Page 446 - Provincial Treasury Estimates.pdf

Department: Rural Development and Agrarian Reform

against an annual target of 95 projects. These infrastructure projects benefitted a total of 6 214 with 2 252
(3 420 annual target) red meat commodity, 1 322 (1 627 annual target) grain commodity, 2 622 (38 annual
target) citrus commodity producers and 18 (371 annual target) other provincial priority commodities. A total
of 948 jobs were created against an annual target of 533. In addition, the department cultivated 350
hectares under the conservation Agricultural Practises, against an annual target of 380 hectares.
A total of 4 267 information days were held to promote knowledge transfer and skills to producers towards
commodity development against an annual target of 5 344, whilst a total of 11 839 agricultural
demonstrations were conducted to practically educate producers on production methods against an annual
target of 15 202 and a total 370 extension practitioners were capacitated on priority commodities against
an annual target of 185. Furthermore, 1 700 out of 2 000 annual targeted participants were trained in skills
development programmes in the sector through structured vocational education and training programmes.
In addition, 200 out of 300 annual targeted school going learners were exposed to various fields in the
agriculture and rural development sector in order to attract new entrants.

A total of 15 research presentations against an annual target of 22 were made at peer reviewed events,
the increased use of virtual gatherings have reduced costs and increased participation making scientific
researchers and practitioners with similar interests aware of new knowledge within their field and it helps
to advance knowledge and its application. Furthermore, a total of 15 out 24 annual research presentations
were made at technology transfer events.

During the period under review, there were significant increase of the marketing information especially
market prices enquiries and markets. Equally there were increases in request for economic advises as
well assistance in the form of macro-economic information. As a result, a total of 717 out of 921 annual
targeted agri-businesses were assisted with marketing service inclusive of cooperative development
support, and 728 out of 930 annual targeted clients were supported with production economic services.

2.2 Key challenges

The Russia and Ukraine war has affected oil, food and production input prices. The high prices of diesel
and other related threatened mechanisation service providers. In addition, the inclement weather
conditions and delayed delivery of materials by contracted service providers remains a threat for the
farming community as well as the province which requires collaboration and integration of relevant
stakeholders including different spheres of government, private sector and the broader community.

Government funding and departments budget baselines continue to shrink due to number of factors that
the national and government is facing and therefore, farmers should be cognisance of the changing
landscape and thus improve in taking the lead in conducting farming and their business.

The ageing farming community and lower participation of the young people in the sector within the province
continues to be a challenge, however the department is embarking on various programmes in trying to
address this matter, such as the internship programme in agri-businesses for unemployed graduates to
acquire agri-entrepreneurial skills.

4
3. 3. Outlook for the coming financial year (2023/24))
In 2023/24 the department will continue to focus on the commercialization of Agriculture Value Chain to
Industrialize and Transform the Agriculture Sector, Infrastructure Development to enable Economic
Growth, Land Care and EPWP, extension and advisory services, Research, Entrepreneurship
development support, skills development and rural development. Agriculture and Agro-processing master
plan, Provincial Economic Reconstruction and Recovery plan which is inclusive of the Agricultural
Economic Transformation Strategy.

429