Browsing by Author "Mukumela, Mukandangalwo"

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    Exploring the use of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) to reduce production loss on farms in South Africa
    (University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2023) Mukumela, Mukandangalwo
    Production loss has been a longstanding hinderance to farmers that not only impacts the quality of harvest and quantity of yield but the profitability they are able to realize. The literature emphasizes the current state of agriculture in South Africa, the impact of production loss in the food production process, Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) and the adoption of technology in agriculture whilst the study aims to explore the use of UAVs to reduce production loss on farms in South Africa. Qualitative research was the chosen strategy, and seven research participants were interviewed through semi-structured interviews conducted online and field observations at a Forestry operation utilizing drones in Mpumalanga. The findings of the study highlight that the adoption of UAVs has the potential to reduce production loss on farms in South Africa with participants expressing optimism in drone technology to address losses through a more data informed view of farms, enhanced efficiency, and improved on farm practices. Factors that are either driving or limiting adoption of drones have been identified for future agricultural stakeholders to consider. The study’s findings contribute to agriculture and modernization in the industry by helping researchers and stakeholders develop an understanding of the various uses of drones and their role in improved efficiency and increased productivity on farms. The managerial implications stemming from the study suggest that a focus should be put on small-scale farmers who sit at the bottom-end of the adoption curve, issues related affordability should be addressed through government incentives and subsidies which will help reduce the upfront costs of adopting drone technology, improve farmers skills and knowledge as farmers need education and training on the effective use of drones and the benefits of drones and promote entrepreneurship which will directly lead to new innovations in software and hardware, more affordable drones, and value creation for agricultural end-users of UAVs.