Abstract:
Smallholder farmers play a crucial role in contributing to economic development and economic growth. Nevertheless, smallholder farmers are not fully linked and introduced to the agro-processing industry which is classified as one of the main dominant sectors with potential to eradicate poverty in South Africa. For this reason, this study was determined to assess smallholder goat farmers’ perceptions and willingness to participate in the agro-processing industry. The study was conducted in Mamaila Village, Greater Letaba Local Municipality, Limpopo Province. The survey data was collected from 95 sampled smallholder goat farmers in Mamaila Village, Greater Letaba Local Municipality, Limpopo Province. Descriptive statistics were used to address the first objective, data collected through Likert scale was analysed using descriptive statistics to address the second objective, and Binary Logistic regression model was used to address the third objective. Binary logistic regression model results revealed that age, gender, educational level, household size, herd size, access to credit, market information and farming experience have a statistically significant effect on smallholder goat farmers’ willingness to participate in the agro-processing industry at 1% (Age, Herd size, and farming experience), 5% (Household size, Access to credit, and market information), and 10% (Gender and Household income) level of significance. The Cox and Snell R square is 0.784, which implies that 78% of the variation in smallholder goat farmers’ perceptions and willingness to participate in the agro-processing industry is explained by the explanatory variables that were significant and included in the model and 22% is not explained. To empower smallholder goat farmers, the study suggests targeted youth programmes, gender-focused financial support and mentorship, income support schemes, agro-processing training, and better credit access and market information systems. These measures aim to bridge generational gaps, promote gender equality, alleviate income limitations, and enhance market competitiveness
