Determinants of smallholder farm income under the Recapitalization and Development Programme: A case study from Gauteng Province, South Africa

Post-settlement support plays a crucial role in ensuring the sustainable development of small-scale farmers. Since 2010, South Africa has implemented the Recapitalization and Development Programme (RECAP) to support land reform beneficiaries. This paper assesses the factors influencing farm income among RECAP beneficiaries in Gauteng province, with the aim of informing strategies to enhance their earnings. Data was collected from a randomly selected sample of 100 farms using a semi-structured questionnaire. A Heckman Selection Model was applied for empirical analysis. The results indicate that only labour availability and land operated significantly influenced farmers' ability to generate income. Meanwhile, farmers' age, access to extension services, market access, and enterprise mix were key determinants of income levels. Notably, none of the RECAP-related variables showed a significant relationship with either the ability to earn income or the level of income achieved. These findings highlight that financial support alone is insufficient to meet the agricultural development goals of land reform. Effective support must also address critical factors such as labour availability, extension service quality, market access, and broader capacity challenges. The study recommends strengthening the mentorship programme, improving capacity on land reform farms, providing in-service training for extension officers, supporting young farmers, and facilitating access to high-value markets.