Agricultural Change, Reconstruction and Development in South Africa: Comments on the RDP

Abstract

The marked inequality in distribution of wealth and resources in South Africa, notably farm land, support services, and consequently opportunities to compete in agricultural markets, necessitates carrying out of a comprehensive rural restructuring aimed at eradicating the persistent poverty among the almost 16 million residing in rural areas. In the long term, development of these areas should yield a fast-growing and sustainable rural economy characterised by maximum participation of society through entrepreneurship, employment and income generation. Various interest groups which participate in and influence debate and analyses of issues on agricultural and rural development, offer different viewpoints on this aspect. The ANC's Reconstruction and Development Programme (RDP) has been drafted based largely on the common strategic notions emanating from these debates. This paper highlights and discusses some issues raised within the RDP with respect to agricultural policy. The surprisingly limited reference to agriculture within the RDP, exposes an urban bias in the various programmes proposed. This paper includes comments which should be seen against the background of the need to lobby for a more significant positioning of agriculture within the government of National Unity's programme of reconstruction and development. Die merkbare ongelykhede in die Suid Afrikaanse Landbou-ekonomie noodsaak 'n herstrukturering van die sektor ten einde groter welvaart en produktiwiteit te skep. Die ANC se Heropbou en Ontwikkelingsprogram poog om 'n raamwerk daar te stel. Hierdie raamwerk word bespreek en aanpassings word aanbeveel met die oog op die opstel van 'n "Heropbou en Ontwikkelingsprogram" deur die nuwe Regering van Nasionale Eenheid. Sake wat bespreek word sluit die volgende in: Grondsake en boervestiging; waarheen met kommersiele landbou; bemarking en voedselsekuriteit; landboudienste, krediet en infrastruktuur, landelike ontwikkeling.