Petition for Equitable Support and Recognition of Struggling Farmers in South Africa

We, the undersigned farmers and concerned citizens of South Africa, hereby petition the Ministry of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development to address the systemic inequalities and lack of support faced by struggling farmers across the nation.

It has come to our attention that the government's current agricultural policies and support mechanisms disproportionately favor established farmers, while neglecting the needs of those who are most vulnerable and in need of assistance. Recent incidents, such as the selective donation of Bonsmara cattle and goats to farmers in specific regions, serve as stark reminders of the entrenched favoritism within the agricultural sector.

While we acknowledge the efforts of the South African government in implementing initiatives such as the Producer Support and Infrastructure (PESI), Micro-Agricultural Financial Institutions of South Africa (Mafisa), Land Redistribution for Agricultural Development, and other similar programs, it is evident that these initiatives are not adequately reaching or benefiting the majority of struggling farmers.

Many farmers, particularly those in remote or marginalized areas, are unaware of the existence of these programs due to insufficient communication and outreach efforts by the government and provincial authorities. As a result, only a select few, often already established farmers, are able to access and benefit from these funding schemes.

We firmly believe that all farmers, regardless of their size or status, should have equal access to resources, opportunities, and support from the government. It is imperative that the Ministry takes immediate action to rectify this injustice and implement policies that promote inclusivity, fairness, and sustainability within the agricultural sector.

Therefore, we call upon the Ministry to:

1. Develop and implement targeted support programs specifically tailored to address the needs of struggling farmers, including access to affordable credit, technical assistance, and infrastructure development initiatives.

2. Ensure transparent and fair distribution of government subsidies and incentives, prioritizing those farmers who are most in need of assistance.

3. Facilitate the establishment of farmer cooperatives and networks to promote collaboration, knowledge sharing, and collective bargaining power.

4. Conduct a comprehensive review of existing agricultural policies and programs to identify and address any systemic barriers that may be hindering the growth and development of struggling farmers.

5. Engage in meaningful dialogue with representatives from the farming community to better understand their challenges and concerns, and work collaboratively towards finding sustainable solutions.

We believe that by addressing these issues and providing equitable support to struggling farmers, the government can help foster a more inclusive and resilient agricultural sector that benefits all stakeholders involved.

We urge the Ministry to heed our petition and take concrete steps towards building a fair and prosperous future for South Africa's agricultural community.

Sincerely,

Ofentse Nene    Contact the author of the petition