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Theses and dissertations (Management Sciences)

Permanent URI for this collectionhttp://ir-dev.dut.ac.za/handle/10321/14

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    The role of Agribusiness Development Agency (ADA) in developing emerging black commercial farmers in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN)
    (2023) Ndlela, Zenzele; Zondo, Robert Walter Dumisani
    This study sought to examine how the Agribusiness Development Agency (ADA) supports the growth and development of emerging black (Africans, Indian and coloured) commercial farmers in KwaZulu Natal (KZN). The study was anchored on the theory of change which provides a model of how a project management-oriented entity such as ADA should work. Using qualitative research in the form of in-depth interviews (ten participants) with emerging farmers supported by ADA, ADA senior managers and KZN Dept of Agriculture and Rural Development officials and document analysis, the study found that ADA plays a fundamental role in supporting emerging black commercial farmers in the study area through provision of grants, production inputs, equipment, technology, and infrastructure development. Despite the assistance from ADA, findings indicate that emerging black commercial farmers encounter several challenges that are both internal and external. The study also provided recommendations on how ADA should deal with challenges encountered by emerging black commercial farmers. The following policy suggestions are recommended: Financial services, such as credit, must be made available to emerging farmers at reasonable interest rates, including grants with low interest rates for the blended finance scheme, until commercialization. Requirements for accessing loans, funding, or credit for new farmers should be restructured or amended based on the farmer's ability to repay the credit rather than the availability of title deeds or assets as collateral. To gain a better comprehension of their farming regions and techniques, as well as to improve their communication with farmers, extension agents should routinely visit the areas where emerging farmers reside.
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    The level of financial literacy of agribusiness entrepreneurs in Zimbabwe
    (2023) Gumbo, Lilian; Vengesai, Edson; Marimuthu, Ferina
    Agribusiness is the cornerstone of the Zimbabwean economy as most people survive on agricultural related activities, and it is regarded as the first step to fighting poverty among the rural population. However, the sector has not been performing well in terms of productivity due to various factors, which include poor management of borrowed funds, higher loan defaults, and financial exclusion. The study sought to assess the level of financial knowledge, financial behaviours, and financial attitudes of agribusiness entrepreneurs. Pragmatism research philosophy guided this research. The study made use of the mixed method approach and sequential mixed method research design. Quantitative data was first collected using a questionnaire, followed by interviews that were conducted to build upon quantitative results. Multistage cluster sampling and convenience sampling were used to select research participants. The study also sought to determine the major factors affecting the financial literacy of agribusiness entrepreneurs and the nature of financial products demanded by agribusiness entrepreneurs. Research findings established that agribusiness entrepreneurs: (1) have low financial knowledge, (2) exhibit poor financial behaviours, and (3) have good financial attitudes except for diverting a portion of business loans for personal use. The general level of financial literacy was very low among agribusiness entrepreneurs but extremely low among women, lowincome earners, those with low levels of education, and those living with several dependants below 18 years. Most smallholder agribusiness entrepreneurs earned very low incomes of less than US$500 per month due to lower yields and, therefore, could not afford bank loans usually charged at very high interest rates. Agribusiness entrepreneurs usually relied on non-financial products like rotational savings (mukando in Shona), selling something owned and family and friends to make ends meet. There was a disassociation between financial products needed by agribusiness entrepreneurs and the products offered by financial institutions. The study developed and recommended a financial literacy operationalisation model for agribusiness entrepreneurs for consideration by policy makers.