Department of Agriculture and Rural Development Responds to Small-Scale Poultry Farmer Concerns in Lebowakgomo

The Department of Agriculture and Rural Development continues to strengthen its commitment to responsive service delivery through direct engagement with farmers in rural communities. In a recent visit, the department addressed grievances raised by Mr Bethuel Nkogatse of Rakgolo Enterprise, a small-scale layer chicken farmer operating in Lebowakgomo within the Capricorn South Agro Ecological Zone. The farmer manages a flock of 700 layers, consisting of 350 White Leghorn and 350 Lohmann Brown chickens. His enterprise produces between 600 and 650 eggs daily, positioning it as a consistent contributor to local food supply. The engagement formed part of ongoing efforts to ensure that emerging farmers receive practical support that aligns with production realities on the ground. It also reinforced the department’s focus on strengthening agricultural productivity at community level.

Mr Nkogatse raised several pressing challenges that continue to affect the growth and sustainability of his poultry business. He highlighted limited access to fair and reliable markets, which restricts his ability to secure stable income for his produce. He also pointed to skills gaps that affect operational efficiency, including farm management and production optimisation. Rising feed costs remain a major burden, reducing profit margins and limiting reinvestment into the business. He further expressed concerns about insufficient stakeholder engagement, which he believes affects timely access to support services and development opportunities. These combined issues reflect broader challenges faced by small-scale poultry farmers operating in competitive and cost-sensitive environments.

In response to the concerns, Capricorn South Deputy Director Mr Mogano Mathule conducted a detailed assessment of the enterprise operations and provided targeted interventions. He emphasised the importance of compliance with formal market standards to improve access to structured and reliable buyers. He also outlined blended funding opportunities designed to support emerging farmers in managing operational costs and expanding production capacity. Biosecurity measures were highlighted as a critical component for protecting flock health and ensuring consistent output. Mr Mathule further addressed the need for efficient feed and resource management practices to reduce unnecessary expenses and improve productivity. He also stressed proper record keeping as an essential requirement for tracking performance and qualifying for departmental producer support programmes.

The engagement with Rakgolo Enterprise also underscored the importance of strengthening skills development and knowledge transfer within the agricultural sector. Practical training in farm management, cost control and production planning was identified as a key area for improvement. The department’s approach aims to ensure that farmers are not only recipients of support but also active participants in building sustainable agricultural enterprises. By focusing on structured interventions, the department seeks to bridge the gap between emerging farmers and commercial market requirements. The inclusion of targeted advisory services is expected to improve operational efficiency and long-term viability for small-scale producers in the region.

This visit reaffirmed the ongoing commitment of the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development to accountability, stakeholder engagement, food security and rural economic development. By directly addressing the challenges faced by farmers like Mr Nkogatse, the department continues to strengthen trust and improve service delivery outcomes in rural communities. The support provided reflects a broader strategy aimed at empowering small-scale farmers to become sustainable contributors to the agricultural economy. Continued engagement within the Capricorn South Agro Ecological Zone ensures that interventions remain practical and responsive to local conditions. These efforts collectively support the growth of resilient farming enterprises that contribute to food production and rural livelihoods across the region.