Effect of Masibuyele Emasimini Agricultural programme on food security at new forest irrigation scheme in Bushbuckridge Municipality of Ehlanzeni District in Mpumalanga Province

Abstract

Food insecurity is a huge challenge for any government. Since food is a human need, it is often at the priority of any endeavour, policy or strategy undertaken by a household or government. The issue of food insecurity and the use of agricultural intervention to address it were at the centre of this study. Agricultural reform programs such as the Masibuyele Emasimini programme investigated here are argued to be the best mechanism to address food insecurity in rural areas of developing countries. This understanding, however, does not go unchallenged with some scholars believing that these programmes only mask the problem and once withdrawn an even bigger problem would arise. This study investigated why there is little indication of farmer growth despite the introduction of the Masibuyele Emasimini programme in the new forest irrigation scheme. A number of aspects such as increases in production, skills set, challenges, etc., were investigated to get a comprehensive picture of what is happening on the ground. A descriptive approach was followed in presenting the data. The major challenges faced by the programme are: poor communication, limited mechanization, insufficient production inputs late arrival of seeds and fertilizers, inexperienced drivers, and lack of consultation. From this analysis of the challenges presented by both farmers and extension officers, it becomes apparent that there is a failure of government to deliver on time. Secondly that there is a mismatch between the demand and supply of inputs, two aspects play a role firstly budgetary constraints that might limit the availability of inputs and secondly insufficient budgeting due to miscalculated demands. The study revealed that any programme meant to uplift the poor should not be a top down approach that is drafted and imposed on people. Proper consultation during the planning phase should be sought, but more crucial is the on-going communication and consultation with the people on the ground. The study then argues that poor monitoring also had a role in the weakening of the sustainability of the programme. Administrative issues on the part of government and service providers discouraged farmers and weakened the relationship of farmers with government; it also decreased the momentum of the programme. Key words: Sustainability, Food insecurity, Food security, Smallholder farmer, Masibuyele Emasimini programme.