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Appraisal of Hygiene Indicators and Farming Practices in the Production of Leafy Vegetables by Organic Small-Scale Farmers in uMbumbulu (Rural KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa)

Author

Listed:
  • Fezile Mdluli

    (Discipline of Food Security, School of Agricultural, Environmental and Earth Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Private Bag X01, Pietermaritzburg 3209, South Africa)

  • Joyce Thamaga-Chitja

    (Discipline of Food Security, School of Agricultural, Environmental and Earth Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Private Bag X01, Pietermaritzburg 3209, South Africa)

  • Stefan Schmidt

    (Discipline of Microbiology, School of Life Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Private Bag X01, Pietermaritzburg 3209, South Africa)

Abstract

During October, November and December 2011 (when highest sales of Agri-Hub fresh produce are observed), irrigation water, compost, lettuce and spinach sampled from four different farmer cooperatives supplying the local Agri-Hub in uMbumbulu (KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa) were analyzed monthly for the presence of total and fecal coliforms and Escherichia coli using the most probable number (MPN) technique. The pH values for all irrigation water samples analyzed were within the acceptable range of 6.5–8.5 for agricultural use. Fecal coliform levels were <1,000 MPN per 100 mL irrigation water and <1,000 MPN per g of compost. The vegetables produced by Agri-Hub small-scale farmers met the requirements for total coliforms of <200/g set by the South African Department of Health at the time of sampling. E. coli MPN values for irrigation water and vegetables were below the limit of detection. In addition, the farming practices of 73 farmers were assessed via a survey. The results revealed that more than 40% of farmers used microbiologically safe tap water for irrigation and that trained farmers have a significantly better understanding of the importance of production hygiene than untrained farmers. These results reiterate the importance of interventions that build capacity in the area of food safety and hygiene of small-scale farmers for market access of formal value chains.

Suggested Citation

  • Fezile Mdluli & Joyce Thamaga-Chitja & Stefan Schmidt, 2013. "Appraisal of Hygiene Indicators and Farming Practices in the Production of Leafy Vegetables by Organic Small-Scale Farmers in uMbumbulu (Rural KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa)," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 10(9), pages 1-16, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:10:y:2013:i:9:p:4323-4338:d:28794
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Andre Louw & Hester Vermeulen & Johann Kirsten & Hilton Madevu, 2007. "Securing small farmer participation in supermarket supply chains in South Africa," Development Southern Africa, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 24(4), pages 539-551.
    2. Albert Thembinkosi Modi, 2003. "What do subsistence farmers know about indigenous crops and organic farming? Preliminary experience in KwaZulu-Natal," Development Southern Africa, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 20(5), pages 675-684.
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    Cited by:

    1. Tashiana Beharielal & Joyce Thamaga-Chitja & Stefan Schmidt, 2022. "Socioeconomic Characteristics Associated with Farming Practices, Food Safety and Security in the Production of Fresh Produce—A Case Study including Small-Scale Farmers in KwaZulu-Natal (South Africa)," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(17), pages 1-17, August.

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