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The IFP in KwaZulu-Natal Legislature calls for the empowerment of rural
people through agricultural initiatives, since agriculture and natural
resource management are crucial for pro-poor growth and empowerment.

"Agricultural cooperatives like in Makhabeleni and Magobhe area in Kranskop
under uMvoti Municipality are in dire need of assistance but the department
of Agriculture is not helping them. There must be support in the form of
empowerment programmes in rural areas where poor people are facing pressing
challenges to their livelihoods. People need support in business management
and support to poor rural producers to access markets," said IFP
Spokesperson on Agriculture, Mr Nhlanhla Msimango, MPL.

"By supporting rural poor people we are giving farmers the scientific
know-how to increase farm productivity, boosting agribusinesses to reward
farmers and generate rural employment, and turning KwaZulu-Natal Province
into a hub for organic farming to service the global market for such
produce. We want to see more visibility also from the Premier and his
cabinet introducing Operation Phakisa Big Fast Results Initiative in other
areas as they have done it in Makhathini Flats in uMkhanyakude recently,"
continued Msimango.

"We call for the MEC of Agriculture, Cyril Xaba to conduct an audit on how
many rural cooperatives including those owned by young people are in dire
need of assistance and they must be provided with the necessary support.
Furthermore, the MEC must investigate whether agricultural district offices
are useful to local farmers or are they dysfunctional as it is being
alleged. Agriculture Extension Officers have a vital role to play and they
need to be more hands-on in providing support to rural farmers," concluded
Msimango.