CC2019 (02) Mtombeni, S. Bove, D. Thibane, T. and Makgabo, B.(2019) An analysis of infrastructure and inputs as a barrier to entry and expansion for emerging farmers

This is the second paper of a series of research papers that examines the barriers to entry and expansion facing emerging farmers in the South African agricultural sector. The barriers to entry and expansion that this series examines include access to finance, inputs and infrastructure and routes to market. This paper focuses on the barriers to accessing inputs and infrastructure by emerging farmers in the agricultural sector. The paper provides an overview of the value chain in relation to inputs and infrastructure. The research further examines the barriers to entry and expansion for emerging farmers in accessing inputs and infrastructure in select markets required for the agricultural production process. The authors observe that the barriers for emerging farmers persist in accessing land and water rights, although the government is undertaking initiatives to address these challenges. Emerging farmers further face constraints in relation to logistics and agricultural machinery. The authors make use of case studies to demonstrate these barriers in the following markets: wool, poultry, fertilizer, red meat, seeds and grain. Recommendations are made to facilitate the entry and participation of emerging farmers in the agricultural sector.