Sustainability of Rural Small-Scale Farmers Using a Thematic Content-Fed Analytic Hierarchy Process

Small-scale dairy farming plays a pivotal role in the development of rural economies and has become key source for job creation poverty alleviation. However, survival rate these enterprises is compromised due to multifaceted challenges. As result, newly established or emerging small scale businesses are not sustainable. The objective this paper therefore investigate determinants affecting sustainability small-scale develop framework failure minimization. study used purposive snowball sampling techniques invite farmers (SSDFs) Bojanala Platinum District, North West Province, South Africa. data were analyzed using thematic content analysis (TCA) factor derivation ranked analytic hierarchy process (AHP). revealed high cost agricultural inputs, medication electricity, followed by lack services, unpredictable weather patterns climate change, which regarded as priority factors proliferating levels unsustainability local farmers. Meanwhile, loadshedding cattle theft low sustainability. level industry diminishes chances obtain funding credit; poorer end up falling back into consequence market circumstances beyond their control. concludes that should be revised part broader livelihood strategy all stakeholders, while continuously pursuing alternative access points achieve prosperous livelihoods, information access, risk optimization. With prospects future climate, geopolitical environmental crisis, considering how react use technology vital providing policy relevant knowledge. Furthermore, SSDFs exposed funders localities, also sector training authority (AGRISETA) services made available receive proposal writing apply funds.