By Alicia Mmashakana
The Democratic Alliance in the Western Cape is urging parliamentary oversight channels to advocate for a change in the Comprehensive Agriculture Support Programme (Casp) so that farmers receive funding faster.
Casp funding was initially administered under Schedule 4 of the Public Finance Management Act, which has fewer administrative barriers and ensures that funds are transferred quickly by the programme’s national officer to provinces.
It is currently on Schedule 5.
According to DA Western Cape agriculture, economic development and tourism spokesperson Noko Masipa with the shift to Schedule 5, funds were now disbursed only upon receipt of comprehensive information, including farmers’ business plans, which were presented at national level.
“This scheduling delay, coupled with the necessity to begin planning a year in advance, often results in a mismatch between allocated funds and farmers’ evolving needs, particularly due to climate change and global market volatility.
“The process disproportionately affects
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