Resource information
The preservation, development and sustainable use of agricultural land are of vital importance to ensure longterm food security in South Africa. These principles of food security as well as an integrated, inclusive rural economy underpin the core focus areas of the National Development Plan, Vision 2030 (NDP). The NDP states that the national food security goal for South Africa is to maintain a positive trade balance for primary and processed agricultural products whilst job creation and increased agricultural productivity is needed to address food insecurity at household and individual level in rural areas. The concomitant Food Security Policy for the Republic of South Africa (2013) states unambiguously that food security is a key element of both poverty and inequality. The NDP endorses the 2009-2014 Medium Term Strategic Framework which lists rural development and food security as one of the ten priority areas to give effect to Government’s strategic objectives.