THE FUSE

The North West Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (DARD) has commenced its two-day Departmental Strategic Planning Review Lekgotla for the 2027/28 financial year at Mmabatho Palms. The meeting provides an opportunity for departmental leadership and officials to reflect on current priorities, assess institutional performance and strengthen planning for the year ahead. For farmers and rural communities, effective agricultural planning is important because departmental programmes can influence access to support, agricultural development and rural livelihoods. The Lekgotla is intended to ensure that the department’s plans remain aligned with its mandate and respond to the needs of people across the North West Province. Its discussions form part of the broader process of setting priorities and guiding the delivery of agricultural and rural development programmes.