Constraints Inhibiting Farmers’ Adoption of Cattle Feedlots as a Climate-Smart Practice in Rural Communities of the Eastern Cape, South Africa: An In-Depth Examination

Abstract

The adoption of climate-smart agricultural practices is crucial for enhancing resilience to climate change in rural communities, particularly in developing regions like the Eastern Cape, South Africa. This study provides an in-depth examination of the factors constraining farmers’ adoption of cattle feedlots as a climate-smart practice in the rural communities of the Eastern Cape. The research aims to identify the barriers and challenges that hinder the widespread adoption of cattle feedlots and understand the underlying factors contributing to the farmers’ decision-making processes. The study employed a mixed-methods approach, including surveys and interviews, to gather data from 250 farmers in rural communities of the Eastern Cape. The data were analyzed using regression analysis and thematic analysis to identify the key constraints inhibiting the adoption of cattle feedlots as a climate-smart strategy. The findings revealed several significant constraints that farmers faced in adopting cattle feedlots. Financial limitations, including limited access to credit and lack of financial resources, emerged as critical barriers. Infrastructure and resource constraints, such as inadequate water supply and electricity, hindered adoption. Knowledge and skills gaps, cultural and social factors, market limitations, and environmental considerations further contributed to the constraints experienced by farmers. To address these constraints, the study proposes interventions to promote the adoption of cattle feedlots as a climate-smart practice. These interventions include improving access to affordable financing options, providing capacity-building programs on feedlot management and climate-smart practices, disseminating information on feedlot benefits and best practices, developing the necessary infrastructure, strengthening market linkages, and creating a supportive policy environment. However, it is important to note the study’s limitations, such as the small sample size and the cross-sectional nature of the data, which may limit the generalizability of the findings. Further research is needed to validate and expand upon these findings in a broader context. Overall, this study provides valuable insights into the factors constraining farmers’ adoption of cattle feedlots as a climate-smart practice in the rural communities of the Eastern Cape, South Africa.

Enhancing Animal Production through Smart Agriculture: Possibilities, Hurdles, Resolutions, and Advantages

“…While the adoption of smart agriculture technologies holds great promise for sustainable livestock production, it is essential to ensure that these technologies are accessible and affordable to a wide range of farmers, regardless of their scale of operation. Training and education are also key components to help farmers make the most of these innovations while promoting sustainable practices in the livestock industry [184][185][186][187]. The focus on smart agriculture for sustainable livestock, along with accessible tech and farmer education, is key for inclusive and effective adoption.…”

Communally established cattle feedlots as a sustainable livelihood option for climate change resilience and food security in sub-Saharan Africa: a systematic review

“…Furthermore, the susceptibility of livestock, integral to the livelihoods of millions in sub-Saharan countries, is extensively documented in the literature (Zhou et al, 2022;Slayi et al, 2023a). Rising temperatures induce heat stress in animals, resulting in reduced productivity and increased mortality rates, a critical concern for smallholder farmers' livelihoods and the global food supply chains they contribute to (Hristov et al, 2017;Lottering et al, 2020a;Archer et al, 2021).…”

“…These strategies encompass alterations in planting dates, crop diversification, and the adoption of droughtresistant crop varieties (Boomiraj et al, 2010;Henry et al, 2018;Galyean and Hales, 2023). Similarly, livestock farmers may adjust their management practices to mitigate the adverse effects of heat stress and changing disease risks (Zhou et al, 2022;Slayi et al, 2023a). However, the existing literature lacks a comprehensive critique of the effectiveness of these adaptive strategies and their widespread implementation.…”

“…Precipitation pattern shifts leading to water scarcity and changing forage availability impact animal nutrition and health, intensifying the vulnerability of smallholder livestock farmers (Zhou et al, 2022). Given that livestock constitutes a crucial source of income and nutrition for smallholder households, climate-induced livestock losses can have severe consequences, exacerbating poverty and food insecurity (Slayi et al, 2023a). Moreover, the gender dimension in smallholder livestock farming is substantial, with women often assuming responsibility for livestock care and management (Maltitz and Bahta, 2021).…”

“…This paper focuses on one such strategy-communally established cattle feedlots-tailored to the unique circumstances of developing countries. Climate change, as outlined by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), manifests through rising temperatures, altered precipitation patterns, and increased extreme weather events, impacting agricultural systems at various levels (Popoola et al, 2020;Slayi et al, 2023a). Livestock, crucial to the livelihoods of smallholder farmers, are especially vulnerable, posing a significant barrier to food security (Musemwa et al, 2012;Ntshangase et al, 2018).…”