Water Wheel Special Edition 2012

Abstract

Research and development Agriculture may no longer directly contribute significantly to the national gross domestic product (GDP), but it still plays an indispensable role in the health and welfare of the nation, particularly in the rural sector. Forward linkages to processing industries and backward linkages to input suppliers boost agriculture’s contribution to the GDP to between 20% and 30%. More importantly, in South Africa it is estimated that up to 35% of the economically active population are directly or indirectly dependent on agriculture. This consists mainly of small-, medium-and large-scale enterprises, which provide employment opportunities for formal and casual labour. An estimated 42,7% of the revitalisation of irrigation schemes, particularly in the former homelands is required for household and community level irrigation. Water for food production also needs to be boosted in home gardens in rural villages or towns and peri-urban areas.

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