The diversity of smallholder wool production and its marketing aspects : a case study at Xume, Eastern Cape, South Africa

Abstract

Small-scale wool production at Xume is marked by diversity in technical features and marketing aspects. This study presents the typology case study conducted at Xume, a rural area of Tsomo in the Intsika Yethu Local Municipality. The objective of the study is to identify traits of the diverse wool production and marketing conditions and to make recommendations regarding development support in areas that need it. The overall goal of the study, as part of the LandCare Programme, is to generate knowledge on wool production by the people of Xume, their practices and conditions that might increase their sources of income. A household classification tree was constructed to differentiate wool producers into those that reared sheep with the purpose of generating income (significant and non-significant) and those that kept sheep with no purpose of generating income. From the classification tree a typology was generated. The typology yielded three types of wool producers namely, sheep keepers, wool growers and commercial woolgrowers. Descriptive statistics were used to explain each type and to see the extent of variability among types. Gross margins indicated that the enterprises had a potential and success was possible for the commercial woolgrowers. Results indicate the following: • sustainability of resource use is the key to successful wool production at Xume. • community involvement is vital in sustaining resource use. • veterinary control is also important in wool production. • wool quality accompanied by skills training is also an important aspect that needs to be given attention after the sustainability of resource use is established. • development initiatives should consider complexity, dynamism, and diversity of farming situation at Xume by continuously reviewing rules and regulations set by the community as part of social capital. • wool production and marketing can create financial stability at Xume through creating jobs. • lastly, it is very important that typology be reviewed regularly in order to commodate changes and developments that take place over time.