Research on World Agricultural Economy

Agricultural Market Seasonality Dynamics Inducing Farmers’ Commercialisation Intensity Efforts within Cash Crop Farming

Takalani Isaac Khorombi

Department of Agricultural Economics and Agribusiness, Faculty of Science, Engineering & Agriculture, University of Venda, Thohoyandou 0950, South Africa

Dakalo Phaswana

Department of Agricultural Economics and Agribusiness, Faculty of Science, Engineering & Agriculture, University of Venda, Thohoyandou 0950, South Africa

Mpho Tshikororo

Department of Agricultural Economics and Agribusiness, Faculty of Science, Engineering & Agriculture, University of Venda, Thohoyandou 0950, South Africa

DOI: https://doi.org/10.36956/rwae.v6i4.1893

Received: 24 March 2025 | Revised: 11 April 2025 | Accepted: 16 June 2025 | Published Online: 21 November 2025

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Abstract

The importance of agricultural commercialization cannot be overemphasized, particularly with the need to achieve zero hunger and improve the provision of nutritious food for the gradually increasing population. Agricultural commercialization is essential for economic development, improved food security, and enhanced livelihoods for societies dependent on agriculture. The current study investigated agricultural market seasonality dynamics influencing farmers’ transition from emerging to commercial farming at Thulamela municipality of Limpopo province, South Africa. A simple random sampling technique was used to select 207 vegetable farmers. Data was collected through in-person interviews and analyzed using descriptive analysis and a multinomial regression model. The study revealed that the vegetables most produced within the study sample were spinach, tomatoes, and cabbage, primarily due to their low production costs, affordability, and cultural preference. Furthermore, the study findings indicated that market dynamics such as commodity seasonality, product variation, perishability rate, commodity supplied volumes, and market selling price enhanced farmers’ commercialization intensity. Meanwhile, market dynamics such as commodity shelf lifespan, market competition, and selling season had a regressive influence in intensifying commercialization at various levels.  The study recommends integrating short-shelf lifespan commodities with more durable ones to improve sales volumes, intensifying commercialization efforts. Moreover, the study also recommends acclimatizing farmers to the market dynamics in which they intend to supply their produce

Keywords: Commercialization; Intensify; Transitioning; Emerging Farmers; Market Dynamics

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