Experiences and perceptions of black small-scale irrigation farmers in the Free State

Nine focus group interviews with black small-scale irrigation farmers in the Free State, applying the principles of Participatory Rural Appraisal (PRA), revealed that this sector of agriculture is confronted with numerous constraints and obstacles. They need considerable land, funding, extension, marketing and credit services, and more than just a sympathetic ear from the authorities. Although they are highly motivated to become prosperous farmers, unless they are heavily supported by extensionists and receive aid from the government, the dream of revitalising, expanding and strengthening this sector, will be shattere

Productivity of maize-bean intercropping in a semi-arid region of South Africa

Food shortage is known to have been caused by overpopulation, natural disasters and poor food distribution. In areas facing food insecurity, such as Africa, peasants or small-scale farmers have practised intercropping since old times. In this study, an investigation was carried out to determine whether intercropping increased production for small-scale farming in a semi-arid region (Free State, South Africa). Crop productivity of maize and bean intercropping systems was evaluated in terms of crop yield and growth. The effect of radiation and water utilisation by these systems was measured to determine their productivity. Field trials were carried out during three summer crop growing seasons (plant densities, row orientation and sowing date trials. In all growing seasons, rainfall was below normal, and air temperatures were normal. The total land equivalent ratios for yield and growth ranged between 1.06 to 1.58 and 1.38 to 1.86 respectively, showing yield and growth advantage of intercropping. Concerning radiation and water use, the intercropping of maize and beans had both radiation and water use efficiencies (RUE and WUE, respectively) as high as maize sole cropping, and intercropping RUE and WUE were greater than bean sole cropping. >From these results, it has been concluded that maize-bean intercropping can be recommended to small-scale farmers in this semi-arid region. Water SA Vol.29(4): 381-38