New Support Drive Boosts Small-Scale Farmers Across South Africa

The national government has unveiled a comprehensive initiative to support small-scale farmers, aiming to bolster productivity, improve market access and strengthen food security in rural and peri-urban communities. Agriculture leaders gathered with producers at the programme launch to outline a strategy that places greater emphasis on empowering smallholder agriculture as a key driver of inclusive economic growth.At the event, senior officials highlighted that the initiative would provide targeted assistance in areas such as skills development, access to affordable inputs and tools, and linking farmers with formal markets. By improving access to value chains and creating opportunities for producers to sell their products locally and nationally, government said the programme seeks to transform subsistence farming into sustainable agribusiness ventures.The launch reflects a broader commitment to rural development and economic transformation, with an emphasis on enabling farmers to compete effectively while improving the livelihoods of families and communities that depend on agriculture. Officials stressed that supporting small-scale farmers is essential to building a resilient and equitable food system that can meet both domestic needs and emerging market opportunities.