Challenges faced by small and medium poultry farmers in the Lowveld district of Mpumalanga, South Africa

Abstract

Poultry is an essential source of protein for many South African households, and poultry farming plays a crucial role in ensuring a consistent supply of poultry products and contributing to food security. However, small- and medium-sized poultry farming enterprises face challenges in sustaining and developing their businesses despite high market demand and low entry barriers. To understand the factors that impede the development and sustainability of these enterprises in the Lowveld district of Mpumalanga, this study explored the contributing factors through an interpretative qualitative research approach. The study targeted small and medium-sized poultry farming enterprises in local communities in the Lowveld region of Mpumalanga. A sample size of 11 participants was selected through convenience sampling. Semi-structured interviews were conducted, guided by interview guide covering elements of the Domains of Entrepreneurship as the theoretical framework. This study aimed to identify developmental challenges faced by small- and medium-sized poultry farming enterprises in this region. The main themes that emerged from the research study include 1) Market Dynamics, 2) Networks and Collaboration and 3) Skills and Training, 4) Government Policies and Support, and 5) Location and Accessibility. From the identified themes, it was established that the factors that hinder the growth and sustainability of small and medium poultry enterprises in the Lowveld region of Mpumalanga is lack of collaboration amongst local poultry farmers, the lack of effective networks between small and medium enterprises and large commercial farmers, lack of business management skills, government policy restrictions and limitations, lack of capital to fund small and medium poultry enterprises, unavailability and inaccessibility of government support programmes, and hindrance placed by business location towards accessing supply chain and distribution channels for small and medium poultry farmers based in rural and desolate communities