ASSESSMENT OF VEGETABLE PRODUCTION PRACTICES IN QWAQWA WITHIN THABO MOFUTSANYANA DISTRICT

Abstract

In this study, the information such as biographical information of the vegetable farmers, information about the vegetable gardens or farms, the current vegetable farming practices, irrigation practices on the vegetable soil and the farmers’ physical and financial records were assessed. The assessment was conducted through interviews and questionnaires. Seventy three point three percent of the farmers’ respondents farm on communal land whereas 33.3% of the respondents are farming on land size of two to four hectares. A model was developed to reflect the process vegetable farmers must follow when acquiring communal land from the Chief for vegetable production. Sixty six point seven percent plough the garden soil to the depth of 30cm. Of the twenty-eight respondents, 85.7% are planting in seedbeds while the rest are planting on ordinary rows without seedbeds. The findings of this study will guide vegetables farmers towards best practices on vegetable production.