By Wandile Sihlobo, University of the WitwatersrandFarming and agribusiness play a crucial role in sustaining the economies of small towns and rural areas. International literature tends to focus on the devastation of small towns in times of drought or when farming lobby groups argue for particular policies. But lately, there is growing evidence that governance and service delivery failures are also directly affecting the functioning and efficiencies of farming and agribusinesses in small towns. Importantly, these are all entities that provide job opportunities to the least skilled South Africans and indirectly sustain the communities around small towns. In it he identified agriculture and agro-processing (food security) as one of the drivers of economic growth and job creation, especially in small towns.

Source: The North Africa Journal June 21, 2021 16:18 UTC