Description
Since its inception in 2011, the National Evaluation Plan has included numerous evaluations targeting programmes that support smallholder farmers. Since 2012/13 the following evaluations have been undertaken: Land Recapitalisation and Development Programme, Comprehensive Rural Development Programme, Land Restitution Programme, Comprehensive Agricultural Support Programme (CASP), and MAFISA. In 2014/15 the following evaluations are to be undertaken: a quantitative impact evaluation of the Land Restitution Programme; an Implementation evaluation of Ilima Letsema and the plan is to do a cost-effectiveness evaluation of the Irrigation Schemes. In addition National Treasury with DPME has undertaken expenditure reviews of both MAFISA and the Land Restitution Programme.
Many of the evaluations are pointing to significant weaknesses in these programmes, and how to strengthen them. The RECAP evaluation specifically indicated that programmes supporting smallholders needed to be rethought in an integrated way. This diagnostic evaluation of the government supported smallholder farmer sector programmes will draw from these detailed evaluations and expenditure reviews to develop an evidence base on which to consider a future smallholder farmer policy, the key programmes needed, and how these should integrate effectively.
