Challenges with the implementation and adoption of assisted reproductive technologies under communal farming system

This study aimed to assess the perception of cattle farmers regarding the challenges affecting implementation and adoption of Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ARTs) such as oestrous synchronisation and artificial insemination under communal and emerging farming systems in South Africa. The study was conducted in Limpopo, Mpumalanga and KwaZulu-Natal provinces. A total of 27 cattle farmers who participated in the ARTs project were randomly selected, nine (9) from each province. The data were collected through in-depth interviews using semi-structured questionnaire. The collected data were managed and coded into themes using Nvivo Version 11 software programme. A total of 31 perceived sub-themes emerged that could compromise the implementation and adoption of Assisted Reproductive Technologies in the study area. Sub-themes were clustered into three major themes by the researcher, namely; those that arose from human interference, those that emanated from lack of resources and those that were the result of natural causes. The most prominent of the challenges that emerged during the interviews across the three provinces as mentioned were: drought and dry seasons (22), stock theft (21), diseases (21), inadequate infrastructure (19), lack of access to the market (16) and expansion of dwelling areas (13). Interviewed cattle farmers strongly agreed that the removal of these challenges would make the implementation and adoption of ARTs and any other livestock related technology easier for them. Key words: Artificial insemination, cattle farmers, oestrous synchronisation