National Agriculture Leaders Gather in Rustenburg to Strengthen LandCare and Sustainable Land Management in South Africa

The National Department of Agriculture is hosting a key national engagement through the National Resource Management Working Group under the LandCare Programme in Rustenburg, North West. The North West Department of Agriculture and Rural Development is serving as the host province for this important two day session. The meeting brings together representatives from all nine provinces alongside national officials to focus on improving coordination in land and natural resource management. The discussions are centred on practical solutions that support long term agricultural sustainability across South Africa. The engagement reflects a shared commitment to protecting land resources while improving productivity in the agricultural sector.

The session focuses strongly on strengthening the implementation of the LandCare Programme, which supports sustainable land use and environmental protection in farming communities. Key areas of discussion include Conservation Agriculture practices that improve soil health and reduce land degradation. Delegates also examined land preservation strategies that aim to protect natural ecosystems while supporting agricultural output. Climate smart agriculture was highlighted as a priority area due to increasing climate pressures affecting farming conditions across provinces. Participants stressed the need for practical interventions that farmers can apply directly to improve resilience and productivity.

Another major focus of the working group is the rehabilitation of degraded and mined land using innovative approaches such as industrial hemp cultivation. This method is being explored as a potential tool for restoring soil quality and supporting new agricultural value chains in affected areas. The integration of technology also plays a central role in the discussions, with attention given to drone technology and weather station systems. These tools are seen as important for improving data collection, monitoring land conditions and supporting better decision making for farmers and government officials. The use of technology is expected to improve efficiency and strengthen early warning systems for environmental risks.

The engagement also highlights the importance of strengthening institutional systems that support LandCare implementation. Delegates discussed the need to finalise pending legislation that affects land management and environmental protection efforts. Training for LandCare coordinators and field workers was identified as a critical priority to ensure consistent implementation across provinces. Alignment of organisational structures was also raised as necessary to respond to the evolving demands of sustainable land management. These efforts aim to improve coordination between national and provincial departments and ensure that programmes deliver measurable impact on the ground.

Provinces also presented their budget allocations for the 2025 and 2026 financial year related to LandCare implementation. These presentations provided insight into planned investments and priorities for sustainable land and resource management initiatives. The discussions allowed for benchmarking between provinces and encouraged better use of available resources. The National Department of Agriculture emphasised the importance of accountability and effective spending to ensure that programmes achieve their intended outcomes. The working group concluded with a strong emphasis on collaboration, innovation and shared responsibility in protecting South Africa’s agricultural land for future generations.