AGRICULTURAL KNOWLEDGE NETWORKS AND THEIR IMPLICATIONS ON FOOD ACCESSIBILITY FOR SMALLHOLDER FARMERS

To explore and understand the knowledge systems of smallholder farmers, there is a need to investigate questions about what and how knowledge is delivered by networks to these farmers. Therefore, this study answers the following questions: What are the knowledge networks available for smallholder farmers, and how do they access them? Moreover, in the agriculture sector, information is considered an important decision-making tool for farmers when improving their livelihoods and accessing food security. Therefore, the study also aimed to answer a question: What are the implications of available knowledge systems on the food security status of active smallholder farmers? An effective information system within, along with supportive and continuous knowledge networks outside, agricultural communities is crucial for addressing the needs of marginalised farmers. To answer the research questions, purposive sampling was used to select a sample of 219 active smallholder farmers operating in the Appelsbosch and Bergville areas of the province of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. The study followed both a qualitative and quantitative approach. The overall results of the study demonstrated that agricultural knowledge flows through various channels, including farmers' local networks, the private sector, non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and research institutions. Furthermore, the participation level of farmers in local knowledge systems indicated a significant impact on farmers' food security status. Farmers in the study highlighted that the technical knowledge received during training and demonstrations helped them to improve their skills in conducting and performing field activities that improved their crop production. Therefore, the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (DARD), as well as various NGOs, needs to have continuous access to updated information in order to promote transformative initiatives and integrated knowledge platforms that empower farmers in resilient food production.