The Tshwane Metro’s so-called Agri-parks are a disappointment as the Metro is failing to fulfil its obligations to small farmers.
The FF Plus experienced the decline firsthand during its recent oversight visit to the small farms in Kleinsonderhout, Rooiwal and Soshanguve.
These emerging farmers focus mainly on producing fruit and vegetables, and broiler chickens.
Their products are sold at the local market and to supermarkets.
The Metro is contractually bound to supporting the small farmers’ agricultural activities by providing them with infrastructure, resources and services.
The Metro, however, does not have the financial means or capacity to maintain the sites.
During the oversight visit, it became evident that the iron sheets on roofs are missing, the grass is long, and there are water and power problems.
The FF Plus will approach successful farmers this coming week and ask them to provide some guidance to these small farmers to help them manage their enterprises better. This will also facilitate private partnerships.
The FF Plus fully supports the small farmers in the Metro’s Agri-parks and would like to see them succeed.
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