Gauteng's small farmers buckle under pressure

Subsistence and small farmers in Gauteng are buckling under pressure, strained by transport costs, escalating crime and erratic government support, and many are on the brink of collapse.

- Hein Kaiser

DA member of the provincial legislature Bronwynn Engelbrecht said the provincial government is not protecting the people keeping food on tables.

"Subsistence and emerging farmers are feeding much of Gauteng and they are the first line of defence against food price hikes," she said.

"If we do not get support structures, people will lose not only their livelihoods but also their ability to put food on the table."

Transport and fuel costs create significant pressure on small-scale farmers.

"The further you are from the market, the smaller your profit. It is the largest variable cost in moving fresh produce to markets.