The socio-economic determinants contributing to the resolution on commercializing vegetable production: the case of White River, South Africa.

Abstract

The study looked at the socioeconomic connections and determining elements that affect choices on whether to commercialise vegetable farming. The study was carried out at White River, Mpumalanga, South Africa, using 660 participants who were specifically chosen. The level of commercialisation was analysed by applying the household commercialisation index calculated as the ratio of value of marketed output to the value of vegetables produced. The factors affecting the marketing of vegetables in the region were then determined using descriptive statistics and logistics regression. The extent of vegetable commercialisation result indicated that spinach and cabbage was ranked 1st and 2nd respectively. Although the commercialisation index is not high, latent evidence exists showing that lettuce, cucumber, beetroot, and carrot are in high demand for consumption and intention to commercialise was indecisive. Applying the logit model, the significant variables influencing the commercialisation of vegetable production in the area were gender, level of education, marital status, household size, extension services, agricultural inputs, and storage facilities. The paper concludes that commercialising vegetable cultivation is a key step toward a broader economic reform and poverty reduction. To enhance vegetable cultivation in the area, farmers must be encouraged to transition to output that is market oriented.