An evaluation of the economic viability of commercial pastoralism in the smaldeel area of the Eastern Cape

Abstract

Carrying capacity models and financial data from study group farmers were used to derive attainable net revenue per ha on veld in good, moderate and poor condition. From these data, minimum farm sizes required for a reasonable standard of living (R20 000 net personal income per annum) were estimated for each veld condition class. These minimum sizes were compared with actual farming unit sizes determined from a farm survey.