry subsectors do not have an immediate significant relationship with the credit finance due to their long gestation period; rather, they have a significant relationship with the depreciation of foreign exchange rates. A major policy implication from the study is that the government should continue to promote and support the operations of the ACGS to encourage farmers to invest their best efforts in agricultural production in Nigeria for food production and for enhanced agricultural export.

Thesis (MBA)--Stellenbosch University, 2001.
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: This study evaluates the use of information technology as a method to reduce production risk for irrigated potatoes. Risk in agriculture is discussed under climatic, market or price and production related risk. Production related risk covers the disciplines of planting, irrigation, fertilisation, disease and pest control as well as harvesting. It is in the above mentioned disciplines that information technology could possible be applied to reduce production risk in irrigated potatoes. The nature of this study can therefor be described as the investigation of the economic justification of information technology as a method to reduce production risk in irrigated potatoes. A brief introduction to put potato production in world and South African context into perspective, is provided. In South African context the importance and position of potato production relative to other crops is discussed. To better understand the economic conditions, under which potatoes are produced in South Africa, a financial breakdown of production cost for irrigated potatoes over regions is given. It is important to understand the economics of potato production before a proper assessment of thepossible benefits of information technology can be made. Various principles and instruments involved with information technology, as it applies to potato production under irrigation are also discussed. Irrigation scheduling as a discipline in which information technology can be applied, is also discussed. It is important to understand that irrigation scheduling can be based on two underlying principles, i.e. atmospheric modelling and soil moisture measurement. Various examples of measurement instruments are discussed. Climatic based disease modelling and petiole sampling as a method to determine nutritional status in the potato plant, was also discussed. A brief discussion of computerised agriculture management software was included to conclude the discussion on the principles and instruments available for information technology in irrigated potato production. The use of fertiliser scheduling, irrigation scheduling and climatic modelling to reduce fungal diseases in potatoes, as information technology methods, are explained in greater detail. It is shown that recommended levels for various nutrients do exist and that petiole analysis as a method to determine these levels at various growth stages, can be applied successfully. It is further argued that with various methods of irrigation scheduling, proper decision making about the amount and timing of irrigation needed, can be possible. The Plant-Plus system as a method to better control Late Blight on potatoes, is discussed. The results obtained through a commercial trial proves the validity of climatic modelling as a method of information technology to reduce production risk on potatoes, specifically the risk associated with Late Blight. The existence of and results obtained through the equipment and methods previuosly mentioned, raises the question of the economic viability of information technology at farm level. To investigate the perception of growers with regard to the applicability of information technology to reduce production risk and their readiness to adopt such . -- technology, a questionnaire was sent to 40 commercial potato growers throughout South Africa. Growers were tested on their perception with regard to the use of information technology on aspects such as financial management, irrigation scheduling, fertilisation, climatic measurement for fungal modelling as well as a profile analysis of the grower. The results of the survey are tabulated and analysed. Growers were on average positive about the value of information technology and indicated that under certain conditions, they were prepared to implement such technology. Margins in commercial potato production are under severe pressure and are in fact shrinking. Case studies presented in this investigation and results from the pilot survey indicate that the use of information technology is not only important for the reduction of risk in potato production but also imperative for sustainable and profitable potato production. It can therefore be concluded that, based on the results obtained in the pilot questionnaire, a statistical valid sample would probably support the findings in the pilot study. The pilot study indicated that reliable, affordable and practical information technology, as it has been presented in this investigation, does have a place in modern day irrigated potato production.
AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Hierdie studie evalueer die gebruik van informasie tegnologie as 'n metode om produksie risiko in die verbouing van aartappels onder besproeiing, te verminder. Risiko in landbou word onder klimatologiese, mark of prys en produksie verwante risiko bespreek. Produksie verwante risiko kan weer onderverdeel word in risiko wat verband hou met plant of vestiging, besproeiing, bemesting, plaag en pes beheer asook oes. Dit is dan in die bogenoemde dissiplines waar informasie tegnologie moontlik aangewend kan word om produksie verwante risiko te verminder. Die kern van hierdie ondersoek kan gevolglik saamgevat word as 'n ondersoek na die ekonomiese regverdigbaarheid van informasie tegnologie as 'n metode om produksierisiko in die verbouing van aartappels onder besproeiing, te verminder. Daar word kortliks verwys na aartappel verbouing in wêreld en Suid Afrikaanse konteks. In Suid Afrikaanse konteks is die relatiewe belangrikheid van aartappelverbouing in vergelyking met ander gewasse uitgelig. Ten einde 'n beter begrip vir die ekonomiese omstandighede waaronder aartappels in Suid Afrika verbou word, word 'n afbraak van produksiekoste oor streke verskaf Dit is belangrik om die ekonomie van aartappelproduksie te verstaan voordat 'n deeglike evaluering van die moontlike voordele wat informasie tegnologie kan inhou, onderneem kan word. Verskeie beginsels en instrumente in die aanwending van informasie tegnologie, soos van toepassing in die verbouing van aartappels onder besproeiing, word ook toegelig. Hieronder word besproeiingskedulering as 'n metode bespreek. Dit is verder belangrik om te besef dat besproeiingskedulering op hoofsaaklik twee beginsels berus naamlik atmosferiese modellering en fisiese grondvog meting. Verskeie voorbeelde van meetinstrumente word bespreek. Klimatologiese siektemodellering en petioolontledings as 'n metode om die voedingstatus van aartappelplante te bepaal, word ook bespreek. Die gebruik van bemestingskedulering, besproeiingskedulering en klimatologiese modellering vir die beheer van laatroes op aartappels, as metodes van informasie tegnologie, word in groter besonderhede toegelig. Daar is aangetoon dat aanbevole peile vir verskeie nutriënte bestaan. Deur die neem van gereelde petiool ontledings kan hierdie peile suksesvol gedurende die opeenvolgende fenologiese stadia van die aartappelplant, gehandhaaf word. Daar is verder aangevoer dat deur die gebruik van verskeie metodes van besproeiingskedulering, deeglike besluitneming rakende die hoeveelheid en tydsberekening van 'n besproeiing, moontlik is. Die Plant-Plus sisteem as 'n metode om laatroes op aartappels te beheer, is toegelig. Resultate behaal in 'n kommersiële aanplanting het die geldigheid van klimatologiese modellering as 'n metode om produksierisiko - veral die risiko geassosieer met laatroes - te verminder, onderskryf. Die bestaan van resultate en instrumente soos voorgehou in Hoofstukke 3 en 4, onderskryf of bevestig die vermoede dat informasie tegnologie wel aangewend kan word om produksierisiko in aartappelverbouing te verminder. Die vraag is egter of dit ekonomies op plaasvlak aangewend kan word. Ten einde die persepsie met betrekking tot - die toepaslikheid en gereedheid van produsente in dié verband te evalueer, is 'n loodsvraelys na 40 respondente, wat die kommersiële aartappelprodusente regdeur Suid Afrika verteenwoordig, gestuur. Respondente is ge-evalueer met betrekking tot hul persepsie rakende die gebruik van informasie tegnologie in die dissiplines van finansiële bestuur, besproeiingskedulering, nutriëntskedulering en klimatologiese modellering vir die beheer van laatroes. Respondente was oor die algemeen positief met betrekking tot die nut van informasie tegnologie en dat onder seker voorwaardes, hulle dit sal gebruik. Marges in kommersiële aartappelverbouing is onder ernstige druk en is inderdaad besig om te krimp. Gevallestudies wat in hierdie ondersoek voorgehou is, asook resultate verkry uit die vraelys, dui aan dat informasie tegnologie nie alleen belangrik is vir die vermindering van risiko in aartappelverbouing me, maar ook noodsaaklik IS vir volhoubare en winsgewende aartappelproduksie. Dit kan gevolglik gestel word dat resultate verkry uit die loodsvraelys, daarop mag dui dat 'n statisties verifieerbare steekproef moontlik kan uitwys dat betroubare, bekostigbare en praktiese informasie tegnologie, soos voorgehou in hierdie ondersoek, wel 'n bestaansreg in die moderne verbouing van aartappels onder besproeiing het.

Weathervane scallops (Patinopecten caurinus [Gould, 1850]) off Alaska are commercially harvested in areas that contain commercially important groundfish and crabs. Using observer bycatch data collected during 1996-2012, we analyzed spatial and temporal patterns in community composition on weathervane scallop beds and explored whether observed patterns related to environmental variables (sediment, depth, bottom water temperature, and freshwater discharge) and anthropogenic variables (trawling and dredging effort). Significant (P<0.05) differences in community structure were observed at the scale of state fishery registration districts, as well as among individual scallop beds. Spatial differences were most strongly correlated with sediment, depth, and dredging effort. Sequential changes over time were also detected, as was a split between 1996-1999 and 2000-2012. Temporal changes were weakly yet significantly correlated with freshwater discharge and dredging effort. We also conducted a socioeconomic assessment of the commercial weathervane scallop fishery, structured within the framework of a SWOT (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, threats) analysis. Specifically, we focused on five categories: social, technological, economic, environmental, and regulatory. Whereas the data-poor status of the stock appears to be the fishery's biggest weakness, the largest strengths are conservative management, industry self-regulation, and the fishery's small footprint. Impending threats include stock declines, effects of dredging, and changes in the structure of the fishery. These analyses provide a baseline of benthic community composition on weathervane scallop beds, as well as socioeconomic information to contribute to the environmental, economic, and social sustainability of the Alaska scallop fishery.

Thesis (MBA)--University of Stellenbosch, 2007.
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Zimbabwe’s land-reform process has been widely debated and severely criticised, yet seldom been analysed at greater depth. In the transition from startup small-holding farmer to the long-run goal of commercial farmer, Zimbabweans currently experience a phase of increasing “contract farming”. New farmers are producing for contractors who buy up their produce at predetermined prices. Ideally, these contractors or agribusinesses also help the smallholders to get the seeds and fertiliser, obtain the necessary equipment, help with the production technology and assist in other ways. On the basis of interviews with 25 farmers and 12 agribusinesses in different regions of the country, the study tries to asses the merits, risks and preconditions for success of contract farming. The responses from both sides of this contract farming system suggest that overall success will largely depend on the effective co-operation between the two sides and the facilitation of the process by relevant government departments and/or supportive NGOs. Ideally, the lessons to be learned from these transitional reform processes are directly relevant for land reform and agricultural development efforts in other African countries.
AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Zimbabwe se grondhervormingsstelsel is in die jongste tyd wyd bespreek en skerp gekritiseer, maar dit is selde in groter diepte ontleed. In die oorgang van beginners-kleinskaal-boerdery tot die lang-termyn oogmerk van kommersiele boerdery word die land tans gekenmerk deur ‘n vinnig toenemende proses van “kontrak-boerdery”. Nuwe boere produseer vir kontrakteurs wat hul produksie teen voorafonderhandelde pryse opkoop. Op hul beste voorsien dié kontrakteurs ook die saadgoed en kunsmis, verskaf die nodige toerusting, help met die produksie-tegnologie en voorsien ander take. Op die grondslag van diepte-onderhoude met 25 kleinboere en 12 landboubesighede in verskillende dele van die land, probeer die studie die meriete, risikos en suksesvoorwaardes van hierdie stelsel van kontrakboerdery te bepaal. Terugvoering van die twee kante van dié stelsel toon dat sukses grootliks afhang van die effektiewe samewerking en interaksie van die twee partye tot die stelsel asook ondersteuning deur die betrokke staatsdepartemente en ander ondersteunende organisasies. Lesse geleer uit hierdie studie van Zimbabwe se hervormingsproses behoort direk relevant te wees vir soortgelyke hervormingsprosesse in ander Afrikastate.

An intense trauma in the UK farming industry was caused by the foot-and-mouth disease. The Policy Commission on the Future of Farming and Food, chaired by Sir Donald Curry CBE, diagnosed that farming was detached from the other sectors of the economy and was “serving nobody well”. The final recommendations of this commission were focused on efficiency, adding value and diversification. Among the specific recommendations, there was an important emphasis on the need to increase collaboration and cooperation because it “is the best way for small farm business to get the benefits of being a large farm business” (Curry, 2002:34). UK experts in farmer collaboration such as, Parnell (1999a), and The Plunkett Foundation (1992) had previously made clear the need for bigger, better, more effective and efficient Farmer Controlled Businesses. English Farming and Food Partnerships (2004a), also, set the challenge to explore and evaluate new approaches to develop farmer controlled enterprises more imaginatively. Therefore, the main aim of this research was to identify new forms of collaboration between farmers, which might lead to gain greater scale and flexibility in farming operating in an increasingly global food chain. Using an inductive grounded theory approach comprising a series of Delphi iterative face to face interviews, three rounds of guided interviews were completed. These involved 55 experts in the field of business collaboration, selected using a purposive sampling approach. Interviewees included leading academics, government officials and advisors, senior managers and business proprietors of the most profitable and/or innovative UK-based collaborative ventures. The outcome of the research has been to develop three discreet but combinable models of collaboration. Each model requires different levels of commitment from its members and would suit different business situations. All the proposed models offer a business structure flexible enough to be easily adapted in response to changes in the market place, but they also offer the opportunity of combining into much bigger organisations with the potential to integrate small-scale businesses into networks of international companies. This research also reaffirms that the traditional cultural barriers and divisions between the different stages and participants of the food and farming industry were still present and hinder the development of a more competitive sector. Whilst there has been progress in the assimilation of the supply chain concept, most of the businesses involved did not see the other stages of the chain as their potential partners.

Thesis (MDF)--Stellenbosch University, 2012.
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: In the 19th century, farming in South Africa included vibrant small scale farms that were market responsive and competitive. Legislation enacted in the early 20th century adversely affected these farmers while supporting the development of large commercial farmers. The extensive government support for the White farmers was seen as a mode of increasing national output as well as creating food self-sufficiency, but at the same time, this decreased food security for the Black population. Major changes in the South African government in 1994 attempted to address these inequalities, amongst other, by supporting small-scale farmers. However, the gap between White and Black producers has been closing very slowly. Small-scale farming faced a wide range of enterprise development challenges. As a response to these challenges, the Government enacted the New Co-operative Act No.14 of 2005 to promote sustainable small business development by introducing the provision of incentives for agricultural co-operatives. This study has sought to determine the challenges and opportunities that are encountered in sustaining enterprise development and has used the Matabane Secondary Agricultural Co-operative (MSAC) as a case study. The goal is to develop strategies which can minimise the challenges and exploit the opportunities that will enable MSAC to realise its ultimate goal of improving livelihoods and reducing poverty. A review of current literature provided the secondary data for the study. The literature indicated the importance of social and physical capital in the sustainability of enterprise development. Social capital, in the context of sustainability of livelihoods, is defined as networks with shared norms, values and understandings that facilitate co-operation within the group. It can also be seen as the ability of the co-operative or group to secure benefits through membership in networks and other social structures (Finkelstein et al., 2007, Porters, 2000). Physical capital refers to any non-human asset made by humans and then used in the production process (Finkelstein et al, 2007, Porters, 2000). Primary data was collected using structured questionnaires delivered to 37 members of the MSAC. Thirty one members responded and were interviewed personally by the researcher. The questions were designed to investigate the challenges and opportunities faced by members and how they relate to social and physical capital. The results were analysed quantitatively using both descriptive and chi-squared statistical analysis. The results reflect the challenges and opportunities for enterprise development as perceived by co-operative members. The analysis explored this in terms of social and physical capital. The predominant challenges described were lack of access to finance and lack of mechanisation. The greatest opportunities seen were related to the bonds, bridges and linkages formed by co-operative members. Based on the assessment of the study, several recommendations were made. The introduction of a Co-operative Development Fund (CDF) would support and strengthen the co-operative financially, addressing both the issues of lack of access to finance and lack of mechanisation. On-site training programmes would enhance the members’ ability to participate in the decision making process of the co-operative and better manage their operations. The study has further shown that a lack of, or limited intra-governmental co-ordination proved to be one of the major challenging factors. It would be advantageous to organise an intergovernmental information service whose purpose would be to co-ordinate activities and pool resources of different agencies in their efforts to achieve common goals.

Environmental activists are questioning the management strategies of the invasive Indo-Pacific lionfish (a species complex of Pterois volitans and P. miles) in the western North Atlantic, due to the species' rapidly expanding invasion and steadily growing population. The invasive lionfish species ecological effects are of great concern, as impacts on marine and terrestrial ecosystems trigger population and biodiversity declines. Awareness and research supporting the need for better managerial techniques and response strategies are surfacing among academic groups, forcing critical thought on the best methods of containment and population management.

In response to the lack of information on the marketability of the lionfish species, I propose a thesis that focuses on the creation of a privately funded non-governmental organization (NGO) that will offer a more promising solution for the control of lionfish through the application of effective marketing and educational outreach strategies. An NGO design and program provides more options and greater flexibility than the federal response to date, which as previously mentioned has not been efficient in the management of the lionfish invasion, as it is incredibly difficult for federal agencies to conduct the public promotion and supply-chain building necessary to properly found this operation. The NGO will work to initiate interest in the lionfish through public education and cooperation and incentivize its capture and consumption, by appealing to the supply and demand ends of the culinary market. The overarching goal is to demonstrate how an NGO can successfully alleviate environmental impacts and increase sustainability through the use of market-based initiatives and inter-party cooperation.

Thesis (MBA) -- Stellenbosch University, 2011.
Extensive literature exists on the challenges that hinder the growth and development of small-scale farmers in agriculture. These small-scale farmers’ challenges can be broadly classified into financial, technical and market challenges. Despite the awareness and the debate that favours progressing small-scale farmers from subsistence agriculture to commercial agriculture, financiers consider this group of farmers as of high risk and low returns. The emergence of contract farming as a mechanism to integrate small-scale farmers with agribusiness firms, agro-industrial companies, supermarket chains, and processors of agricultural produce has rescued the small-scale farmers from going into oblivion. Contract farming promises benefits for both the farmers and the contract sponsors. In the face of the benefits that contract farming hold, the concept has been critiqued as being an exploitative mechanism that contract sponsors use on the growers. This research evaluates the contract farming arrangement between Gledhow Sugar Company and Mansomini Farmers’ Cooperative. The study assesses how the scheme plays a part in the provision of access to finance, technical support and a guaranteed market access for the small sugarcane farmers. It explores how Gledhow Sugar Company’s structures manage to reduce the associated risk in providing finance to the small-scale farmers. The analysis of findings from the interviews confirms that the structure provides the small-scale sugarcane farmers with finance, technical support and a guaranteed market. However, for Gledhow Sugar Company to continuously achieve its aim and simultaneously develop the farmers there is a need for Gledhow Sugar Company to provide the farmers with more clarity on their role in the arrangement and to make the farmers embrace the long-term vision of the contractual arrangement.

In einer Umfrage bewerteten über 500 ostdeutsche Betriebe die Risiken in der Landwirtschaft und gaben Auskunft über ihre Risikobereitschaft. Zu den größten Risiken zählen die Politik-, Markt- und Preisrisiken wie die Senkung der EU-Direktzahlungen, Produktionsauflagen, steigende Pacht- und Kaufpreise sowie zunehmende Preisschwankungen auf dem Absatzmarkt. Zur Abwendung von Risiken werden in erster Linie die langfristige Sicherung der Betriebsflächen, die Bildung von Liquiditätsreserven und die Diversifizierung der Einkommensquellen angegeben. Aus der Befragung wurden Empfehlungen für Landwirtschaftsbetriebe, Politik und Agrarverwaltung abgeleitet.

Thesis (MBA (Business Management))--University of Stellenbosch, 2009.
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP) represents the New Partnership for Africa’s Developments’ (NEPAD) framework for revitalising Africa’s agriculture. Improving agricultural performance is at the heart of improved economic development and growth. NEPAD believes that agriculture will provide the engine for growth in Africa. The CAADP framework was developed by the NEPAD Steering Committee in collaboration with the Food and Agricultural Organisation (FAO) of the United Nations. It also includes the contributions of other institutions such as the International Fund for Agricultural Development (FAD), the World Food Programme (WFP), the World Bank, and the Forum for Agricultural Research in Africa (FARA). The CAADP focused on investments in four pillars that can make the earliest difference to Africa’s agricultural crisis. These mutually reinforcing pillars were expected to bring about improvements in terms of Africa’s agriculture, food security, and trade balance. This will ultimately enable Africa to reach its Millennium Development Goal of reducing hunger and poverty by half by 2015 (WDR). For the purpose of this particular study, the first investment pillar, which is water and land management, will be scrutinised extensively, as this is critical to achieving the so much talked about food security. The study will utilise both secondary and primary documents of NEPAD. More specifically the implemented water and irrigation projects in the East and West Africa countries will be reviewed to determine success in African agricultural development under NEPAD. It will identify specifically water management projects already implemented and those already initiated, and find out whether the CAADP is set to deliver the Millennium Development Goal.
AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Die ‘Omvattende Landbou Ontwikkelingsprogram’ (CAADP) is die raamwerk van NEPAD se pogings om Afrika se landbousektor te hergenereer. Verbeterde landbou is die kern van verbeterde ekonomiese groei en ontwikkeling in Afrika. Trouens, NEPAD glo dat landbou die dryfkrag van Afrika se ekonomiese groei sal wees. Die CAADP-raamwerk is ontwikkel deur NEPAD se leierskap, in noue samewerking met die Verenigde Nasies se Voedsel en Landbouorganisasie (FAO). Die raamwerk sluit ook in bydraes van ander liggame, soos die Internasionale Fonds vir Landbouontwikkeling (FAD), die Wêreldvoedselprogram (WFP), die Wêreldbank en die Forum vir Landbounavorsing in Afrika (FARA). Die CAADP fokus op vier investeringspilare wat Afrika se landboukrisis van onder af kan aanpak. Hierdie interafhanklike pilare is veronderstel om Afrika se landbou, voedselversorging en handelsbalans gelyktydig aan te pak. Hierdie stappe behoort te help dat Afrika die Millennium Ontwikkelingsoogmerk (nl. ‘n halvering van honger teen 2015) te bereik. In hierdie studie val die klem op die eerste pilaar, nl. water en grondbestuur, as voorwaarde vir voedselsekuriteit. Die studie maak gebruik van sowel primêre en sekondêre dokumentasies van NEPAD, met besondere fokus op water en besproeiingsprojekte in Oos- en Wes-Afrika. Daar word gekyk na spesifieke projekte wat reeds bestaan en wat geïnisieer is, ten einde die sukses van CAADP te bepaal.

Thesis (MDF)--Stellenbosch University, 2014.
The welfare maximisation effect of contract farming is well documented (Minot, 1986) and the scheme is endorsed by the New Economic Partnership for Africa’s Development (NEPAD) as a panacea for alleviating poverty in Africa and for the development of agriculture in general. In this research assignment an evaluation of contract farming arrangement in the Mazowe district of Zimbabwe sought to establish the effect of the arrangement using a comparative study of contract and non-contract farmers. Using data from the Tobacco Industries and Marketing Board (TIMB) an analysis of variance was undertaken to determine if there was a significant difference between the two groups in terms of prices received for tobacco and production. A survey was conducted to test the characteristics of the two groups to help explain the findings. The results show that contract farmers performed better than non-contract farmers in terms of production, contract farmers had access to inputs, extension services and finance which could explain their better performance. However, there was no significant difference in the prices received by the farmers. The difference in performance can be explained by access to farming resources suggesting that provision of sound infrastructure and public goods could further improve the livelihoods of farmers, both contract and non-contract. Contract farmers only accessed operational finance without infrastructure and patient finance to back up their agricultural production. Government can improve agricultural production through better policies on land tenure, contract enforcement and risk management framework issues which were found lacking.

Areas of California's Central Valley are sinking at rates up to 1 foot per year due to subsidence caused, in part, by the state's years-long drought, challenging growers to locate additional water sources for their crops. Supply and demand theory guided this correlational study. The purpose of the study was to examine the financial impact of drought on almond demand. This study included annualized historical almond industry data for the United States (N = 97), downloaded from a United States Department of Agriculture database. The results of multiple linear regression analysis indicated that the model was capable of predicting almond demand, F(3,92) = 483.579, p < .001, R2 = .940. Both supply and price were statistically significant in the final model, with supply (p < .001) accounting for a higher contribution to the model than price (p = .015). Fine effect's contribution (p = .267) to the model was not statistically significant. The results of this study could enable almond industry leaders to increase profit margins through market predictability understanding and mitigate fiscal risks associated with variable labor and groundwater pumping costs. The implications for positive social change include the potential to restore employment opportunities, stabilize migratory worker prospects, and reduce water utilization to preserve natural resources.

Mini-study project (MBA)--University of Stellenbosch, 2003.
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: This study considers the importance of research and development (R&D) investment for enhanced productivity in the agricultural sector. In this regard, some detail of R&D investments will be discussed. Focus is given to research intensity ratios and government spending intensities in different parts of the world, for both developed and developing countries. Furthermore, the extent of focus on investment activities by the public and private sector, respectively, will be considered. Aspects of agricultural R&D in Africa, such as the crisis of funding, incentives to perform, priorities and procedures will be deliberated. Measures for reform will be addressed. Thereafter, the sustainability of investment in agricultural R&D will be emphasized. Roles and responsibilities of the public and private sectors, funding adequacy, funding trends and mechanisms of funding are discussed. Attention will be given to the impact public and agricultural policies have on both the level and nature of agricultural investment. Furthermore, R&D efforts may impact a wide audience and in this regard welfare implications for different interest groups are evaluated. Previous econometric studies are discussed. The relationship between R&D investment and productivity in the sugar industry in South Africa is studied for the period 1925-2001 within the context of a production function regression. Data were obtained from the South African Sugar Association Experiment Station. The dependent variable was sucrose yield, while the independent variables were rainfall, land used in sugar production, technology and production costs. The techniques of ordinary least squares and Ridge Regression, respectively, were used. Using ordinary least squares, it was determined that the length of the R&D lag was three years. The short lag length may be justified by the fact that research done by the Experiment Station is of an applied nature and research, training and extension are integrated by this commodity organisation. Furthermore, the education level of South African commercial farmers is relatively high. All the variables were economically relevant and statistically significant at the 1% level, except the land variable, which was statistically significant at the 5% level. In addition, it was established that there was a structural change in the model during the period concerned. The impact of technology on sucrose yield was higher during 1959-1979, than either before or after this period. Remedies and violations to the classic normal linear regression model were considered. In particular, there was evidence of multicollinearity, as indicated by the high condition index and variance inflation factors. Multicollinearity was addressed using the technique of Ridge Regression (k=O,15).The R2 determined for this model was 83,43%. All the t-statistics, except for land, were statistically significant at the 1% level. The t-statistics describing the technology and production cost variables were higher in the Ridge Regression model. However, the land variable proved to be unstable using Ridge Regression, as the sign changed. This made it difficult to draw firm conclusions about the contribution of this variable. It was concluded that the Ridge regression model provided the best fit to the data. Finally, the rate of return to R&D investment in the sugar industry in South Africa was calculated. Cost-benefit analysis yielded a benefiUcost value of 1,61, when allowing for direct spillover effects to millers. Furthermore, the export realisation price for sugar was used in the calculation. Costs included those of production, harvesting and land. Using the three-year lag determined in this study, the internal rate of return in the South African sugar industry was estimated as 17{20%. This exceeds the discount rate in South African agriculture, the latter that is equal to 6%. In conclusion, this study makes the argument that even if a commodity displays public good characteristics, there may still be incentives for the private sector to invest, especially if research benefits can be internalised in the industry. A prime example of this situation may be seen in the sugar industry in South Africa, which is privately-funded by industry levies. This concept can be stretched to include other industries. Furthermore, this study established that there was sufficient statistical evidence to conclude, that there is a relationship between investment in R&D and increased productivity in the sugar industry in South Africa, at the 1% level of significance. In addition, it was determined that these investments yielded a high . rate of return.
AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Hierdie studie oorweeg die belangrikheid van investering in navorsing en ontwikkeling vir verbeterde produktiwiteit in die landbousektor. In hierdie verband, sal sekere aspekte van navorsing en ontwikkelingsbeleggings bespreek word. Fokus· sal gegee word aan navorsingsintensiteit verhoudings and regeringsbestedings intensiteite in verskillende dele van die wêreld, vir beide ontwikkelde en ontwikkelende lande. Verder, sal die mate waarin die publieke- en privaatsektore betrokke is by investering in navorsing en ontwikkeling, oorweeg word. Verskillende aspekte van navorsing en ontwikkeling in landbou in Afrika word bespreek. Voorbeelde hiervan is die krisis in befondsing, motivering om te presteer, prioriteite en prosedures. Stappe vir hervorming word oorweeg. Vervolgens, word die volhoubaarheid van investering in navorsing en ontwikkeling beskou. Daar is verskillende rolle en verantwoordelikhede vir beide die publieke- en privaatsektore in hierdie verband. Verder, lê aspekte van befondsing, soos die genoegsaamheid daarvan, verandering in maniere van befondsing en verskillende meganismes van befondsing, onder die riem. Fokus sal gegee word aan die impak van publieke - en landbouregulasies op beide die vlak en tipe landbou investering wat waargeneem word. Navorsing en ontwikkelingsaktiwiteite beïnvloed 'n wye verskeidenheid van belangegroepe. Die mate waarin hierdie groepe geaffekteer word, word oorweeg. Die verwantskap tussen investering in navorsing en ontwikkeling en produktiwiteit in die suikerindustrie in Suid-Afrika word vervolgens beskou. Vorige ekonometriese artikels word bespreek, waarna modelle van meervoudige lineêre regressie bepaal word. Data vir die periode 1925-2001, wat produksie in die suikerindustrie beskryf, is verkry van die Suid-Afrikaanse Suiker Assosiasie Eksperiment Stasie. Die afhanklike veranderlike is opbrengs van sukrose, terwyl die onafhanklike veranderlikes na reënval, land onder suikerproduksie, produksiekostes en tegnologie verwys. Die tegnieke van gewone kleinste kwadrate en rif regressie (Ridge Regression) is gebruik. Deur die tegniek van gewone kleinste kwadrate te gebruik, is dit bepaal dat die sloer voor die voordele van navorsing en ontwikkeling inskop, drie jaar is. Dat die sloer wat bepaal is so kort is, kan gemotiveer word deur die feit dat die navorsing wat gedoen word deur die Eksperiment Stasie, van 'n toegepaste aard is. Verder is navorsing, opleiding en ekstensie is geïntegreer. Die vlak van opvoeding van Suid- Afrikaanse kommersiële boere is ook relatief hoog. AI die veranderlikes was ekonomies relevant en statisties beduidend by die 1% vlak, behalwe die veranderlike wat land onder suikerproduksie beskryf, wat beduidend was by die 5% vlak. Verder is dit bepaal, dat daar 'n strukturele verandering in die model ingetree het. Die impak van tegnologie was groter tydens die 1959-1979 periode, as vóór of ná hierdie tydperk. Daar is verskeie aannames wat gemaak word met die gebruik van 'n lineêre regressie model. Daar was tekens van multikolineariteit, soos duidelik deur die hoë waardes vir die kondisie indeks en variansie inflasie indeks aangedui is. Multikolineariteit is aangespreek deur die tegniek van rif regressie (k=0,15) te gebruik. Die R2 waarde wat vir hierdie model bepaal is, is 83,43%. AI die t-waardes, behalwe dié van land, was statisties beduidend by die 1% vlak. Dié veranderlike se koëffisiëntleken het met rif regressie, verander van negatief na positief. Siende dat die veranderlike geblyk het om onstabiel te wees, was dit moeilik om ferm beslissings oor die bydrae daarvan te lewer. Wanneer die rif regressie model vergelyk word met die model wat strukturele verandering beskryf met gewone kleinste kwadrate, is die t-waardes wat tegnologie en produksiekoste beskryf, heelwat hoër in die eersgenoemde model. Dit was beslis dat die rif regressie model die beste passing vir die data gebied het. Vervolgens is die terugkeerkoers tot investering in navorsing en ontwikkeling vir die suikerindustrie in Suid-Afrika bereken. Die beraamde waarde vir die voordeel/koste van navorsing en ontwikkeling was 1,61. Die voordeel wat deur suikerindustriemeulenaars verkry is, is in berekening gebring. Verder is die uitvoer realisasieprys vir suiker gebruik. Die kostes het dié van produksie, oes en geleentheidskoste van land ingesluit. Die interne terugkeerkoers vir die suikerindustrie in Suid-Afrika is bereken as 17,20%, inaggenome die drie jaar sloer voor die voordele van navorsing en ontwikkeling realiseer. Hierdie waarde is heelwat hoër as die verdiskonteringskoers in die Suid-Afrikaanse landboubedryf, wat beraam word op 6%. Ter samevatting, in hierdie studie word geargumenteer dat al sou 'n kommoditeit eienskappe van openbare goedere toon, daar tog motivering is vir die privaatsektor om te investeer, veral as die voordele van navorsing en ontwikkeling in die industrie self ge-internaliseer word. 'n Welsprekende geval hiervan is die suikerindustrie in Suid-Afrika wat privaat befonds word. Hierdie beginsel kan gestrek word om ander industrieë in te sluit. Verder was daar in hierdie studie oorweldigende statistiese bewyse, by die 1% vlak van beduidendheid, van 'n verwantskap tussen investering in navorsing en ontwikkeling in die suikerindustrie in Suid-Afrika en verhoogde produktiwiteit. Vervolgens was dit bepaal dat hierdie investerings 'n goeie terugkeerkoers gelewer het.

Thesis (MBA)--Stellenbosch University, 2007.
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Why can some family businesses survive over several generations when others cannot even be successfully carried over to the second generation? Can it be connected to the creation and definition of wealth? To create wealth for future generations implies much more than just establishing a financially healthy family business. This report examines all the other elements that are crucial to creating wealth and prosperity. In his research Mr Jaffe found that the creation of wealth and prosperity consists out of six dimensions. These dimensions are spiritual capital, financial capital, human capital, family capital, structural capital and societal capital. All of these dimensions are examined and tested in this report and members of family businesses in the Western Cape were asked for personal contributions by completing a questionnaire. From the research it is clear that some of these farmers do not have the correct and necessary structures in place to make it possible for their family businesses to survive to the next generations. Some of these dimensions are being addressed while the farmers have no idea of how important they are to the survival of their family business. Communication is one of the most compelling requirements for success and members of family businesses will have to realise how important effective and healthy communication is. Family members have to be able to communicate their expectations of each other and have to know each other's positive and negative characteristics. This will help ensure that family members are applied in areas they are strong in. To reach its full potential a family business must utilise its members to the fullest. By following these guidelines lasting wealth and prosperity can be created.
AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Hoekom kan sommige familiebesighede vir gesla9te lank corleet en ander nie eers suksesvol oorgedra word na die tweede ge51a9 nie? Het dit moontlik iets te doen met die skepping en definisie van rykdom? Om rykdom te skep vir toekomstige geslagte behels baie meer as net die daarstelling van 'n finansieel gesonde familiebesigheid. Hierdie tesis ondersoek die ander elemente wat oak van kardinale belang is in die skepping van welvaart. Mnr Jaffe het uit sy navorsing bevind dat die skepping van welvaart ses dimensies behels. Die dimensies is geestelike-kapitaal, finansiele-kapitaal, menslike-kapitaal, familie-kapitaal, strukturele-kapitaal en gemeenskapskapitaal. In hierdie tesis word hierdie dimensies getoet5 en ontleed. Daar is aan lede van landbou-familiebesighede in die Wes-Kaap gevra om hul persoonlike ervaringe te deel deur middel van 'n vraelys. Uit die navorsing is dit duidelik dat sommige van die boere nie al die regte strukture in plek het wat dit moontlik sal maak vir hul familiebesighede om die volgende paar geslagte te aorleet nie. Party van die dimensies word weer aangespreek sonder dat die boere besef hoe belangrik dit regtig vir die toekoms van hul familiebesigheid is. Lede van familiebesighede sal moet besef dat goeie, gesonde kommunikasie baie belangrik vir sukses is. Die familielede moet vir mekaar kan se wat hul verwagtinge van mekaar is en moet ook weet wat die goeie en slegte punte van die ander lede van die familie is. Oit sal daartoe bydra dat familielede aangewend kan word in die areas waarin hulle sterk is. Om die volle potensiaal van 'n familiebesigheid te bereik moet al die familielede optimaal benut word. So kan blywende rykdom geskep word vir toekomstige geslagte.

Thesis (MDF)--University of Stellenbosch, 2010.
The constraints that impede the growth of smallholder farmers have been attributed to lack of access to markets and technical expertise. This has led to mainstream banks classifying smallholder farmers as high risk and therefore unwilling to finance smallholder farmers. Contract farming has developed as a model that may be able to link smallholder farmers with agribusinesses who have the expertise and have built marketing channels that can be utilised by the smallholder farmers. Despite its potential to bring smallholder farmers into the mainstream agriculture industry, literature on contract farming has indicated that contract farming can be skewed in favour of the agribusiness due to their superior bargaining power and information asymmetry in favour of the agribusiness. This study examines the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC)’s Kat River Development Scheme to finance nine farmers through a contract farming arrangement with Riverside (Pty) Ltd. More particularly, the study examines how this financing model contributes to improved access to finance, markets and technical expertise for the farmers. It also examines how the arrangement contributes to reducing the risk of financing smallholder farmers for IDC. The empirical analysis indicates that, despite the fact that the farmers are able to obtain access to finance, market and technical expertise, the ability for the scheme to meet its objectives in the long term is dependent on improving transparency between the agribusiness and the farmers, providing appropriate incentives for the farmers to apply the required effort and the farmers buying into the long term strategic aim (or “big picture”) of the scheme.

Thesis (MBA)--Stellenbosch University, 2007.
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Drawing on an exploratory case study in agricultural linkages, this report seeks to provide lessons on how the rural poor might engage in more sustainable land refonn in South Africa. The Thandi Agricultural Linkages Project case study is a land reform initiative of the Capespan Group, South Africa's largest fruit exporting company. The study explores how small farmers involved in worker equity-share schemes can benefit from the opportunities from demand-driven changes in high value agriculture in South Africa. The study examines the institutional mechanisms adopted by Capespan to integrate emerging fruit farmers in the supply chain and its effects on farm profitability and sustainability. Six farms were chosen as the object of research for the study. The research argues that, whilst Govenunent have promulgated legislation and made resources avai lable to facilitate land reform in agriculture, its impact and sustainability is questionable. Whilst land reform to date is viewed by many critics in South Africa as a failure, this report argues that there are important, but largely unexplored. cases of success. These will require policy interventions, as well as much greater private sector involvement to overcome the capacity gaps which exists among farmers that have been empowered through land reform. Some of these opportunities call for innovative private sector agribusiness champions that can partner with Government to link emerging farmers in new ways into global and profitable local, value chains. Land reform is unlikely to be economically and institutionally sustainable unless action is taken to improve access to factors of production, strengthen the enabling environment and provide skills development and technical assistance to emerging farmers in a highly competitive global marketplace. This research report compiles a list of 'good practices' that could be replicated. and documents the lessons learned from the Thandi Agricultural Linkages Project. It is hoped that these lessons will be used to inform the policy, design and implementation of future land reform projects in South Africa .
AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Deur die aanwending van 'n ondersoekende gevallestudie oor bindinge in die landbou. wil hierdie verslag graag aandui hoe behoeftiges in die platteland moontlik deel mag he aan meeT volhoubare grondhervorming in Suid-Afrika. Die Thandi Agricultural Linkages-gevallestudie is 'n grondhervormingsinisiatief van die Capespan Groep, SuidAfrika se grootste vrugte-uitvoermaatskappy. Die studie ondersoek hoe kleinboere wat in werkememers gelyke-aandeleskemas betrokke is, voordeel kan trek uit die geleenthede van vraaggedrewe veranderinge in hoewaarde landbou in Suid-Afrika. Die studie ondersoek die institusionele meganismes wat deur Capespan toegepas is om opkomende vrugteboere in die verskaffingsketting te integreer en die gevolglike uitwerking op plaaswinsgewendheid en volhoubaarheid. Ses plase is as die onderwerp vir navorsing in hierdie studie gekies. Die navorsing voer aan dat hoewel die Regering wetgewing geproklameer en hulpbronne beskikbaar gestel het om grondhervonning in landbou te fasiliteer, die impak. en volhoubaarheid daarvan bevraagteken word. Terwyl baie kritici in Suid-Afrika grondhervonning tot op hede as 'n mislukking afmaak, word daar in hierdie vers lag geredeneer dat daar belangrike, maar grotendeels onverkende, gevalle van sukses is. Dit sal beleidsingrype, sowel as baie groter privaatsektor betrokkenheid benodig am die kapasiteitsgapings te oorbrug wat bestaan tussen boere wat deur grondhervorming bemagtig is. Sommige van hierdie geleenthede vereis innoverende, privaatsektor agrisake-kampioene wat as vennote saam met die Regering kan optree om opkomende boere op nuwe wyses in verbinding te bring met wereld- en winsgewende plaaslike. waardekettings. Die moontlikheid is skraal dat grondhervorming ekonomies en institusioneel volhoubaar sal wees. tensy daar optrede is om toe gang tot faktore van produksie te verbeter. die bemagtigingsomgewing te versterk en vaardigheidsontwikkeling en tegniese hulp aan opkomende boere 10 'n hoogskompeterende wereldmark te voorsien. Hierdie navorsingsverslag verskaf 'n Iys van 'goeie bedrywe' wat ged upliseer kan word, en dokumenteer die lesse wat uit die Thandi Agricultural Linkages-projek voortgevloei het. Daar word geboop dat hierdie lesse aangewend sal word om die beleid, antwerp en implementering van toekomstige grondhervormingsprojekte in Suid-Afrika te informeer

Thesis (MBA)--Stellenbosch University, 2005.
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Against the backdrop of recent co-operative challenges, it may not be very pragmatic to paint a euphoric picture of things in the world of co-operatives. The distaste from co-operative scamp will continue for some time but, despite all that has happened in the recent past, co-operative activity particularly in the rural context will remain the answer to poverty in the rural areas. The spirit and principles that lead to the formation of co-operatives make sense and have a global appeal. If they are applied in properly structured and well managed environments, they can add value towards the improvement of the quality of lives in the rural communities. This work explains the failure, hopes and fears, potential and inadequacies of the co-operative effort in the Limpopo Province. The recommendations made by the researcher are linked to the data of the study and should not be read as bland generalisations. The new economic outlook in the province makes it all the more imperative that an understanding of the individual initiative should be reinforced by co-operative struggle in the rural areas where no other option seems to be more promising. The Limpopo Province will benefit from big irrigation projects to be implemented in the various districts. All well-wishers of co-operatives focus their attention on the future potential and try to forget the bitterness of the past. Any significant success in co-operatives in Limpopo Province will send good signals everywhere in South Africa.
AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Teen die agtergrond van die onlangse koöporasie uitdagings, kan dit dalk uiters pragmaties klink om 'n euforiese siening in die wêreld van koöporasies te skilder. Die teensin in koöporasie-ongerymdhede sal nog vir 'n geruime tyd voortduur, maar ten spyte van alles wat in die verlede gebeur het, bly samewerking, veral in die plaaslike konteks, die antwoord vir die armoede in die platteland. Die geesdrif en beginsels wat lei tot die ontstaan van koöperasies maak sin en het wel 'n algemene trefkrag. Indien hulle in behoorlike strukture, en goed bestuurde omgewings toegepas word, kan hulle waarde tot die verbetering in die lewensgehalte van gemeenskappe in die landelike gebiede voeg. Hierdie navorsing verteenwoordig die mislukking, hoop, vrese, potensiaal en ongelykhede van koöporasiepogings in die Limpopo Provinsie. Die aanbevelings wat deur die navorser gedoen word, is gekoppel aan die inligting van die studie en behoort nie as veralgemenings gesien te word nie. Weens die nuwe ekonomie uitkyk in die provinse is dit noodsaaklik dat die inisiatief van die individu versterk word, deur die samewerking stryd in die platteland gebiede. Die Limpopo Provinsie sal baat vind by groot besproeiingsprojekte in die verskillende distrikte. Alle voorstanders van koöporasie-aksie moet op die pontensiaal vir die toekoms fokus en die griewe van die verlede probeer vergeet. Enige noemenswaardige kooporasie aksie in Limpopo Provinsie sal goeie seine wyd en syd stuur.

The purpose of this research is to provide quantitative and limited qualitative analysis for the United States Intermountain West on the economic effectiveness of risk management alternatives in an agricultural operation. This research is not meant to be an exhaustive comparison of every potential combination of alternatives and risk scenarios. Instead, specific parameters such as farm size, crops grown, risk attitudes and risk management strategies are set to guide the research and offer a basis of comparison. This research evaluates several levels of coverage using Multiple Peril Crop Insurance, Crop Revenue Coverage Insurance, Adjusted Gross Revenue - Lite Insurance and a limited interaction of the futures market. Microsoft Excel and the add-in Simetar was used to perform the quantitative analysis. A set of spreadsheets were created to allow a variety of data to be easily input and manipulated. The values used in this research were based on the 2002 Census of Agriculture to create a "typical" farm considered in Box Elder County, Utah. The results generated were sorted and ranked according to four decision criteria in relation to the net income observed in each simulated scenario. These include: the probability that net income will exceed $0; a maxi-min; a maxi-max; and the maximum positive net income at a probability of occurrence of 0.5, resembling a Safety-First criterion. The later three decision criterion used correspond to risk attitudes that may be possessed by a producer: risk adverse, risk preferring or seeking, and risk neutral respectively. The quantitatively "best" observed results were then qualitatively compared to the next "best" result. In general the conclusion is made that some strategy is better than no strategy and the "best" risk management strategy is one compatible with the risk attitude of the producer and the parameters of the farm in consideration. There is no single strategy for all decision criterions that consistently outperforms all other strategies considered in this research.

Master of Agribusiness
Department of Agricultural Economics
Allen M. Featherstone
This thesis focuses on the rapid growth of new generation contracts used by grain producers. Specifically, the research studies a potential customer base of producers not using Cargill’s new generation contracts. A survey was conducted to uncover possible customer demand for Cargill’s marketing solutions. Those surveyed do not have the opportunity to use these solutions because their operations typically lay outside the footprint of existing Cargill grain facilities. With Cargill’s Flex Delivery Program, sales professionals have the ability to sell grain marketing solutions, like new generation contracts, to farming operations outside of existing asset footprints. From the experiences of current sales professionals offering new generation contracts via Cargill’s Flex Delivery Program, the author hypothesized that there are three primary variables influencing the likelihood of a customer finding value in the Flex Delivery Program. The size of farming operation, the number of facilities they deliver grain to and the importance they place on forward marketing are critical components to determining if a farming operation may market grain through Cargill’s Flex Delivery Program using a new generation contract. The survey results revealed the percentage of the sample population fit the criteria of a Flex Delivery candidate. The survey questions were also designed to uncover farmer demographics, current marketing styles, competition, and, in general, provide good background information useful for making follow-up sales calls on those selected to survey. The results show roughly a third of those surveyed are Flex Delivery candidates.

Thesis (MDF)--Stellenbosch University, 2012.
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: This research study has examined the impact of contract farming on enhancing efficiencies with the agricultural value chain for smallholder tobacco farmers in Mashonaland Central Province in Zimbabwe. The major challenges facing smallholder farmers in Africa in general and Zimbabwe in particular relate to financial constraints, technical expertise and market access. Contract farming as a transactions-cost-focussed-model is considered more effectively responsive to those challenges than the pure market approach which insufficiently addresses the impact of information asymmetries, bounded rationality, uncertainty, governance challenges and infrastructure challenges, among others. It allows for closely monitored smallholder financing by agribusiness entities which reduces or eliminates the probability of loan default. Contract farming is seen as an important mechanism in transforming the fragmented, subsistence agriculture in rural Africa into high commercialised and viable business undertakings. In this study, extensive reference is made to literature on agriculture financing; empirical research data on smallholder productivity and loan recoverability is drawn and analysed using the quantitative research methodology. The analysis sought to test for relationships among a set of variables and in the process examined the impact of contract farming. A comparative analysis of national data on the contract and auction system of tobacco marketing was done with emphasis on production and sales volumes, crop quality, price stability and market access. The results from the quantitative analysis of farmer-level and country-level data indicated a strong correlation between smallholder farmer production, productivity and loan recoverability and contract farming value chain intervention mechanisms.

There are two prevailing views today about our forests and natural resources. Both views are considered the "right" view, each position comprising a set of values by which we make decisions and choices about using our natural resources. The "dominant world view," is anthropocentric and agriculturally based, with a strong belief that we can "fix" environmental problems through the use of technology. The key result of this view is a belief in the efficiency of economic expansion and its continued growth. The second view maintains we are part of nature, not masters of it, and that we have developed an arrogant attitude toward nature, believing we have the right to do as we wish regardless of the consequences. The result of this view is a belief in the interconnectedness of all life, thus all life has rights. This work argues that the "dominant" worldview shaped the policies of the U.S. Forest Service (USFS). Consistent with this worldview, the USFS management. paradigm was to provide the greatest return, a commodity-driven focus. However, when public values changed towards a more ecocentric view, the USFS should have reevaluated its method of doing business. Instead, it remained entrenched in its management objective- timber production. After the courts enjoined the USFS against cutting in the Pacific Northwest, aftet struggling with confrontational environmentalists and increased activism within the agency, the USFS attempted to re-write its management paradigm. However even though the policy sounds eco-friendly, the USFS is still mandated by Congress, and forced by appropriations approved by Congress, to cut trees. Different ideologies are accommodated only when they do not conflict with economics. Thus, in spite of changing values, it is still business as usual.

Sustainable farms are critical to United States’ food independence and they positively contribute to the global economy. Farms in the United States are not sustainable without profitable supplemental income. The purpose of this case study was to explore the historic profitability of farm income supplementation methods. Maslow’s hierarchy of needs theory served as the conceptual framework. A purposive sample of 25 farmers from 5 regions of the continental United States completed semistructured interviews and described their personal experiences. Archival supplemental income data came from the United States Department of Agriculture census. All the data were analyzed using coded keywords, phrases, and concepts to identify the following profitable supplemental income themes: (a) government subsidies, (b) custom work, (c) sales of other products, (d) patronage dividends, (e) insurance payments, (f) cash rent, and (g) agtourism. The implications for positive social change include new insights that farmers may use to improve farm business practice, increase farm sustainability, and improve quality of life for farm families.

Thesis (MBA)--Stellenbosch University, 2004.
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Agriculture remains an important industry in South Africa. Although primary agriculture contributes only 4.5% to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP), the related agrifood industry contributes an additional 9%. Furthermore agriculture is a major provider of employment, especially in rural areas where more than 50% of the local community depends on agriculture. In general Black Economic Empowerment (BEE) is accepted as a precondition to a stable and prosperous South Africa. As a result thereof various sector plans have been negotiated and at this stage agriculture is busy with final inputs towards the Agricultural BEE plan to be finalised in December 2004. Ownership and management transformation however are difficult for most farming enterprises as most of them are small family enterprises. Therefore they will support BEE agricultural input providers to support BEE. According to the BEE Score Card it will be possible to adhere to BEE requirements without adhering to ownership and management requirements provided that good scores are obtained from the other aspects such as skills development, BEE initiatives, preferred suppliers and other. The transfer of ownership also has significant financial implications. It is estimated that R65 billion will be needed to achieve the proposed objectives of 30% agricultural land and 35% of agricultural businesses in the RSA to be transfered to black people by 2014. However, only R703 million has been spend on land restitution during the past year and only R933 million budgeted for 2004/2005. The feasibility of processed oats to be marketed as rolled oats, quick oats and muesli as such a BEE initiative has been evaluated in this study project as a joint venture between Agricol and SSK. Agricol (seed company) has cereal type oat varieties whilst Sentraal Suid-Koóperasie (Farmer Cooperative) has good grain handling infrastructures in the major oat producing areas. This project will provide both counterparts with the opportunity to integrate vertically, diversify sources of income (away from primary agriculture), empower previously disadvantaged individuals in both organisations and to meet BEE objectives. This study indicates that such a BEE initiative is feasible and offers a very good return to participants. Extremely high hygene and quality assurance standards of the processed product, the marketing thereof and market access has been identified as critical performance areas. At a dehulled percentage of 60% and price paid for oats of R1000 per ton, 600 ton of the processed oats will have to be sold annually to ensure a profit of R140 000 per annum. Subject to the budgeted figures, the project has the potential to realise a R843000 profit in year 5. The value of the new company based on the discounted cash flow method, will be R2.7 to R3.9 million. Due to the initial losses and associated negative cash flows, the value is primarily represented by the terminal value of the company after 5 years. Current shareholders require an expected return on capital of 15%. Internal rate of return for the project is 42% which is much more that the hurdle rate. The intented BEE initiative therefore definitely adds value to shareholders. Important people issues like shared vision, values, expectations, trust and commitment needs to addressed continuously to realise the potential of the project. Strong and skilled leadership will also play a decisive role as important decisions will have to be taken continuously.
AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Landbou bly 'n beIangrike industrie in Suid-Afrika en alhoewel primêre-landbou slegs 4.5% van Bruto Binnelandse Produk (BBP) bydra, word die bydrae van die landbouverwante agrivoedsel industrie op 'n addisionele 9% beraam. Landbou is verder 'n belangrike werkverskaffer, veral op die platteland waar meer as die helfte van die bevolking soms van landbou afhanklik is. Daar word algemeen aanvaar dat Swart Ekonomiese Bemagtiging (SEB) 'n voorvereiste tot 'n stabiele en welvarende Suid-Afrika is. In die lig hiervan is verskeie sektor SEB handveste alreeds onderhandel en die landbousektor is tans besig om insette te lewer ten einde die landbou handves teen Desember 2004 te finaliseer. Aangesien meeste boerdery ondernemings egter klein familie ondernemings is wat moeilik eienaarskap en bestuurstransformasie kan akkomodeer, sal hulle SEB landbou inset verskaffers ondersteun om sodoende SEB te ondersteun. Volgens die SEB telkaart sal dit vir ondernemings moontlik wees om aan SEB vereistes te voldoen alhoewel daar nie noodwendig aan eienaarskap en bestuursvereistes voldoen is nie, maar wel goeie tellings op die gebied van vaardigheidsontwikkeling, SEB inisiatiewe, voorkeurvoorsiening en ander fasette behaal is. Die oordrag van eienaarskap het ook omvattende finansiële implikasies. Daar word beraam dat ongeveer R65 miljard benodig word om die voorgestelde doelwitte van 30% landbougrond en 35% van landboubesighede in die RSA teen 2014 aan swart mense oor te dra. Hierteenoor is slegs R703 miljoen die afgelope jaar aan grondhervorming bestee terwyl die begroting vir 2004/2005 R933 miljoen bedra. Die lewensvatbaarheid van verwerkte hawer wat in die vorm van gerolde hawer, hawermout en muesli bemark sal word, is as SEB inisiatief en gesamentlike projek tussen Agricol en Sentraal Suid-Koöperasie, in hierdie werkstuk ondersoek. Agricol (saadmaatskappy) beskik oor ontbytgraan tipe hawer kultivars en Sentraal Suid-Kooperasie het 'n goeie graanhanterings infrastruktuur in die hawer produksie gebiede. Die projek sal aan beide medewerkers die geleentheid bied om vertikaal te integreer, inkomste te diversifiseer (weg van primêre landbou), voorheen benadeelde individue in beide instansies te bemagtig en beide instansies help om aan SEB doelwitte te voldoen. Die studie het aangedui dat so 'n SEB inisitief wel lewensvatbaar is en goeie opbrengste aan al die deelnemers sal bied. Uitermate hoë higiëne en kwaliteitstandaarde van die verwerkte produkte tesame met die bemarking en marktoegang is as belangrike kritiese prestasie areas geïdentifiseer. Teen 'n pit tot dop verhouding van 60% en gemiddelde aankoopprys van R1000 per ton vir hawer, moet ongeveer 600 ton verwerkte hawer jaarliks verkoop word om 'n wins van R140 000 per jaar te verseker. Gegewe die begrote syfers, het die projek die potensiaal om R843 000 wins in jaar 5 te genereer. Die waarde van die nuwe maatskappy, gebasseer op die verdiskonteerde kontantvloei metode, beloop R2.7 tot R3.9 miljoen. As gevolg van die aanvanklike verliese en gepaardgaande negatiewe kontantvloeie, lê die waarde van die maatskappy egter hoofsaaklik in die eindwaarde na 5 jaar. Huidige aandeelhouers se verwagte opbrengs op kapitaal is 15%. Die interne opbrengskoers van die projek beloop 42% wat dus hoër as die drempelwaarde is. Die beplande SEB inisiatief voeg dus bepaald waarde toe vir aandeelhouers. Belangrike mensekwessies soos dieselfde visie, waardes, verwagtinge, vertroue, verbintenis en toewyding sal baie aandag moet geniet om van die potensiaal 'n werklikheid te maak. Sterk en bekwame leierskap sal ook 'n deurslaggewende rol speel aangesien gewigtige besluite voortdurend geneem sal moet word.

Master of Agribusiness
Department of Agricultural Economics
Vincent Amanor-Boadu
The purpose of this thesis was to estimate the value accruing to Zambian bean supply chain participants with the view to showing that value at the different stages is a function of the value addition and risk incurred at those stages. The data used in the study came from two different surveys done under the Pulse Value Chain Initiative – Zambia focusing on producers and bean traders. The surveys used structured questionnaires for both producers and traders. The producers were sampled from three principal bean producing provinces in Zambia: Lundazi, Mbala and Kalomo. The traders were sampled from the largest consumer region in the country – Lusaka – and focused on traders operating in the three principal markets in the city: Soweto; Chilenje; and Mtendere. The analyses were conducted using STATA®, employing both statistical and econometric methods. Value was defined as a function of transaction costs and value addition as well as the risks borne. In the Zambian mixed bean trade environment, where traders travel to remote locations where producers live and produce, they are seen to incur higher levels of risk and undertake higher levels of value addition – assembling the grain, bagging them and moving them from the rural areas where production occurs to the cities where customers reside. As such, it is expected that value creation and distribution would increase away from the farm. The results confirmed this expectation. The total average value created at the farm level was ZMK3,391.06/kg. However, the average value accruing to traders who only undertook wholesaling was ZMK7,405.75/kg while that accruing to traders going further down the chain to retail was ZMK9,663.56/kg. Traders who engaged in institutional trade produced an average value of ZMK8,750.75/kg. The share of total value produced accruing to producers in the producer-wholesaler-retailer chain was about 16.6 percent because of the higher value addition and risk that occur further downstream in the chain. The share of total value produced accruing to producers in the producer-wholesaler-institutional buyer chain was about 17.3 percent. The study showed that female producers’ share was not different, statistically speaking, from male producers’ value. It also showed that the average value created in thin (smaller) markets was higher than the value created in larger markets, probably because of the level of competition that occurs in the latter markets. Interestingly, the results showed that the larger the land holdings of producers, the lower the value created. This is in line with the foregoing results of size, competition and value. The study suggests that producers’ share of total value created may be enhanced by helping producers undertake specific activities that increased the value they added and reduce the risks that traders bear in their search for grain. One of such activities could be the formation of horizontal strategic alliances among producers that allowed producers to aggregate grain at particular locations in significant lots and bag them. This service would allow them to extract higher value from the exchange with traders. Any attempt to address the perceived “unfair” distribution of value along the supply chain by administrative fiat could result in higher costs to the whole supply chain and crate adverse unintended consequences for producers and the treasury.

Thesis (MBA (Business Management))--University of Stellenbosch, 2009.
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The Broad-Based Economic Empowerment Act, No. 53 of 2003, and its Codes of Good Practice on Black Economic Empowerment are the cornerstones of a strategy implemented by the South African government to transform the economy to an inclusive one where all citizens have equal opportunities to contribute to the economic growth of the country. The process of Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment has a direct impact on the operational activities of all businesses in all business sectors, including the agricultural sector. The main aim of this study is to compile a comprehensive Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment strategy for Overberg Agri Limited. The strategy is based on the implementation of initiatives aimed at compliance with the seven pillars of black economic empowerment as incorporated in the Codes of Good Practice on Black Economic Empowerment. A critical analysis of the legislative framework and executive governmental decrees governing Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment shows that the government of South Africa followed a structured legislative approach to the drafting and implementation of legislation aimed at creating an equitable society by addressing the inter-related issues of human rights, employment equity, skills development, allocation of natural resources and black economic empowerment. Overberg Agri Limited partially addressed its significant non-compliance with the Generic BEE Scorecard by entering into an agreement with Thembeka Capital. However, this transaction only addressed the ownership requirement of Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment and had a limited effect on enhancing the black economic empowerment status of Overberg Agri Limited. Overberg Agri can achieve its goal of Level 4 Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment status by: • Reorganising its business structure in terms of core agricultural and non-core business activities; • Selling significant stakes in non-core business entities to black shareholders; • Entering into other joint ventures with black businesses; • Addressing all seven elements of the B-BBEE scorecard and making the required resources available for this. This research report provides value due to the fact that it adequately addresses the research problem. It also followed the proposed research procedure in addressing the research problem and it provides the foundation for a general application of its findings.
AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Die Breëbasis Swart Ekonomiese Bemagtigingswet, Nr. 53 van 2003, en die generiese kodes vir goeie praktyk ten opsigte van swart ekonomiese bemagtiging vorm die hoekstene van die strategie wat deur die Suid-Afrikaanse regering geïmplementeer is om die ekonomie te omskep in 'n inklusiewe een waar alle landsburgers gelyke geleenthede gegun word om 'n bydrae te lewer tot die ekonomiese groei van die land. Die proses van Breëbasis Swart Ekonomiese Bemagtiging het 'n direkte invloed op die operasionele bedrywighede van alle besighede in al die besigheidsektore, insluitend die landbousektor. Die hoofdoel van hierdie studie is om 'n omvattende Breëbasis Swart Ekonomiese Bemagtigingstrategie vir Overberg Agri Beperk op te stel. Die strategie is gebaseer op die implementering van inisiatiewe wat gemik is op voldoening aan die vereistes van die sewe pilare van swart ekonomiese bemagtiging soos uiteengesit in die generiese kodes vir goeie praktyk vir swart ekonomiese bemagtiging. 'n Kritiese analise van die wetgewende raamwerk en uitvoerende regeringsbesluite wat 'n invloed het op Breëbasis Swart Ekonomiese Bemagtiging dui aan dat die Suid-Afrikaanse regering 'n gestruktureerde wetgewende benadering gevolg het in die opstel en implementering van wetgewing wat daarop gemik is om 'n regverdige samelewing te skep deur aandag te skenk aan die interafhanklike kwessies van menseregte, gelyke indiensneming, vaardigheidsontwikkeling, toekenning van natuurlike hulpbronne en swart ekonomiese bemagtiging. Overberg Agri Beperk het sy aansienlike gebrek aan voldoening aan die voorskrifte van die generiese swart bemagtigingstelkaart gedeeltelik aangespreek deur 'n ooreenkoms met Thembeka Capital aan te gaan. Die transaksie skenk egter slegs aandag aan die eienaarskapvereiste van Breëbasis Swart Ekonomiese Bemagtiging en het 'n beperkte uitwerking op die verhoging van die swart ekonomiese bemagtigingstatus van Overberg Agri Beperk gehad. Overberg Agri Beperk kan sy teiken van Vlak 4 Breëbasis Swart Ekonomiese Bemagtigingstatus bereik deur: • Sybesigheid struktuur te herstruktureer ten opsigte van kern- en nie-kernbesigheidsaktiwiteite; • Aansienlike aandeelhouding van nie-kernbesigheidsentiteite aan swart aandeelhuers te verkoop; • Gesamentlike ondernemings met swart besighede te begin; • Aandag te skenk aan al sewe elemente van die Breëbasis Swart Ekonomiese Bemagtigingtelkaart en die hulpbronne beskikbaar te stel wat daarvoor benodig word. Die ondersoekverslag is van waarde aangesien dit die ondersoekvraag volledig aanspreek, die voorgestelde ondersoekprosedure gevolg het en 'n basis skep vir die algemene toepassing van die bevindinge.

There are two prevailing views today about our forests and natural resources. Both views are considered the "right" view, each position comprising a set of values by which we make decisions and choices about using our natural resources. The "dominant world view," is anthropocentric and agriculturally based, with a strong belief that we can "fix" environmental problems through the use of technology. The key result of this view is a belief in the efficiency of economic expansion and its continued growth. The second view maintains we are part of nature, not masters of it, and that we have developed an arrogant attitude toward nature, believing we have the right to do as we wish regardless of the consequences. The result of this view is a belief in the interconnectedness of all life, thus all life has rights. This work argues that the "dominant" worldview shaped the policies of the U.S. Forest Service (USFS). Consistent with this worldview, the USFS management. paradigm was to provide the greatest return, a commodity-driven focus. However, when public values changed towards a more ecocentric view, the USFS should have reevaluated its method of doing business. Instead, it remained entrenched in its management objective- timber production. After the courts enjoined the USFS against cutting in the Pacific Northwest, aftet struggling with confrontational environmentalists and increased activism within the agency, the USFS attempted to re-write its management paradigm. However even though the policy sounds eco-friendly, the USFS is still mandated by Congress, and forced by appropriations approved by Congress, to cut trees. Different ideologies are accommodated only when they do not conflict with economics. Thus, in spite of changing values, it is still business as usual.

Thesis (MPhil)--Stellenbosch University, 2011.
Africa is the continent where home sapiens was born and with its worn out soils, fitful rain and rising population could very well provide a glimpse of our species’ future. The trends that are behind the current deterioration in food security go far beyond agriculture itself. South Africa is food secure at a national level and has been meeting its food needs from domestic sources in the past twenty years. However, in spite of its food secure status, 35% or 14.3 million South Africans are vulnerable to food insecurity. Food security challenges appear to be considerable against a backdrop of a South Africa being a net importer of wheat together with local cereal production that can fluctuate by up to 36% between years. It is unknown to what extend the true impact of climate change might affect this and other agricultural activity; a declining indigenous population as the HIV/AIDS pandemic takes effect; a population poorly endowed with an entitlement to gain access to sufficient food and nutrition; a dependency on oil for energy resulting in an outflow of foreign exchange, expensive agriculture and agricultural crops changed into fuel crops and markets that allocates the limited resources, but not feeding the needy poor. Considering the above, the determinants of food security for South Africa were grouped under the following headings: - Entitlement - Demography - Agriculture - Energy - Climate change - Markets. Nobody who has money to pay for food is starving therefore, given the pervasiveness of malnutrition, the money made by merchants in the food trade does seem an affront to common notions of economic justice. The economic and political point is missed when merchants are blamed for conditions that promoted huge food imports and malnutrition. Merchants are not interested in famine but in commercial markets. These merchants thrive upon a system that excludes the hungry. Recent protectionist behaviour by food export countries and the structural shift in the demand of food require South Africa to evaluate its food security determinants. South Africa requires accurate policies to guide its food security efforts towards 2030.

There has been little research conducted regarding the agricultural machinery market in China. However, current data suggest that this demand is dramatically increasing. This dissertation endeavors to generally define the current demand of the agricultural machinery market in China. There has been research conducted on multiple factors of the agricultural machinery market in China, such as land tenure rights, rural migration, government agricultural policies, and others. Through the use of limited quantitative data, market demand is analyzed and defined. By means of a qualitative case study of a successful multinational corporation, Deere & Co., how the demand is being met for agricultural machinery in China is also discussed. This case study also contributes to defining market demand for agricultural machinery in China. Through the use of this mixed-method research, key components of the Chinese agricultural machinery market are identified and analyzed. Challenges within this market are discussed, along with how Deere & Co.'s Chinese operations have dealt with these challenges. This corporation's experience in the Chinese market brings benefit to any company seeking to better understand the workings of the agricultural machinery market in China.

Agricultural system in Ghana underperformed because of limited financing, which constrained some small-scale maize and cassava farmers. The purpose of this case study design was to explore the methods that some small-scale maize and cassava farmers in Amankwakrom Subdistrict used in obtaining farm financing. Two themes from the literature review were a lack of collateral for small-scale farm financing and the small-scale farmers cooperative associations? role in farm financing. Regional-scale management sustainability index formed the conceptual framework for this study. Data collection included semistructured face-to-face interviews with 8 fluent English speaking small-scale maize and cassava farmers who have obtained farm financing in the previous years. Using the Microsoft Excel and Non-numerical unstructured data indexing and theorizing software program for data analysis method, 3 major themes emerged: the farmer?s membership benefits of working in cooperative associations; farmer?s ability to provide the collateral requirements for the financial institutions; and farmer?s good loan repayment history. The study findings indicated that some small-scale maize and cassava farmers obtained farm loans because they used the cooperative associations as their collateral assets in order to satisfy for the requirements of the financial institutions. Social implications include the potential to guide the small-scale maize and cassava farmers to access farm credits to use in expanding their farm sizes. Expansion in farm sizes may result in more maize and cassava production that can help eliminate hunger and reduce poverty in the Amankwakrom Subdistrict of Ghana.