Assessing the Role of Smallholder Livestock Farmers on Rural Household Food Security: Experiences from Raymond Mhlaba Local Municipality, Eastern Cape Province, South Africa

The smallholder farming sector is crucial in South Africa, serving as a key source of food security and income for numerous rural households. However, in many other African countries, livestock production is a common farming practice that most farmers engage in for various reasons, such as to improve their food security status and well-being. Despite this, certain regions in South Africa witness inefficiencies in smallholder agriculture's ability to alleviate food insecurity, leading some households to engage in off-farm activities to supplement their income. Rural communities grapple with persistent challenges such as unemployment, food insecurity, insufficient income, and limited access to resources and information. This paper aims to assess the role of smallholder livestock farmers on rural household food security, focusing on the Raymond Mhlaba Local Municipality in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. The study utilised a cross-sectional survey design with 120 livestock farmers obtained through a random sampling method. Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) software version 22 was used for analysis, employing descriptive statistics. Additionally, a binary logistic regression model was applied to assess the factors influencing food security by smallholder farmers. The study's findings affirm the profitability of smallholder livestock farming and its positive contribution to household food security. Notably, the results reveal that most farmers engage in cattle farming, followed by goat and sheep production. In light of these findings, the study recommends implementing extension services, farmer-based training, and awareness campaigns to enhance rural households' food security and overall livelihoods. Such initiatives are crucial for addressing the existing challenges and fostering sustainable improvements in smallholder farming communities.