Evaluation of sheep production managerial systems at small-scale farms in the King Sabata Dalindyebo local municipality

Abstract

Small-scale sheep farming in South Africa plays a vital role in supporting rural livelihoods, contributing to food security, income generation, and local economies. However, in provinces such as the Eastern Cape, production efficiency and profitability remain low, largely due to limitations in managerial capacity, access to resources, and technical support. This study aimed to evaluate sheep production management systems at small-scale farms in the King Sabata Dalindyebo Local Municipality. Specifically, the study sought to (1) identify the key challenges faced by farmers in managing sheep production, (2) determine the dominant management systems employed, and (3) assess the role of extension services and other support mechanisms in improving farmer practices. Data were collected through structured questionnaires administered to 147 small-scale sheep farmers. Most respondents farmed with Dohne Merino (56.5%) and Merino (47.6%) sheep. The majority were male (57%) with varying levels of farming experience, although formal qualifications were limited—only 32.7% of respondents had tertiary education. Key management challenges included difficulty in identifying diseases (26.5%), livestock theft (24.6%), and the effects of drought (20.7%). Constraints also extended to infrastructure, access to skilled labour, and technical knowledge. Regarding production systems, farmers practised basic management activities such as external parasite control (lice and mites: 44%; ticks: 35%) and vaccination, particularly against pulpy kidney (25.5%) and Rift Valley fever (19.4%). While most respondents (71.6%) provided supplementary feed to lactating ewes, only 35.8% tested rams for fertility. Animal replacement practices were inconsistent: 77.7% replaced rams, but only 35.1% replaced ewes, indicating a gap in long-term genetic and flock management planning. Sales of sheep were primarily conducted through private buyers (55.3%) and feedlots (25.6%), while wool was mainly sold through BKB (76.4%) or agents (23.6%). About 63.5% of farmers employed workers, paying monthly wages ranging from R600 to R4000. Advice and technical support were obtained from extension officers (45.8%), fellow farmers (23.2%), and agricultural media (14.1%). The study further analysed how selected management practices affected production outcomes, namely mortality rate and lambing percentage. Farmers who replaced ewes had lower mortality rates (mean = 63.86) and achieved an 8% higher lambing percentage than those who did not. Supplementary feeding of lactating ewes significantly reduced mortality (U = 1384.50, p = 0.001). The study concludes that knowledge gaps contribute significantly to poor lamb survival. It recommends participatory extension interventions, better infrastructure, and targeted training to strengthen small-scale sheep farming. The role of agricultural extension services in improving efficiency and productivity is emphasised.