About the Rural Development Branch

Purpose of the Branch:

To ensure the continuous improvement of sustainable rural livelihoods through the co-ordination of integrated rural development services and facilitation of rural enterprise and industry development

Vision Statement:

Vibrant, equitable and sustainable rural communities in KwaZulu-Natal

Mission Statement:

To co-ordinate and integrate comprehensive government interventions towards promoting vibrant, equitable and sustainable rural development in KwaZulu-Natal

Rural Development is aligned to the DARD Strategic Outcome Orientated Goals:

• Corporate Governance and Integrated Service Delivery
• Unleashing the Agricultural Potential of the Province
• Sustainable Natural Environmental Management
• Promote Sustainable Rural Livelihoods

Competencies of the Branch:

Strategic planning
Agriculture Market analysis
Rural enterprise market analysis
Rural Development Planning and co-ordination
Social facilitation
Stakeholder management
Business entity support
Agricultural economics expertise
Monitoring and evaluation
Statistical analysis
Communication

Other Key Policy Imperatives:

National Development Plan
New Growth Path
Industrial Policy Action Plan
Agricultural Policy Action Plan
National Food and Nutrition Security Strategy
Operation Phakisa
Comprehensive Rural Development Programme

Key Strategic Informants:

Medium Term Strategic Framework - Outcomes 4 & 7 & 2
Provincial Growth and Development Strategy
Agri-Parks Strategy