The INR partnered with Cranfield and East Anglia Universities in the UK to investigate the drought resilience of irrigated agriculture...
Read MoreAgriculture and Rural Livelihoods
Agriculture is the cornerstone of human survival. Farmers use skills and knowledge of natural resources to grow food and support their livelihoods. The choices we make in how we grow food can either contribute to sustainable development or erode our natural and human capital.
Finding better ways of growing food is critical for our future on this planet. We acknowledge that agriculture in rural landscapes is one element of a range of interlinked strategies to sustain rural livelihoods. Recognising these interlinked strategies, the agriculture and rural livelihoods theme adopts an holistic view in supporting rural livelihoods, considering the full range of livelihood options that can support people.
The aim of the Agriculture and Rural Livelihoods theme is to support sustainable agricultural development that optimises the use of available resources and contributes to social and economic sustainability. We recognise that supporting rural livelihoods should not only address technical challenges, but be aware of the social context in which livelihood decisions are made and be sensitive to the institutional challenges associated with agriculture and rural livelihood development.
Services
Agriculture, livelihood and natural systems analysis
- Business planning and development strategies for sustainable agriculture and livelihoods
- Strategy and policy development
- Applied research in climate- and water-smart agricultural systems
- Value addition, market and value chain development
- Farm business planning
Our focus areas are:
- Water efficient production systems
- Integrated crop and livestock systems
- Landscape restoration planning and implementation.

Our Current Projects
The Institute is currently involved in various projects across the country. Please view list below for more information.
INR Scientist Awarded PhD in Agro-forestry!
The INR would like to congratulate Thabo Makhubedu on being awarded his PhD in Crop Science from UKZN. This was...
Read MoreInnovative Solutions to Combat Food Insecurity and Sustain Livelihoods during the difficult times of the Covid-19 Pandemic
A successful collaboration between the Institute of Natural Resources NPC (INR) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in South...
Read MoreINR Partners with the Solidarity Fund to Improve Food Security
The Impendle community welcomed a tower garden demonstration by the INR who are implementing a Household Food Security Project which...
Read MoreSupporting transformative adaptation and building equitable resilience to drought for sustainable development
Growing fruit and vegetables in Africa for export has been shown to generate positive socio-economic impacts, but the industry relies...
Read MoreIncreasing resilience to water-related risks in the UK fresh fruit and vegetable system
We are exploring ways of increasing resilience to water-related risks for both UK-grown and imported fruit and vegetables. This is...
Read MoreAgro-Ecology: Investigating Micro-catchment Rainwater Harvesting and Conservation
The INR is currently involved in the implementation of a Water Research Commission (WRC) funded project investigating Micro-catchment (in-field) Rainwater...
Read MoreSub-regional Coordinator for Eastern and Southern African PROLINNOVA Platform (ESAPP)
The INR was formally responsible for the coordination of the Prolinnova network in South Africa from 2004 to 2010, but...
Read MoreNuffic Elangeni TVET Project
This is a new initiative in which INR is involved, which builds on previous support provided to the Netherlands Embassy...
Read MoreReview of Entrepreneurial Development Paths for Establishment of Smallholder Irrigation Farming Businesses
A number of studies have been conducted on behalf of the Water Research Commission (WRC) in KwaZulu-Natal, Eastern Cape and Limpopo that...
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