The rollout of the mechanisation project as it took place at Marapyane , Mpumalanga is the department's intention to increase agricultural production and ensure food security. In her Budget speech delivered in the National Council of Provinces, the Minister of Agriculture Forestry and Fisheries outlined that Government will invest R50 million in each province to support food production initiatives.

Mechanisation is one of the important agricultural inputs. The rise in food prices in 2007-2008 followed by the financial and economic crisis in 2009 has contributed immensely to more than 1 billion people experiencing hunger [FAO 2009]. In the last year, the prices of agricultural commodities remained under pressure The domestic price of wheat decreased, by 29.10 %, between October 2008 and October 2009.(NAMC 2009). Thus in order as to stimulate production, government will have to look into various mechanisms to support the farmers. The focus of this mechanization programme is to resuscitate failed land reform projects and work with Provinces, Municipalities and the traditional leaders to utilize all land lying fallow.

The programme will address food production especially stimulating production activities for producers on small-holders focusing on rural areas particularly the old homelands. This will begin to address some of the issues such as the difficult in accessing means of production especially farming implements, financial support and access to meaningful markets at the end of the production cycle. The unavailability of traction power in the rural areas of South Africa can be seen by the largest land being fallowed every season. Mechanization equipment also depreciate very fast and some farmers are sceptical of investing their capital on it. Thus it is critical for government to intervene in order as to ensure food security to all.

Currently various mechanisation programmes exists in Provinces some of which material and equipment have been imported and assembled in South Africa . The challenge is unavailability of parts when these machinery encounter problems.
The objectives of the programme are:
•  To coordinate activities in the Provinces and ensure creation of norms and standards
•  To broaden access to agricultural inputs to small scale farmers
•  Increase land under agricultural production through the resuscitation of failed land reform projects and targeting fallow land in communal areas.
•  Increase investment in agricultural production
•  Empower rural entrepreneurs and thus enhancing black economic Empowerment
•  Ensure adequate support and sustainability of the mechanization programme

While food security and food availability is not a problem in South Africa , the affordability is a challenge. Government has devised interventions that will ensure that commercial enterprises continue to thrive and to make a significant contribution into the economy through job creation and labour absorption. At the same time, government will strengthen the support that will allow for the successful participation of small holders in the sector.

In the Mpumalanga Province, the government initiated the Masibuyele Emasimini where pilot projects on the distribution of tractors between the years 2005/06 and 2007/08 showed a productive trend in 16 262 ha of land benefiting 6 800 households located in 9 municipalities.

The assessment of the project in 2008/09 showed a further productivity in 29 234 ha covered by both the old and the new Masibuyele Emasimini fleet. The hectares translate into 20% of the total targeted area benefiting 19 960 households. In all the total number of benefiting households is increased to 11% of the total deserving population of Mpumalanga .

By 31 March 2010, a further increase in the productive land as a result of Masibuyele Emasimini indicated a coverage of 36 223 hectares of land. In all 42 430 households are benefitting from this intervention. Since inception in 2005/06 until 2009/10, 175 tractors were distributed through this programme.

In this year, the government support will build on successes of the past and also taking into account lessons learnt. Therefore, the focus will be on a further support by a fleet of 88 tractors. This will be supported by intensified training of beneficiaries, establishing workshop to give necessary support to the users of the mechanisation programme and also working with the Agricultural research Council to ensure that a testing facility is established to ensure that only quality products are used

In this regard, opportunities for mechanical workshops and service outlets will be created. This will be created in partnership with the private sector.

Through this programme, government will establish new smallholders increasing the current numbers, creating value chain linkages with markets both local and to ensure National food security.

Dr Kgabi Mogajane
DDG Production and Resource Management

For further information contact:

Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries
Tel: 012 319 7153
E-mail: DDGPRM@daff.gov.za
Website: www.daff.gov.za