A binary logistic analysis on factors affecting the participation of smallholder farmers in the market of indigenous chickens (ICs)

Abstract

Participation in the market of Indigenous Chickens (ICs) enables farmers an opportunity to generate income and alleviate household food insecurity. The objectives of the study were to profile the socioeconomic characteristics of smallholder farmers and; to determine the factors influencing participation of smallholder farmers in the market of ICs. The study employed purposive and snowball sampling techniques to identify 50 indigenous chicken farmers in Makhuduthamaga Local Municipality, South Africa. Descriptive statistics and Binary Logistic regression model were employed to address the objectives of the study. The results revealed that, most smallholder farmers do not participate in the market of ICs. Moreover, experience in rearing chickens, land size, number of chickens owned, and purpose of rearing the chickens were found as factors influencing participation of farmers in the market of ICs. The study also confirmed that female farmers dominate in the market of ICs when compared to males. This, therefore, calls for government intervention in the promotion of ICs markets to encourage participation by farmers thus improving livelihoods.