Informations et ressources scientifiques
sur le développement des zones arides et semi-arides

Titre : EXPLORING HEMP FARMING AS A SUSTAINABLE AGRICULTURE IN SOUTH AFRICA, USING A SOCIAL-ECOLOGICAL SYSTEMS APPROACH

Auteur : Rightford, Brett Warwick Bevan

Université de soutenance : Stellenbosch University

Grade : M Phil 2020

Résumé partiel
Smallholder communities in the rural regions of South Africa are becoming increasingly vulnerable to challenges associated with climate change and socio-economic conditions. This study includes an exploration of hemp (Cannabis Sativa. L) agriculture in South Africa, and seeks to evaluate the sustainability of such agriculture, as well as the opportunities for agricultural and socio-economic development possible, through employing smallholder hemp agriculture in South Africa. The concepts relating to hemp cultivation, sustainable agriculture, and smallholder farming in South Africa, were unpacked, and framed using a social- ecological systems framework. A social-ecological systems approach provides a holistic perspective for understanding the social and ecological factors responsible for driving the establishing of the hemp industry in South Africa,as well as the potential impacts. To gain a South African perspective of hemp agriculture and the industry I conducted in-depth interviews with six participants, that were carefully selected based on their personal experience in hemp cultivation. A non-participant case study was also used in this study to explore a hemp research trial farm, where soil samples were taken to test for levels of minerals present in the soil. This was then analysed to determine the level of influence the hemp taproot has on the nutrient cycle of the soil. Results from this study indicated that the ecological benefits of cultivating hemp included the absence of pesticide use, and moderate fertiliser requirements, as well as the aeration and microorganism regeneration characteristics associated with the hemp taproot. The agglomeration of end-uses and industries available through hemp production meets the socio-economic contexts experienced by rural communities in South Africa, due to the economic multiplier effect of establishing a hemp industry.

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