Sub-Programme: Farmer Support (Agricultural Extension and Food Security)
The aim of the Sub-Programme is to provide extension and training to farmers with special emphasis to developing or emerging farmers; implementation of agricultural rural development projects. Farmer Support and District Co-ordination has three regions, namely Eastern Region, Western Region and Kgalagadi and six districts viz Moshaweng, Frances Baard, Siyanda, Pixley ka-Seme, Namaqualand and Ga-Segonyane.
Specified policies and priorities :
Policies
• Strategic plan for South African Agriculture
• Land Redistribution for Agricultural Development
• Framework on Norms and Standards for Advisory Services in Agriculture
• Comprehensive Agricultural Support Programme
• Mentorship policy
• Women and Youth in Agriculture policy
• NCPGDS
• ASGISA
Priorities
• Implementation of Comprehensive Agricultural Support Programme
• Training and capacity building of emerging farmers and farm workers
• Implementation of Orange River Emerging Farmer Settlement Programme
• Implementation of Commercialization of Goats
• Support to land reform beneficiaries and new entrants into farming
• Promote women and youth participation in agriculture
Services Offered by the Sub-Programme
• Development of farm management plans
• Compilation of Agricultural Potential Reports
• Hosting of information and farmers days
• Organising agricultural tours for farmers
• Doing agricultural demonstrations for farmers
• Giving courses and training to farmers
• Facilitating of mentorships for emerging farmers
• Institutional development to farmers
• Awareness campaigns, e.g. road shows, exhibitions
• Projects’ planning and implementation.
• Support to communal and tribal areas
• Agriculture awareness in schools
• Programme for the youth month School excursions/tours (Junior Landcare)
• Female farmer competition
• Sub Division of land
• Comments on mining applications
• Support the implementation of disaster management
• Early warning reports