The mini farmer approach: A case study of the South African tea industry

Abstract

This article analyses the concept of mini farming on tea estates in South Africa from the point of view of the farmer and the estate. Although mint farmers who participate in these schemes are subjected to strict controls, they enjoy more freedom than labourers. The article shows the relative merit of the mini farming concept in the tea industry, and thereby contributes to the current debate on agricultural restructuring in South Africa.

Notes

The authors wish to thank Peter Elliot and Jonathan Wild for their contribution in supplyingvaluable information and insights.

Dean of the Faculty of Agricultural Sciences, University of Pretoria, and Associate Director, Centre for Policy Analysis, Development Bank of Southern Africa, respectively.