Analysing small-scale farmers' socio-economic characteristics influencing indigenous chicken production in a rural community, South Africa

Abstract

Indigenous chicken farming is a key source of food, income, and cultural value in rural South Africa, often practised through low-input, free-range systems. Its growth is constrained by limited income, poor access to inputs, disease, and market challenges. This study explored the socio-economic characteristics of farmers in Lepelle-Nkumpi Local Municipality, Limpopo Province, to understand how these factors influence production. The study hypothesised that no farmers' socio-economic characteristics influence small-scale indigenous chicken production in the rural community of Lepelle-Nkumbi Local Municipality. The purposive sampling was used to select 100 indigenous chicken producers in the mentioned area. A binary logistic regression model was used for the study analysis. The collected data were analysed using JAMOVI statistical software. Findings from the study revealed that employment status (β = 2.707; P < 0.001) and farmers' experience (β = -0.644; P > 0.001) were statistically significant, indicating that they influence small-scale indigenous chicken production. In conclusion, the study showed that employment boosts indigenous chicken farming by providing farmers with the income to invest. In contrast, greater farming experience often leads them to shift to other profitable activities. This highlights the need to make indigenous chicken production more competitive and attractive as a long-term business. To achieve this, the study recommends strengthening markets and supply chains, promoting indigenous chickens for their cultural and nutritional value, and providing farmers with the support they need to remain motivated and continue indigenous chicken production