Rural household sources of income, livelihoods strategies and institutional constraints in different commodity contexts - Institutional Constraints to Small Farmer Development in Southern Africa - page 43

2.9.3 Lack of information
None or poor provision of agricultural information is a key factor that has greatly limited
agricultural development in developing countries (Bailey et al. , 1999). The farmers'
information needs are those that enable him them to make rational, relevant decisions
and strengthen their negotiating ability during transactions with buyers and consequently
prevent possible exploitation by better informed buyers (Coetzee et al. , 2004). Information
needs for communal farmers range from information on prevailing production techniques
and market conditions, type of product demanded, quality, quantity, price and market
opportunities (Bailey et al. , 1999).
According to Montshwe (2006), lack of timeous and reliable information is severe,
particularly in the communal areas. Although considerable progress has been observed in
the provision of communication systems such as telephone and cellular phone network
facilities, communal farmers still remain uninformed in terms of new production techniques,
market prices, trends and auction sale dates. Radio and personal communication are still
used as main source of information. However, access by smallholder farmers to radios,
televisions and internet is still limited. In most cases, information is broadcasted and
written in Afrikaans and English. This makes the information irrelevant to the majority of
communal farmers who in most cases only understand their local languages (Xhosa, Sotho
and Zulu). The poor transfer of knowledge, skills and information is further manifested by
limited interaction of the farmers with extension officers due to poor road networks and
resources (Coetzee et al. , 2004). Training and education will further improve the capacity
of the farmers and allow them to make informed decisions.
2.9.4 Diseases
Diseases are a major constraint to both livestock production and marketing in the tropics
(Devendra et al. , 2000). Animal health issues are barriers to trade in livestock and their
products, whilst specific diseases decrease production and increase morbidity and mortality
(Düvel and Stephanus, 2000; Mwacharo and Drucker, 2005; Chawatama et al. , 2005).
These diseases include anthrax, foot and mouth, black-leg and contagious abortion. The
Mail and Guardian (2007) reported that the South African government has confirmed
that until further notice, no veterinary import permits will be issued for cloven-hoofed
animals and products derived there-of originating from the United Kingdom due to the
current outbreak of the diseases in the United Kingdom. The outbreaks of such diseases in
South Africa can be a threat to the communal cattle producers, who do not have medicine
and proper disease control infrastructure. Furthermore, movement of cattle and their by-
products are difficult to monitor in the communal areas.