Analysing of smallholder cattle farmers' willingness to pay for the feed supplements in Lephalale-Nkumpi Local Municipality, Capricorn District , Limpopo Province

Abstract

Many smallholder livestock farmers in South Africa rely on natural vegetation for feeding and maintaining their livestock. Given the fluctuation of seasons and rain patterns, this creates a challenge for farmers during the winter and times of unexpected droughts. Supplementary feed stands as a solution to bridge the gap between the seasons of abundant grazing and those with little to no grazing available. In addition, feed supplements also stand to improve livestock health when added to available feed in times of abundant grazing. The study aimed to gain an understanding of the smallholder cattle farmers' willingness to pay for feed supplements and factors influencing this willingness. The study was conducted in Lepelle-Nkumpi Local Municipality, Capricorn District in Limpopo Province. The collected data were captured on Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 28. Several analytical tools were employed to run the analysis. For instance, descriptive statistics were used to profile the socioeconomic features of the households, with 57 per cent predominance being male farmers and the highest level of education rate being tertiary education at 34 per cent. On average, respondents' age was about 46 years old. To assess the willingness to pay using a 5 point Likert scale, the study applied a decision rule in which a mean score of less than 3 was interpreted as indicating a positive attitude and a willingness to pay. In contrast, a score of 3 or above indicates a negative attitude and unwillingness to pay. From the responses on farmers' willingness to pay for feed supplements in a Likert scale, many smallholder cattle farmers were willing to pay for feed supplements with a positive attitude. The binary regression model was employed to successfully address the third objective of the study, which was to analyse the factors that influence smallholder cattle farmers' willingness to pay for the feed supplements. The results indicated that the majority (74.3 per cent) of the sampled smallholder cattle farmers reported that they were willing to pay for a feed supplement. In comparison, a minority (25.7 per cent) of the sampled smallholder cattle farmers indicated that they were unwilling to pay. The study revealed that socio-economic factors, which were found to be positively significant influencing smallholder cattle farmers' willingness to pay for feed supplements, were namely, gender, marital status, source of income, herd size and household income. The variables which were found to be negatively significant are, namely, age, access to feed supplements, cost of feed supplements, and training on feed supplements. Based on the study’s findings, it is recommended that agricultural extension services and livestock development programs place greater emphasis on farmer education regarding the economic and productivity benefits of feed supplements. While the results indicate a generally high willingness to pay, there remains a portion of farmers who are hesitant, possibly due to limited awareness, perceived costs, or uncertainty about tangible benefits. Targeted training, practical demonstrations, and cost-benefit analyses could help bridge this knowledge gap, reinforcing the value of feed supplements as a long-term investment in cattle health, productivity, and farm profitability. Partnerships with local cooperatives and suppliers could also facilitate easier access and potentially lower prices through bulk purchasing or subsidy schemes. Furthermore, policymakers and development agencies should consider implementing supportive financial mechanisms such as credit facilities, input subsidies, and seasonal payment plans to encourage adoption among resource-constrained farmers. Such interventions would ensure that even during periods of economic hardship and seasonal income fluctuations, farmers can maintain consistent use of feed supplements. This sustained adoption could enhance cattle production outcomes, reduce disease prevalence, and strengthen the resilience of smallholder farming systems in the Lepelle-Nkumpi Local Municipality in the Capricorn District. By aligning extension support, financial access, and market linkages, the sector can maximise both the economic and food security benefits derived from feed supplement utilisation.