While an impressive R1,27 billion has been budgeted for agriculture and rural development in the North West Province for the 2025/26 financial year, the decrease in funding for research and technology services is disappointing. This is the view of Dr Kaya Myeki of the School of Agricultural Sciences at the North-West University (NWU).

Commenting on the budget delivered by Madoda Sambatha, MEC for Agriculture and Rural Development, on 24 July 2025, Dr Myeki welcomed the 5,53% increase in the agriculture and rural budget.

“The MEC should be acknowledged for increasing the budget. The demand for food, fibre and raw materials continues to rise, and agriculture is still seen as a sector that can provide employment if adequately funded,” says Dr Myeki.

The increased allocation aligns with broader continental goals, he says. “This is consistent with the Maputo Declaration on Agriculture and Food Security which encourages African Union member states to increase agricultural investment to promote growth.”

The budget shows a 19% increase in the rural development programme compared to the previous year, and a 12% increase for sustainable resource use and management. “These increases indicate a growing focus on the long-term sustainability of the sector,” says Dr Myeki.

Research funding cut is cause for concern

However, he raises concerns about the 23% reduction in funding for research and technology development services, compared to the previous year. “I would have expected this area to receive more investment. We are in an era where digital tools and artificial intelligence are demonstrating their value in enhancing farm productivity, reducing waste, preventing stock theft and building climate resilience.”

Looking at the broader three-year period covering the 2023/24 to 2025/26 financial years, Dr Myeki notes that a total of R3,71 billion has been allocated to agriculture and rural development. Of this, 37% (approximately R1,83 billion) is for agricultural producer support and development.

“This indicates the need for a more detailed analysis of impact or value for this investment by agricultural economists,” he says. “We need to ask: How many producers have been supported? What value has been generated? What is the impact on employment, income, poverty reduction and food security?”

He suggests that these indicators be integrated into the work of the provincial department under the directorate of agricultural economic services.

“The focus should now shift towards tracking support interventions with greater accuracy and transparency,” he concludes.

Dr Kaya Myeki