QLFS shows the continued importance of agriculture in creating jobs
[{“type”:”text”,”content”:”While Agri SA notes that employment in the sector decreased by 23 000 jobs quarter-on-quarter, from 868 000 in quarter four of 2021 to 844 00 in quarter 1 of 2022, it is pleased that, year-on-year, employment numbers are up by 52 000 jobs (having stood at 792 000 in quarter 1 of 2021) which equates to 6,6% growth over the period.nnProvincial employment numbers of note for the sector include the growth in both the Western Cape, which has gained 68 000 jobs year-on-year (representing a 49.8% increase), and the Free State, which has gained 29 000 jobs year-on-year (representing an increase of 52,7%). By contrast, year-on-year growth figures were down in both KwaZulu-Natal, where 44 000 jobs were lost (representing a 34,2% decrease), and Gauteng which has lost 15 000 jobs (representing a 34,7% decrease).nnDespite this most recent QLFS showing positive overall results, the sectoru2019s growth continues to be stifled by poor infrastructure such as road, rail, and ports, amongst many other challenges like rising input costs. Agri SA has proposed that government considers using increases in the diesel refund system as a targeted intervention to combat rising fuel costs for the agri sector. While government has subsequently indicated a short-term extension of relief from the general levy, should oil prices remain high, the diesel refund system remains a relatively fiscally viable option in the future. Farmers do not control food prices beyond their gate, however, assistance to contain this input cost would also help to promote food security.nnIt is vital that these and other challenges facing the sector are addressed if it is to reach the goals set out by the national development plan (NDP) for 2030 u2013 specifically the goal of achieving a million jobs in the sector. Agriculture is a critical partner for job creation in the rural areas of South Africa, and employment in the sector has even greater potential for poverty alleviation.nnThe recently signed Agriculture and Agro-processing Master Plan (AAMP) has the potential to be a catalyst for assessing the primary drivers of job creation in the agriculture sector, particularly in labour-intensive subsectors.nnA recent study involving Agri SA and the institute of future research focussed on the future of work in the agricultural sector with the goal of alleviating poverty. The study found that it is necessary to ensure that growth in the sector had an influence on low income and poor South Africansu2019 earnings. There are numerous ways of achieving this, including linking farmers to markets, bolstering agribusinesses, and producing non-farm income in rural areas, all of which would assist to boost income and create jobs. Proactive policies are necessary to achieve this and make agriculture sustainable, support smallholder farmers to grow and become bigger employers as well as escalate infrastructure development.nnAgri SA and its members are committed to working with all relevant stakeholders to ensure the agri sector continues to provide much needed employment and growth for South Africa.”,”position”:0,”id”:”0SsTo2RM3Fgdmh2g”}]