The Department of Rural Development and Land Reform (DRDLR) has concluded at two-day District Agri-parks Implementation Workshop under the theme: Advancing the National Development Plan Vision 2030 in Johannesburg today. Minister Gugile Nkwinti in his closing remarks a short-while ago said the Agri-parks programme must benefit rural communities within their areas of residence.
"Agri-parks are to serve as a catalyst for economic transformation of rural spaces and localisation of production is key to ensuring communities reap real benefits", said the Minister.
He also emphasized the importance of collaboration between all spheres of government in making the Agri-parks programme a success.
The Minister further emphasized the importance of an active citizenry where all people contribute toward development which in turn will create a capable state that is accountable, effective and efficient.
The Department has established governance structures including a National Agri-parks Advisory Council (NAAC), which is a precursor to an Agri-parks Management Board; and, 44 District Agri-Parks Management Councils (DAMCs), which will form part of the Agri-Parks Management System to be led by the Agri-parks Management Board.
More than 700 delegates including members of the various Agri-park management structure have been meeting over the two days, 18-19 November, produce concrete district based implementation plans to move the Agri-Park program to the next level.
Over the last 18 months the DRDLR has conducted an assessment of the economic potential of each of the 44 districts in the country. The purpose was to assist government to make informed decisions on which commodities to prioritise in each district.
The establishment of Agri-parks in all 44 district municipalities in South Africa is set to transform the rural economy by among others, creating a market and support for small holder farmers, creating employment opportunities for rural communities, infrastructure development and revitalizing the agriculture and agro-processing value chain.
A sum of R2billion has been budgeted in the 2016/17 financial year for infrastructure development and bringing various aspects of the Agri-parks development process into production.
To ensure their sustainability, government will provide financial and material support for Agri-parks for a period of ten years, after which farmers in the various districts must assume complete control.
Agri-parks will serve as important vehicle to take forward the National Development Plan's strategy for rural development, by supporting small-scale agricultural production and stimulating agro-processing in rural areas.
