14 • Programme <strong>of</strong> Action - <strong>Gauteng</strong> Provincial GovernmentStrategic Priority 4:Stimulating rural developmentand food securityOutcome StatementTo develop a food secure <strong>Gauteng</strong> 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 <strong>Gauteng</strong> and improve efficiency. This will be donein a manner that is sustainable, which effectively managesthe utilisation <strong>of</strong> natural resources and ensures foodsecurity. The key strategic priorities include the promotion<strong>of</strong> rural development, maximising the contribution <strong>of</strong> theagricultural sector in economic development and growthto improve the lives <strong>of</strong> the rural poor, universal access tobasic services, water, sanitation, including the protection<strong>of</strong> environmental and management, the sustainablemanagement <strong>of</strong> natural resources as a means <strong>of</strong> ensuringfood security and job creation.Programmes1. Integrated rural development strategy will bedeveloped to promote rural development. Socioeconomic infrastructure including roads, water,sanitation, provision <strong>of</strong> electricity, the building <strong>of</strong>schools and clinics will be pursued. To unlock servicedelivery in rural areas we shall review obstructive legalframeworks, prevention <strong>of</strong> urban sprawl and reviewthe urban edge. The rail infrastructure in rural areaswill be revitalized especially in the maize triangle assource <strong>of</strong> 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 <strong>of</strong> existing arable land. In this regard weshall promote <strong>of</strong> 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 <strong>of</strong> foodand beverage sectors will be vigorously pursued so isagriculture training and skills development.3. Food security will be ensured through theimplementation <strong>of</strong> the <strong>Gauteng</strong> 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 <strong>of</strong> farmer cooperativestargeting women and youth. Farmer development andsupport will be provided including with implements,fertilisers, advice and Increase the number <strong>of</strong> extension<strong>of</strong>ficers.4. To protect, encourage the sustainable use,management <strong>of</strong> our natural resources andenvironment, we shall develop the Climate ChangeAdaptation and Mitigation Strategy, review the <strong>Gauteng</strong>Strategy for Sustainable Development (GSSD), roll outimplementation <strong>of</strong> farm level bio security and enhancedisease control emergency preparedness for our ruralareas. The <strong>Gauteng</strong> cleaning and greening campaignwill be enhanced through the implementation <strong>of</strong> arevised Bontle ke Botho and hold izimbizo educatingcommunities on impact <strong>of</strong> litter on the environment
Programme <strong>of</strong> Action - <strong>Gauteng</strong> Provincial Government • 15and health <strong>of</strong> communities and link to sustainablecommunities. Enforcement <strong>of</strong> environmental lawswill be strengthened. Arable land will be reclaimed,including mine dumps. Renewable and bio-energystrategy, waste management plan will be developedand a conservation plan updated. The protection <strong>of</strong>biodiversity will also be promoted.5. Integrated provincial land management and land usestrategy and short to long term plan will be developed.
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