the alleviation of rural unemployment and poverty through chicken farming

110 Pages·2014·1.34 MB·English

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How to cite this thesis
Surname, Initial(s). (2012) Title of the thesis or dissertation. PhD. (Chemistry)/ M.Sc. (Physics)/
M.A. (Philosophy)/M.Com. (Finance) etc. [Unpublished]: University of Johannesburg. Retrieved
from: https://ujdigispace.uj.ac.za (Accessed: Date).
THE ALLEVIATION OF RURAL UNEMPLOYMENT AND POVERTY THROUGH
CHICKEN FARMING: A CASE STUDY

by

ORPAH ZINYEMBA

MINOR DISSERTATION

submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree

MAGISTER COMMERCII

in

BUSINESS MANAGEMENT

in the

FACULTY OF MANAGEMENT

at the

UNIVERSITY OF JOHANNESBURG

Supervisor: DR M.M. BOUNDS

Co-supervisor: PROF H.E.C. de BRUYN

MAY 2014
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ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

I would like to express my sincere thanks to my supervisor Dr Maria Bounds and my co-
supervisor Professor Herman de Bruyn for their guidance, advice, and patience during the
course of my studies.
I thank my colleagues at the University of Johannesburg especially Professor James Darkwa,
Dr Juanita Van Wyk, Dr Owaga and Mrs Eureka O’Rourke for their moral support and edging
to complete my studies. I am grateful to Dr David Spencer for his friendship and encouraging
me to carry on even when the going was tough.
This thesis is dedicated to my parents, my sister Pepe and my nephew Tapiwa, rest in peace
until we meet again on that glorious day. To my brothers Dave and Tate and my sister Fungai;
thank you for always knowing how to cheer me up. Finally to Nodji, thank you for being a
pleasant distraction.
To my M.Com colleagues, Julia, Ellen, Aretha, Makwena, John, and, Nendy, thank you for
making a tough journey more bearable.
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ABSTRACT

The main aim of this study was to try and establish if chicken farming could be utilised for
alleviation of rural unemployment and poverty. The study examined the skills that would be
required for successful chicken farming. The challenges that the farmers would face were also
discussed.
The population for the study were all experts in poultry industry. This population included
established and emerging chicken farmers, government officials who are involved in chicken
farming projects in rural areas, veterinarians specializing in poultry and any other individuals
with expert knowledge in chicken farming.
The sample comprised of six individuals that included two large commercials farmers, one
small holder farmer, two officials from the DTI and one wholesale meat supplier. This study
was qualitative research that made use of non-probability purposive sampling. A semi-
structured, open-ended interview questionnaire was designed and used for interviewing
purposes. Interviews permit triangulation of information obtained from other sources and thus
increase the integrity of study findings.
The findings of the study suggested that:
 Chicken farming could be used for alleviation of rural unemployment and poverty.
 Success of such projects depended on farmers receiving technical and financial
support. Hands-on training was considered the best form of training.
 Government should fund rural chicken farming projects.
 Disease and access to markets were two most important challenges and that,
 South Africa produces enough grain to support the expansion of the poultry industry.
Recommendations were made to the DTI concerning publicising their services, training, and
format of funding. Recommendations were made to the farmers on how to be best positioned
to penetrate markets.

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INSERT YOUR SIGNED AFFIDAVIT HERE

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DECLARATION OF ORIGINAL WORK

I, Orpah Zinyemba, declare that this dissertation is my own unaided work. Any assistance that I have
received has been duly acknowledged in the dissertation. It is submitted in partial fulfilment of the
requirements for the degree of Master of Commerce at the University of Johannesburg. It has not
been submitted before for any degree or examination at this or at any other university.

-------------------------------------------- -------------------------------
Your name 05 June 2014

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Table of Contents
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS .................................................................................................................................... ii
ABSTRACT ........................................................................................................................................................... iii
CHAPTER 1 BACKGROUND AND MOTIVATION FOR THE STUDY ........................................................... 1
1.1 Introduction ............................................................................................................................................ 1
1.2 Literature Review................................................................................................................................... 1
1.2.1 The drivers for chicken farming ........................................................................................................ 1
1.2.2 Rural poverty ..................................................................................................................................... 2
1.2.3 Inequality ........................................................................................................................................... 3
1.3 Problem statement .................................................................................................................................. 4
1.3.1 Problem question ............................................................................................................................... 4
1.4 Purpose of the research and objectives .................................................................................................. 4
1.4.1 Primary objective ............................................................................................................................... 4
1.5 Brief outline of the research methodology ............................................................................................. 4
1.5.1 Population and sample ....................................................................................................................... 4
1.6 Method of data gathering ....................................................................................................................... 5
1.7 Method of data analysis ......................................................................................................................... 5
1.8 Outline of the remaining chapters of the dissertation............................................................................. 6
CHAPTER 2 : REVIEW OF CHICKEN FARMING LITERATURE .................................................................... 7
2.1 Introduction ............................................................................................................................................ 7
2.2 Reasons for focusing on rural people ..................................................................................................... 8
2.3 Poverty ................................................................................................................................................... 8
2.3.1 Poverty in South Africa ..................................................................................................................... 8
2.4 Unemployment in South Africa ........................................................................................................... 10
2.5 Effects of unemployment ..................................................................................................................... 12
2.6 The socio-economic importance of family chicken farming ................................................................ 14
2.7 Sustainability of chicken farming ........................................................................................................ 15
2.8 Poultry farming in South Africa ........................................................................................................... 17
2.8.1 Viability of poultry farming............................................................................................................. 17
2.8.2 Job creation and employment .......................................................................................................... 23
2.8.3 The importance of the South African Poultry Association (SAPA) ................................................ 24
2.9 Why poultry farming? .......................................................................................................................... 25
2.10 Development of poultry industry ......................................................................................................... 25
2.11 Smallholder poultry production ........................................................................................................... 26
2.11.1 Disease ........................................................................................................................................ 27
2.11.2 Newcastle disease ........................................................................................................................ 29
2.11.3 Other poultry diseases ................................................................................................................. 29
2.11.4 Stress in chickens ........................................................................................................................ 33
2.11.5 Nutrition ...................................................................................................................................... 34
2.11.6 Housing ....................................................................................................................................... 35
2.11.7 Cannibalism................................................................................................................................. 35
2.11.8 Injuries ........................................................................................................................................ 35
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2.11.9 Choice of breeds of chickens....................................................................................................... 36
2.12 Training of poultry producers and animal health professionals ........................................................... 36
2.13 Conclusion ........................................................................................................................................... 37
CHAPTER 3 : RESEARCH METHODOLOGY .................................................................................................. 39
3.1 Introduction .......................................................................................................................................... 39
3.2 Research objective ............................................................................................................................... 39
3.3 Research approaches ............................................................................................................................ 39
3.4 Qualitative research methods ............................................................................................................... 42
3.5 Research population ............................................................................................................................. 43
3.6 Research sample................................................................................................................................... 43
3.7 Instrument and data collection ............................................................................................................. 46
3.8 Data analysis ........................................................................................................................................ 47
3.9 Reliability and trustworthiness of data ................................................................................................. 48
3.10 Ethical considerations .......................................................................................................................... 49
3.11 Limitations of the research ................................................................................................................... 50
3.12 Conclusion ........................................................................................................................................... 50
CHAPTER 4 : FINDINGS OF THE STUDY ....................................................................................................... 52
4.1 Introduction .......................................................................................................................................... 52
4.2 Motivation for getting involved in chicken farming ............................................................................ 52
4.3 The challenges farmers are facing........................................................................................................ 54
4.4 The use of chicken farming for poverty alleviation ............................................................................. 56
4.5 Possible sources of funding for rural people ........................................................................................ 58
4.6 The availability of grain for sustainable poultry farming and human consumption ............................. 59
4.7 Training requirements for successful poultry production and how this can be achieved ..................... 59
4.8 Access to markets ................................................................................................................................ 64
4.9 Conclusion ........................................................................................................................................... 65
CHAPTER 5 : RESEARCH CONCLusions ......................................................................................................... 68
5.1 Introduction .......................................................................................................................................... 68
5.2 Conclusions of resultants from the research ........................................................................................ 68
5.2.1 Motivation for getting involved in chicken farming ........................................................................ 68
5.2.2 The challenges farmers are facing ................................................................................................... 70
5.2.3 The use of chicken farming for poverty alleviation ......................................................................... 74
5.2.4 Possible sources of funding for rural people.................................................................................... 74
5.2.5 Merits of focusing on rural people ................................................................................................... 76
5.2.6 Training requirements for successful poultry production and how this can be achieved ................ 79
5.2.7 The availability of grain for sustainable poultry farming and human consumption ........................ 80
5.2.8 Access to markets ............................................................................................................................ 80
5.3 Conclusions .......................................................................................................................................... 81
CHAPTER 6 : RECOMMENDATIONS .............................................................................................................. 82
6.1 Introduction .......................................................................................................................................... 82
6.2 Objectives of the study and recommendations ..................................................................................... 82
6.2.1 Objectives of the study .................................................................................................................... 82
6.2.2 Main Recommendations .................................................................................................................. 82
6.3 Limitations of the study ....................................................................................................................... 87
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6.4 Future work .......................................................................................................................................... 87
6.5 Conclusion ........................................................................................................................................... 88
REFERENCES ...................................................................................................................................................... 89

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