The Programme to Support Pro-Poor Policy Development in the Presidency (PSPPD) organised a workshop on rural development and agrarian reform for members of the Portfolio Committees on Rural Development and Land Reform, Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries together with the Select Committee on Environmental, Agricultural and Land Affairs.

Rick de Satge of Phuhlisani faciliated the event and provided a scene setting input to contextualise the discussion and track progress with respect to land reform, small farmer development, extension and rural development interventions since 1994. The introductory session highlighted key challenges to be addressed if we are to implement an effective rural development programme. 

Download the presentation from the rural development section on our downloads page. Audio is also available in the podcast section which includes the workshop introduction by the Rural Development and Land Reform Portfolio Chairperson Stone Sizani.

Tim Hart from the Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC) reviewed the evidence on food and nutrition security and made recommendations on how this could be improved through the promotion household food gardens.

Dr Ruth Hall from the Institute of Poverty, Land and Agrarian Studies reviewed the findings of a study which set out to examine how to support small-scale and larger commercial farmers and to make sure that they are productive and contribute effectively to the rural economy and to national food security.

Dr Ian Goldman from the Presidency provided an outline of the emerging approach to monitoring and evaluation of government performance. He  introduced the 12 key outcomes which currently focus government programmes and development efforts and the nature of performance agreements recently signed by Ministers.

The Director General of the Ministry of Rural Development and Land Reform examined Outcome 7 which focuses on the  creation of vibrant, equitable and sustainable rural communities and food security for all. He also reviewed the 5 outputs asssociated with this Outcome.

The workshop concluded with a synthesis of the issues raised through the presentations and interactions with members of the combined Portfolio Committees.