Inaccessibility of Market Information and Finances, an Impediment to the Success of Emerging Black Farmers in Tzaneen Municipality, Limpopo Province

Abstract

This study investigated how lack of access to market and lack of finances pose an obstacle to the success of emerging farmers. The aim of the study is to determine/examine factors that lead to the failure of emerging farmers in their farming business. Most of the farmers struggle to not cut their trade into commercial farming due to unavailability of information on market access and finances. The author sampled 16 emerging farmers from Mopani District to partake in this study. Findings from the study showed that emerging farmers had difficulties competing in the market owing to limited or no access to information about market prices, the type and quality of produce expected for the target market needs. Only a few of these farmers can conduct market research, and this leads to a situation where the majority will have to rely on those few for information. Moreover, the difficulties of accessing (credit facilities) funds from financial institutions are also highlighted in the study. Nonetheless, it is without any doubt that emerging farmers do not have same advantages as compared to well established companies. Lack of access to market information and credit facilities has a negative impact on the production of the farmers. However, most of them continue to produce for the locals and their household consumption.

Received: 2 December 2020 / Accepted: 3 March 2021 / Published: 10 May 2021