Demographic Factors and Their Association with Cultivation of Dry Beans (Phaseolus Vulgaris) in Smallholder Irrigation Schemes at Vhembe District Municipality, Limpopo Province of South Africa

The study was conducted at upper Mutale valley and Madimbo corridor irrigated smallholder agricultural enterprise. The purpose of the study was to investigate a demographic impact on the cultivation of dry beans (Phaseolus vulgaris) in irrigated smallholder agricultural enterprise. The questionnaire was developed to collect both qualitative and quantitative data. A semi-structured questionnaire was used to collect primary data at these two smallholder irrigation schemes, and administered on face-to-face interviews which embrace both open- and close-ended questions. A representative sample was based on the number of plot holders as per irrigated smallholder agricultural enterprise led by women and youth (ISHAE-WY). At least 294 women and youth plot holders were sampled for interviews and prompt responses on the investigate a demographic impact on the cultivation of dry Beans (Phaseolus vulgaris) in smallholder irrigation schemes. Chi-square test was used as descriptive analysis method through application of Fischer Exact test. The study showed weak association between gender (φ = 0.097, p = 0.096), age (φ = 0.152, p = 0.033), education (φ = 0.182, p = 0.022), and income (φ = 0.081, p = 0.163) with the planting of dry beans in ISHAE-WY. In conclusion, trends based on participation to plant dry beans shows the potential for youth to middle aged, <60 years ISHAE-WY with no primary education and obtaining less than R5 000 through dry beans production. The study also suggests empowerment programs for women and youth through literacy support and training in dry bean production practices at ISHAE-WY.