Agriculture, Economic Development and Tourism

6. The allocation of R23.9 million for Rural Development is not sufficient to address the challenges of rural poverty as poverty remains complex and requires a multi-sectoral approach to addressing the root causes of poverty. The purpose of the Rural Development Programme is to coordinate the developmental programmes by stakeholders (including the private sector) in rural areas, ensuring alignment with proven delivery approaches and implementation capacity.

While the allocation may appear limited, it should be noted that most rural development interventions are implemented through collaboration and partnerships with other provincial and national departments, municipalities, private sector and civil society organisations. Through these partnerships, resources are pooled and duplication is avoided, significantly extending the reach and impact of programmes.

In many instances, the Department’s role is primarily that of facilitator and coordinator, including the recruitment and mobilisation of beneficiaries, while implementation costs and technical support are shared with partner organisations. As such, the overall impact of rural development interventions extends beyond the Department’s direct budget allocation the whole of government and whole of society in tacking the challenges faced by our rural communities.

1. During the 2026/27 financial year, the R23,9 million budget allocation will fund targeted interventions to improve the wellbeing, empowerment and living conditions of farming and rural communities, including a focus on rural youth upliftment. The interventions include information and awareness sessions, substance abuse prevention, rural safety initiatives, health care training, financial literacy programmes for agri worker and rural households, as well as focused labour rights awareness initiatives with agri workers and producers to strengthen labour relations in the agricultural sector. In addition, the allocation also supports women empowerment through the AgriFemina programme, activities commemorating the International Day of Rural Women, the Western Cape Prestige Agri Awards, and the implementation of a Solar PV project for agri worker housing to improve energy access and household resilience.
2. The Department envisages reaching approximately 3 400 beneficiaries across the province. This figure reflects the expected combined reach of direct participants and households supported through the identified initiatives. 

The following measurable outcomes are anticipated:

• Improved access to solar energy for agri worker households
• Improved labour relations on farms
• Reduced substance abuse
• Improved financial management by the agri worker communities
• Improved rural safety as a result of rural safety interventions with the support of the farming sector
• Improved skills for agri workers
• Improved image of the agri workers