DETERMINING THE AGRICULTURAL SECTOR'S ROLE IN REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT IN SOUTH AFRICA

Abstract

The role and contribution of the agricultural sector in regional development has been argued positively for economic growth and development. Promoting support programmes for commercial and subsistence/emerging agriculture should therefore receive priority in regional support programmes. An analytical approach to determine agriculture's role has been proposed as well as to establish the required policy measures and public sector support. Two requisites for the application of this proposed approach needs to be emphasized: (i) A reasonable level of data and information is required. It is however, believed that this data base is sufficiently representative for South Africa's various regions to determine major policy approaches and support programmes. The establishment of commodity based linkages and multipliers will further enhance these processes; (ii) In the present South African environment consultation and participation of all relevant groupings during policy making processes seem imperative. Each region will have to give content to this aspect in its own right.