Attitude Towards Farming and the Dependency Associated with Access to Social Grants: The Case of Ngqele Village, Nkonkobe Municipality, Eastern Cape

Abstract:

Using data drawn from a sample of 50 households in Ngqele village, the paper investigated households’ attitude towards farming as a livelihood source and the possibilities of the dependency syndrome associated with access to social grants. Descriptive statistics were used to analyse the data and a 5 point Likert scale was used to determine households’ attitudes towards farming as a livelihood source. The results confirmed overdependence on state grants which is hindering livelihood improvement. 26% of the respondents had a positive attitude towards farming. On the other hand, 38% had a negative attitude while 36% had an average attitude towards farming. The growing underutilisation of arable land in Ngqele village can be attributed to households’ ambitions and aspirations which are in favour of non-farm activities and also a relatively negative attitude towards farming. Direct and continuous support through the provision of technical and institutional support is required to sustain the level of interest in farming in this village. In addition, rural development should not only focus on land redistribution and farming but should also focus on employment creation outside the agricultural sector and the promotion of non-farm activities. Social grants should be linked to economic activities aimed at empowering households to take care of their livelihoods’ needs sustainably. Socio-economic policies that avail credit to rural households and training are also required to instil entrepreneurial skills especially to the youths in Ngqele village.