The National Child Labour Action Programme for South Africa

5.9Subsistence agriculture

South African subsistence farming is generally on a small scale, on very small plots, and with limited technology. Families produce food to relieve the effects of poverty and their dependence on cash. Few families produce enough to cover their total food needs. It is estimated that 20% of land in poor rural areas is seriously degraded and a further 40% moderately degraded. While just over a quarter of African rural households have access to a plot of land for cultivation, the average size is only 2,2 hectares, and poorer households have even smaller plots. Only 18% of rural African households own agricultural equipment (Agriculture: May et al, 1998: 232).

During consultations, work in subsistence agriculture emerged as a priority, especially in provinces with ex-homeland areas, where most of this work occurs.

There are a number of similarities between commercial and subsistence agriculture. This indicates that policy measures relevant to commercial agriculture (see 5.8) may also be applicable in subsistence agriculture. The similarities include:

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  Children often work long hours.
  
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  Some of the work is detrimental to schooling.
  
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  There is a seasonal demand for more work, e.g. during harvesting.
  
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  Work often involves carrying of heavy loads and other heavy manual labour.
  
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  Parents working in subsistence agriculture often spend large parts of the day away from the home, and older children have to look after their younger siblings.
  

Work in subsistence agriculture represents direct assistance to the family and also teaches children valuable skills. However, it is very difficult to monitor subsistence agriculture because works occurs within the household and is therefore more hidden.