Government's Programme of Action - Gauteng Online

14 • Programme of Action - Gauteng Provincial GovernmentStrategic Priority 4:Stimulating rural developmentand food securityOutcome StatementTo develop a food secure Gauteng that is a sustainable region which promotes equitable rural developmentA key priority is to undertake equitable regional developmentto improve access to infrastructure and services in both ruralareas in Gauteng and improve efficiency. This will be donein a manner that is sustainable, which effectively managesthe utilisation of natural resources and ensures foodsecurity. The key strategic priorities include the promotionof rural development, maximising the contribution of theagricultural sector in economic development and growthto improve the lives of the rural poor, universal access tobasic services, water, sanitation, including the protectionof environmental and management, the sustainablemanagement of natural resources as a means of ensuringfood security and job creation.Programmes1. Integrated rural development strategy will bedeveloped to promote rural development. Socioeconomic infrastructure including roads, water,sanitation, provision of electricity, the building ofschools and clinics will be pursued. To unlock servicedelivery in rural areas we shall review obstructive legalframeworks, prevention of urban sprawl and reviewthe urban edge. The rail infrastructure in rural areaswill be revitalized especially in the maize triangle assource of job creation. Support will be provided tocooperatives and small enterprises; this will includeskills development and financial assistance. We shallsupport light manufacturing, craft, tourism, servicesetc. and ensure the safety and security, especially forwomen.2. Maximise agricultural sector growth and jobs throughthe protection of existing arable land. In this regard weshall promote of agricultural co-operatives, agribusinessand the agro-processing sector. Agricultural hubs willbe effectively utilised and agricultural Expos revived.The biotechnology strategy will be implemented and aBio-science Park developed. The development of foodand beverage sectors will be vigorously pursued so isagriculture training and skills development.3. Food security will be ensured through theimplementation of the Gauteng Integrated Food SecurityProgramme. Emergency food relief and assistance willbe provided to the poorest. The food for all programmewill be initiated and food production expandedincluding through the Letsema / Ilima initiatives, theHomestead Food Gardens Project through communityempowerment projects in communities that are hit thehardest by poverty using school land among otherthings. Local food production through support for smallscale farmers, especially black and women farmers, inthe peri-urban areas will be increased. In addition weshall facilitate the establishment of farmer cooperativestargeting women and youth. Farmer development andsupport will be provided including with implements,fertilisers, advice and Increase the number of extensionofficers.4. To protect, encourage the sustainable use,management of our natural resources andenvironment, we shall develop the Climate ChangeAdaptation and Mitigation Strategy, review the GautengStrategy for Sustainable Development (GSSD), roll outimplementation of farm level bio security and enhancedisease control emergency preparedness for our ruralareas. The Gauteng cleaning and greening campaignwill be enhanced through the implementation of arevised Bontle ke Botho and hold izimbizo educatingcommunities on impact of litter on the environment