Sub-outputs. Small-holder agriculture thriving and productivity increasing • Increased number of small-holder farmers • Improved access to markets for small holder farmers, and; • Suitable sustainable technologies available for small-farmer production With the impact of climate change, the country will be exposed to incidents of droughts and floods. Thus investing in technology that promotes drought resistant crops and early warning system will minimize the effect on production levels during these periods. There is a need to link water reform strategies with agrarian reform strategies. A comprehensive package of services, including subsidised water licenses should be offered to small and large-scale black farmers. Such packages should also include training in conservation of water/use of grey water in agriculture and other “green” agricultural practices. Rainwater harvesting including erection of boreholes and provision of water tanks in targeted areas should be promoted. Farmers should be linked to the ecosystem-services programme of the Department of Environment. Land made available through the land reform programmes should be provided on conditions of sustainable agricultural practices. There is therefore a need to review and align the policies of DWA, DAFF, DRDLR, DEA and COGTA (Free Basic Services) formulating joint programmes for joint accountability. Access to an integrated agricultural information and decision making support system should be provided to farmers and Animal Health Technicians should be provided with basic tools for primary animal health care support. Up to date research and technologies need to be also made available to the farming sector. There is a need for more investment in agricultural research and development to assist farmers use current information on markets, climate, etc. and the latest technologies/methods in farming. ▪ Land use improving and preserving high potential agricultural land ▪ Failing land reform projects resuscitated ▪ Land claims resolved and climate for investment improving ▪ Increased competitiveness against subsidized competition General ▪ Policy-makers and rural people believe in the potential of agriculture and land for food security and income generation. ▪ Increased investment in agriculture, forestry and fisheries
Sub-outputs. 5.5.1.1 Clear vision for sustainable development in rural areas which is applied in planning at different levels Different stakeholders and spheres of government define rural areas and rural development differently. This contributes to a lack of common vision and lack of focus on the same spaces and priorities. Activities will include developing improved guidelines for planning in rural areas, auditing service delivery models and policies of different stakeholders affecting rural areas, building planning skills, and involving diverse stakeholders effectively in the planning process including joint definition and alignment of criteria and strategies for rural development , while taking the differences in different rural spaces into consideration. The contribution of the stakeholders to the finalization of the Green Paper on Comprehensive Rural Development will be crucial to the achievement of this output.
Sub-outputs. Key infrastructure of good quality available in rural areas Infrastructure is important for provision of services e.g. water, sanitation, electricity and roads. The quality and condition of some of the infrastructure in rural areas is very poor. There is therefore a need for rehabilitation, maintenance as well as construction of new infrastructure. Some of this requires public-private partnership. Related to this will be water resource protection including preservation of groundwater reserves and prevention of further loss of wetlands. Furthermore, action needs to be taken to increase the number of wetlands under formal protection from the current level as well ensuring that the number of rivers with healthy ecosystems increases significantly (source outcome 10 delivery agreement)
Sub-outputs. Clear vision for sustainable development in rural areas which is applied in planning at different levels Different stakeholders and spheres of government define rural areas and rural development differently. This contributes to a lack of common vision and lack of focus on the same spaces and priorities. Activities will include developing improved guidelines for planning in rural areas, auditing service delivery models and policies of different stakeholders affecting rural areas, building planning skills, and involving diverse stakeholders effectively in the planning process including joint definition and alignment of criteria and strategies for rural development , while taking the differences in different rural spaces into consideration. The contribution of the stakeholders to the finalization of the Green Paper on Comprehensive Rural Development will be crucial to the achievement of this output. Competent staff in key post in local institutions and section 57 vacancies in rural municipalities This sub output contributes to the achievement of all the other outputs and sub outputs under this outcome. Employing competent staff will contribute to improvement of service delivery and the governance systems in the local institutions including local government hence contributing to attracting economic investments to rural areas. This sub output addressed under Outcome 9, on local government, but DRDLR will support and monitor progress in rural municipalities. A framework for secondment of expertise from external stakeholders to work, mentor and transfer skills to government institutions should be developed. This will contribute to improving the quality of services making working and investing in rural areas increasingly attractive.
