The challenges facing organised community agricultural projects to alleviate income poverty in South Africa

Abstract

This article aims to investigate the challenges facing organised community agricultural projects to alleviate income poverty in the Limpopo Province of South Africa. After a brief analysis of income- approaches to poverty, to set the analytic framework of and background to national income-generation projects in general, this paper identifies and discusses fundamental challenges facing these projects in the Limpopo Province. The focus then shifts to the less obvious but still crucial flaws in funding organised community agricultural projects. Another major weakness is the inability of the current status of income- generation projects to permit a lasting exit by funding institutions from unsustainable projects. In conclusion, the article raises concerns about new waves of additional funding, and lessons for institutions and project members, responsible for assuming control of projects after termination of financial support for current agricultural projects.

Africa Insight Vol. 36 (2) June 2006: 56-74