The South African government has plans to help small-scale farmers face the impact of coronavirus on their activity.

According to Thoko Didiza, the minister of agriculture, the money will assist the most vulnerable producers. Farmers who qualify for assistance would need to prove their South African citizenship, have been engaged in farming for a minimum of 12 months and be registered in the farmers’ registry.

The investment targets poultry, livestock, and vegetables. Applications would be evaluated on a case by case basis. This measure is hailed by observers who argue that farmers were the minor beneficiaries of funds allocated by the government. 

In South Africa, nearly 1.2 million black producers are engaged in subsistence agriculture.