Managerial ability and farming success : an analysis of small farmers at the Makatini Scheme

Abstract

Most conventional analyses of farmers' managerial ability follow the work of Burger (1971). This research and analysis drew from the field of Industrial Psychology to determine and test the effects of managerial ability on farming success. A sample of small farmers producing cotton at Makatini in Northern KwaZulu-Natal was used. The main objective of the research was to develop a model of competence for potential use as criterion for selection and training of small farmers. Six important competence clusters were identified. The approach used in this research has shown that it can be used successfully to identify at least part of the dimensions which in a particular community or area will be associated with farming success. This approach is however considered ponderous, which agitates against its use as a guide for the selection of new farmers to be settled for financing.