Assessment of operational cost and level of income on poultry food security project in Ngaka Modiri Molema North West province, South Africa
Abstract
The aim of this study was establish operational systems and viable size of community
poultry projects versus number of beneficiaries to determine the capacity to sustain
itself and serve its purpose as food security projects. Community poultry projects are
expected to serve their purpose of securing food to beneficiaries and continue to run
sustainably for longer time. The current study uses qualitative method to assess the
performance of community poultry projects. The study used questionnaire to collect
primary data by interviewing the accessible beneficiaries of existing poultry
community.
The results of the survey revealed that the majority of community poultry projects are
not viable to fulfil purpose of their establishment which is to secure food for
beneficiaries and to be self-sustainable. However, the average value of reward was
equivalent to R3 a day from both broiler and layer projects. The study further
revealed that the reward was paid once a year. The rewards in terms of product were
expected to be consumed by household and transferred into cash to buy other types
of food required. The food is mainly determined by the size of the household.
However the question remains, R3 a day is sufficient to buy food for a family for four
members. Based on the outcome of this study, researcher encourages further
research into to all agricultural related community food security projects. Research
studies may determine if these projects are really aimed at helping economic growth
in rural communities or whether they have capacity to secure basic food for
beneficiaries while sustaining them self. Agreed minimum value of reward per
beneficiaries must be established to ensure a future perfect match on size on all
agricultural projects versus number of beneficiaries.