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Ponte Academic Journal
Aug 2021, Volume 77, Issue 8

SOCIAL MEDIA USE IN SUSTAINABLE WATER MANAGEMENT PRACTICES AMONG SMALLHOLDER FARMERS: MPUMALANAGA, SOUTH AFRICA

Author(s): Welcome NS Zondo ,Jorine Ndoro

J. Ponte - Aug 2021 - Volume 77 - Issue 8
doi: 10.21506/j.ponte.2021.8.2



Abstract:
Social media platforms have emerged as common tools for communication. The utilization of social media in the agricultural sectors provides almost instantaneous information even in areas considered to be marginalized. Smallholder farmers need to attain information about how water should be applied for successful agricultural production, food security, and sustainability. This study explored the use of social media for sustainable water management practices amongst smallholder farmers in the Nkomazi Local Municipality. A quantitative cross-sectional study utilizing a survey questionnaire was completed. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. A sample of 121 smallholder farmers participated in the study. The results show that WhatsApp, Facebook and YouTube are the commonly used social media platforms by smallholder farmers. Smallholder farmers within the age group of 20-29 years have a positive attitude towards the use of social media for sharing information. The study revealed that a majority 63.2% of smallholder farmers do not utilize social media. Social media did not help in learning about water management practices for majority of the smallholder farmer. The study also shows that smallholder farmers prefer receiving information from extension officials (55.4%). There is need for policy makers to increase the awareness of the benefits of social media in the agricultural sector and reduce cost of accessing social media.
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