Hlengiwe Zuma and Mzamo Mnikathi share their experiences at the SETAC conference from 5-9 May, 2024 in Seville, Spain. “Upon...
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.
Celebrating Youth Month with Climate Change Youth Champions
In celebration of Youth Month, the “Innovative Partnerships for Change: Raising New Climate Change Initiatives and Champions Project” co-funded by the European...
Read More22 May – International Biodiversity Day Celebration – Be part of the Plan
The Institute of Natural Resources (INR) in partnership with the South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI) collaborated with Matomela High...
Read MoreExploring Environmental Conservation
Expoloring Enironmental Conservation: A field visit with the INR. On the 19th of April, the Institute of Natural Resources (INR)...
Read MoreRiparian Buffers Guideline For Dairy Farmers
Dairy production and water go hand in hand. On the one hand, water underpins most requirements for a productive dairy...
Read MorePartnership with Cranfield and East Anglia Universities: Investigating the drought resilience of irrigated agriculture
The INR partnered with Cranfield and East Anglia Universities in the UK to investigate the drought resilience of irrigated agriculture...
Read MoreINR 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 MoreEnvironmental Trailblazing: INR works with communities to build capacity in fire management
The INR’s Agriculture & Rural Livelihoods team is currently implementing two initiatives at Inhlazuka, a rural community near Richmond, KwaZulu-Natal....
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...
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