While rural development is supposed to be a key focus of the South African government, the state is failing in this obligation. Veteran rural development expert Jimmy Lonsdale believes the private sector should take over this responsibility to ensure that meaningful rural development is achieved as soon as possible.
The state seems unable to deliver on its mandate of reducing rural poverty, leaving this task up to those in society who are committed to achieving a positive future for South Africa. As those in rural areas have the most to lose in terms of land invasions, crime and food deprivation, they are probably the people in the best position to take action. In addition, these areas contain unused land and local sale points, helping to create opportunities.
For many black Africans, ubuntu is a key life principle; it defines the pre-eminence of the interests of the community over the individual and the individual’s obligation to share what he or she has.In just one example, the community of N’tjina in Mali, which has three schools and three water pumps, has focused on developing itself by receiving the income from its various enterprises as a group and allocating a portion to overall development. This is only really feasible if there are viable enterprises, however. The principle is similar to the stokvel.
BECOMING ACTIVE IN THE ECONOMY
Simply giving handouts to poor people creates dependency. What is needed is for people to understand that hard work is required and they need to become active in the economy. To do this, they need an approachable person who can provide access to finance and facilities, as well as mentorship.
It is crucial to facilitate agripreneurial development and self-belief within a community; people cannot simply wait for politicians’ promises to be kept.
Esta historia es de la edición February 2, 2018 de Farmer's Weekly.
Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.
Ya eres suscriptor ? Conectar
Esta historia es de la edición February 2, 2018 de Farmer's Weekly.
Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.
Ya eres suscriptor? Conectar
New farmers' seedling pitfalls
Inexperienced farmers may be tempted to grow seedlings from seed themselves, but they have much to gain by trusting a seedling grower at a nursery to perform this task for them instead
South African avocado production: a success story
Avocado production in South Africa has expanded markedly since the industry's humble beginnings over 80 years ago. From a small grove planted in 1938 in what was then Nelspruit, the industry has blossomed to seven million trees planted on 20 000ha. Dr Guy Witney, project manager at Great Brak Avos, spoke to Annelie Coleman about the country's avocado production.
Unlocking value through livestock exports
Exporting livestock might sound like a daunting business that's better left for big companies, but Gerrie Ferreira, who farms near Oudtshoorn in the Western Cape, has been doing it successfully for almost 30 years, sometimes in partnership with other breeders. He spoke to Glenneis Kriel about the huge potential this market holds, and offers some advice for farmers who are contemplating going this route.
An agribusiness's dedication to community upliftment
For agribusiness NWK, located in Lichtenburg, North West, corporate social investment is an important part of creating a positive influence alongside financial returns. Johan Bezuidenhout, NWK’s group manager of corporate marketing and communication, spoke to Annelie Coleman about why the company chooses to invest millions of rands in the area it operates in every year.
Empowering dreams, transforming lives
Since its launch in 2013, the Agri's Got Talent competition has revolutionised the lives of many farmworkers by unlocking their hidden talents and fostering a culture of empowerment. Glenneis Kriel spoke to various finalists about how the contest has changed their lives.
Foreign investment: agriculture maintains its appeal
South Africa remains a popular destination for foreign investors, despite an often negative outlook from its citizens. It is a gateway to Africa, and with its counterseasonal production to the Northern Hemisphere and favourable weather, local agriculture is especially well placed to attract foreign interest, bringing with it hope for rural communities
The real value and message of COP29 for SA agriculture
While the 2024 Conference of the Parties may have disappointed those who hoped for real progress, it's more important for South African agriculture to highlight its role in carbon mitigation
Improving efficiencies in feed and grain milling
Bühler, a Swiss-based company that provides solutions and equipment for various industries, including food and animal feed processing, has pledged that by 2025, it will deliver scalable solutions that will reduce energy, waste and water by 50% in the value chains of its customers.
Tips for better olive production
At an SA Olive Association field day in November, industry experts shared ways to improve olive production efficiencies, from soil preparation to harvesting.
More effort needed to protect vulnerable cheetah
On International Cheetah Day, commemorated every year on 4 December, emphasis was placed on the vulnerability of the species.
