Entrepreneurship and management of small enterprises: An overview of agricultural activities in the Mopani district municipality

Abstract

This study analysed entrepreneurial dynamics, activities and challenges confronting small agricultural businesses in the Mopani District Municipality in Limpopo, South Africa. Mopani is a rural district municipality and home to 1,2 million people of whom 77% live below the poverty line. Agriculture is a major income-generating sector for many disadvantaged communities in rural areas of South Africa, and it plays a significant role in the economy. The objectives of the study were to investigate the operational practices that contribute to the success/failure of emerging agricultural small enterprise owners in their agricultural activities within Mopani District – a district with large numbers of highly competitive and commercial farmers. In addition, the study suggested interventions that could help smallholder farmers to sustain their income-generating businesses.