The Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries has developed a draft strategic plan for smallholder producers (SPSP) nationally. Key aspects of this strategy can be viewed in a Prezi prepared by Phuhlisani by clicking on the link at the foot of this article.
The strategy aims to provide a broad framework for improved smallholder support which needs to be adapted and localised on a district by district basis.
Phuhlisani has been appointed to consult with a range of state and non state actors in two Districts - Overberg in the Western Cape and John Taolo Gaetsewe in the Northern Cape:
- provincial agricultural officials and other relevant provincial departments,
- officials from the Department of Rural Development and Land Reform
- Local municipalities
- Organised agriculture and commodity associations
- NGOs
- Smallholder producers.
The work involves preparing a rapid District review and profile drawing on existing literature and scoping interviews to synthesise available information on key trends in the agricultural economy, provide a profile of key institutions,capture and amalgamate available sources of information on smallholder agriculture within the District.
This will followed by district stakeholder consultations combining key informant interviews, selected site visits and workshops and the drafting of a consultation report for the district and local municipalities. This will identify key district challenges, opportunities and a summary of recommendations for the localisation of the SPSP arising from the consultation.
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