Achieving the NDP 2030 agricultural agenda in UMzimkhulu: myth or possibility

Abstract

he South African Constitution has often been adjudged one of the most progressive constitutions ever written. However, transforming  the theoretical content of the Constitution into a reality has proved to be a challenge. Considering that, the NDP 2030 is widely  acknowledged as a wellthought-out and structured plan, the converting of the NDP 2030 vision into reality is discussed amongst cynics,  who often consider it as an unrealistic vision based on the current circumstances and timeframe. In consonance with the afore-narrative,  this paper explores the current circumstances of the Agricultural sector within the UMzimkhulu Municipality and gauges against the  agricultural agenda set forth in the NDP 2030. To unravel this nexus, the paper pursues a qualitative approach wherein face-to-face  interviews were conducted amongst 63 farmers. Prior to the interview, a pretest was conducted to ascertain the suitability of the  instrument. The professional personnel were from the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development; the Department of Water and  Sanitation, alongside other key stakeholders within three farming projects in UMzimkhulu, KwaZulu-Natal, Province, South Africa. The  conceding view amongst most of the respondents indicated that the agricultural plan outlined in the NDP 2030 was far from attainment  considering the current resources, skills, personnel, and timeframe. Thus, the paper advocates several proactive mitigations such as  capacitation, tailor-made investments, institutional reinvigoration, and formidable partnerships amidst other practicable    recommendations.