Mainstreaming farming systems analysis in rural development research: evidence from mountainous smallholder systems in South Africa

Farming systems analysis (FSA) offers a framework for understanding interactions between agriculture, livelihoods, natural resources and institutions that shape rural development outcomes. Despite its potential to enhance development interventions, FSA remains underutilised in rural development research and policy in South Africa. In mountainous areas, smallholder farmers face distinctive livelihood challenges arising from remoteness, limited market access, and competition over natural resources. FSA provides a structured approach to capture this complexity and assess implications for sustainable rural development. Drawing on empirical evidence from Emmaus (KwaZulu-Natal) and Thaba Nchu (Free State), this paper uses FSA to examine the role of farming in livelihoods, identify constraints to agricultural production, and explore alternative farming futures. Household surveys, interviews, and participatory scenario analyses reveal that farming remains socially and culturally significant but its economic contribution is modest relative to off-farm income and social grants. Labour scarcity, resource conflicts, and institutional limitations were more constraining than land access, particularly in Emmaus, where terrain and water scarcity further shape production. Scenario analysis identified agricultural niches such as lucerne production in Thaba Nchu and broiler production in Emmaus, but viability depends on governance quality, cultural preferences, and household aspirations. The findings highlight the need to mainstream FSA research into rural development policy and practice in South Africa. A systems lens shows synergies and trade-offs between farming, natural resource management, and livelihood portfolios critical in ecologically sensitive and resource-constrained regions. This paper provides empirical insights and supports a broader argument for integrating farming systems approaches into sustainable rural development debates in South Africa.