n Model vir Strategiese Beplanning vir Primêre Landbouprodusente in Wes-Transvaal

Abstract

The marn object of the study was to develop a practical and applicable model for strategic planning by primary producers, in the Western Transvaal. A dynamic and changing environment characterize the current situation in the agriculture and make it imperative that farmers have to think and plan pro-active and strategic. Farmers experience severe problems to maintain growth in their farming enterprizes and the survival of many farmers is indeed at stake. Macro factors in the external environment bring definite strategic threats and oppertunities forward, with which farming enterprizes have to cope. These factors include: the unfavourable economic situation and prospects, the uncertain political situation, demographic and social changes, pressure for the preservation of the environment, inconsistant climatic, conditions, a dropping exchange rate in agricultural production, the phasing out of agricultural subsidies and the application of labour legislation in the agriculture. Internal factors which neccessitate strategic action include: the misapplication of natural resources on many farms, the unfavourable financial position and profitability of farming enterprizes as well as shortcomings in management practices and management effectiveness. The concept of strategic planning is well established in the business sector. Several models are therefore available in the literature for the process of strategic planning. In order to develop a model for strategic planning in the agriculture, these theoretical principles were used as basis. The theory of farm management was also brought into consideration. The theoretical appraisal focussed on the following: the nature of strategic planning, the value of strategic planning and the process of strategic planning. Seven steps of the process of strategic planning were used, according to which the theory. was reviewed.