Innovative Management of Agricultural Projects in South Africa: Issue for Consideration

Abstract

Agriculture is the practice of cultivating natural resources to sustain human life and provide economic gain. It blends innovative production techniques and cutting-edge technologies with the creativity, inventiveness, and expertise required for raising animals and cultivating crops. Agriculture has long been regarded as a major source of employment and revenue in rural areas, as well as a contributor to the spread of rural agriculture. Unemployment is a major issue in the country, notably in the Polokwane Local Municipality. It is worth emphasising that the country’s high levels of poverty and unemployment are getting worse every day.  Agricultural farming is well-known for their contributions to job creation, increased farm revenue and poverty reduction. As a result, smallholder farmers can boost their production and revenue by forming cooperatives and jointly negotiating cheaper rates for inputs such as seeds, fertiliser and transportation. This paper sought to analyse innovative management of agricultural projects in South Africa. The study adopted a conceptual approach to analyse agricultural projects on sustainable community development. In the process, the literature has revealed that South Africa is facing a major challenge is the development of rural areas, many of which are seriously disadvantaged. Agricultural economists are well-placed to meet these challenges and to work with governments to develop agricultural policies to promote income growth in poor areas. The national and provincial departments of agriculture are both important employers of agricultural economists, who are involved with many varied tasks. Agricultural economists participate in the development of strategies designed to assist farmers who may previously have received little assistance from agricultural extension workers. Working on developing such strategies has many elements from promotion and market development through to pricing policies and agricultural finance. The study concludes with strategies for effective agricultural projects in South Africa.