Realising the agricultural potential of rural areas

A new approach and collaboration are needed from government and commodity associations to raise the agricultural output of the former homelands, says Dr Sifiso Ntombela.

- Dr Sifiso Ntombela.

South Africa’s former homeland areas account for approximately 13% of the country’s total surface area, or about 16 million hectares. Most of this land is taken up by rural areas under the administration of traditional councils. The late Dr Frikkie Liebenberg estimated that up to five million hectares comprise farmland. However, only 22% of the land with agricultural potential is utilised for production.

Research conducted by the Bureau for Food and Agricultural Policy showed that a minimum of 17 700ha of rural land could be under irrigation, provided that investments are made to revitalise and expand ailing irrigation infrastructure in areas like the Makhathini Flats, Umzimvubu and Taung.

The latest crop estimate data released at the end of November 2022 indicates that 378 800ha will be planted to maize in the former homelands in the current season. Interactions and project visits with provincial departments of agriculture and commodity organisations such as Cotton SA, Grain SA and the South African Grain Farmers’ Association show that rural areas have enormous agricultural potential that has not been fully realised. The lack of a comprehensive agrarian reform programme implemented with commodity groups to attract private and farmer investments is stifling real rural economic development in the country.