Karoo RSDF

In this section, a layered spatial economic development strategy for the Karoo Region will be presented in order to implement the spatial development concept as illustrated earlier. This spatial strategy will consist of the following elements: 1) Delineation of Economic Functional Regions based on (1) rural-rural connectivity of networks of settlements as an application of the Regional Rural Development Model of the NSDF, (2) spatial and development characteristics, (3) large innovation and value addition sectors of opportunity, and (4) locally nuanced opportunities for economic diversification and innovation; 2) Identification of nodal points in the form of Regional Development Anchors, building on the concept put forward in the NSDF, but with a differentiated view of the regional role of each Anchor based on economic diversification opportunities; 3) The identification of the Regional Economic Network of connectors supporting the Anchors, and connecting the Karoo to Anchors, towns and markets outside the region; and 4) For the purpose of coordination of spatial planning and investment across administrative boundaries, the establishment of a more collaborative and integrated view of the spatial elements that need to be supported and maintained in support of the two key sectors in local level economic development and employment, i.e. Agriculture and Tourism.

To provide guidance on the spatial planning and development implications of the economic functional regions, the ‘Rural-Regional Development Model’ as introduced in the NSDF was used/applied.

The NSDF model takes a systemic view of rural areas and proposes “the soft delineation of polycentric functional rural regions that have (1) at least one well-connected regional development anchor, both within the region on the national transport network to ‘anchor’ the region in the national space economy, (2) social, cultural, historical, economic and cultural characteristics and attributes that would make the development of a ‘functional rural region’ possible over time, and (3) the potential for intra-regional trade between towns and villages in the region”.

The sparse rural setting of the Karoo makes this model ideal for the development of a spatial perspective on economic development in the region, using the concept of Regional Development Anchors as a mechanism to build/generate and sustain (1) a degree of concentration of population and economic activity, (2) economic diversification, and (3) economies of scale in an otherwise extensive and sparse rural landscape. In the context of the Karoo, the Regional Development Anchors also have a very specific role in localising the benefits offered by the large scale regional economic activities through beneficiation, diversification and provision of economic support services. For each of the Economic Functional Regions, a Regional Development Anchor is proposed. The proposals for its role in the Karoo Region and required supportive action, are made taking cognisance of:

• The proposed Regional Development Anchors in terms of the NSDF;
• The diversity and agglomeration of current and potential future economic activities derived from the regional land use analysis in Part 3 of this document;
• The connectivity of the Regional Development Anchors to each other and to other smaller towns and settlements to form the core of a ‘regionally-connected polycentric system’;
• Nodal roles identified in the PSDFs;
• Economic connections between towns derived from the ‘Town Survey’10; and
• The framing elements provided by existing initiatives such as the Agri-Hub system and planned ‘Government Precincts’.

The application of the regional-rural model to the Karoo Region is illustrated conceptually in the Figure to the right. The role of the Economic Functional Regions, the focus on infrastructure investment in each, and risks that should be considered has been captured in the document. This informationshould be read in conjunction with the Provincial SDFs that may contain more detailed proposals and requirements (high level alignment was ensured). More detailed, contextualised responses should be developed in District and Local SDFs. The next Map: Regional Development Anchors following the table shows the Anchors in relation to the Economic Functional Regions.

Tourism is a regionally significant sector with a potential for growth and employment impact, even at very local scales. To optimise the tourism potential of the Karoo Region, the coordinated development and marketing across administrative boundaries is of critical importance. Tourism is a sector with a strong spatial focus. The spatial dimension of tourism includes (making use of high-level adaptation from Leiper’s tourism system model):

• Tourist/Traveller-generating regions;

• Tourist destination regions, containing tourism gateways, attractions, connections; and

• Tourist transit regions, with an emphasis on connections and gateways.

Specific tourism recommendations (some non-spatial) emanating from the Regional Spatial Analysis are the following:

1- Branding the Karoo as a Single Destination: Following the same principle as geographically branded agricultural products, the Karoo should be marketed under a single, inclusive brand. Tourism routes, attractions and accommodation could apply to carry the ‘brand’, subject to certain conditions.

2- Creation of a Regional Karoo Tourism Agency: The regional agency (supported by the National Department of Tourism) could ensure coordination and cooperation between the different provinces and municipalities, allowing for the development of strategic tourism strategies and projects that will ensure effective investment and spending;

3- Standardising and Maintaining Tourism Infrastructure: Provincial coordination to attain a single standard for tourism infrastructure, e.g. branded tourist information centres, road and route signage, attraction and accommodation advertisement on a single platform, and inter-connecting current provincial-based tourism routes. Routes and facilities should be maintained. Maintenance of significant routes should be prioritised.

4- Considering a ‘Karoo-branded Port of Entry’: Feasibility studies should be reconsidered for the establishment of a small commercial airport in a central location such as Beaufort West. Combining a central Karoo Airport with car rental and other tourism facilities will greatly open up access to the Karoo Region as the lack of air transport, and very long driving distances limit tourism. Beaufort West has been put forward for such a development in a number of plans as it is located along the N1 and a main north-south rail link, various towns can be accessed within a 200km radius, and it already one of the strongest retail centres in the Karoo;

5- Investigate the Possibility of Utilising the Railway System: Opportunity for mainline passenger travel, with stop-off points at De Aar, Middelburg and Matjiesfontein, and smaller regional routes which are ideal for private enterprise to launch specialised locomotives and carriages.

6- Targeting Transit Tourists: Tourists crossing through the region en route to, for example, the Cape Town or Kgalagadi attractions by linking tourism promotion to the large surrounding attractions.

7- Identifying, Researching and Promoting Current And Developing Tourism Sectors: Having a clear understanding of the type of tourism that is viable in the Karoo is crucial in effectively promoting tourism in the Region. E.g. extensive mention is made in tourism surveys about the Karoo cuisine, and developing and marketing this as a very specific niche tourism opportunity is crucial to make it viable and successful;

8- Marketing Tourism as a Career of Choice: Marketing tourism as a viable career choice in the Karoo Region and providing bursaries in related fields is crucial to the success of tourism;

Agriculture is (1) a significant and (2) character-defining element of the Karoo Region’s economy. In order for this sector to thrive, certain regionally significant elements should be protected, managed and maintained. The base of agriculture in the Karoo is the region’s unique climate and vegetation. Geographical areas that need to be managed and protected to ensure the future of agriculture in the Karoo are indicated on the Map: Agriculture Network and include the following four critical geographic focus areas:

• The unique vegetation areas required to support the sheep farming industry and the Place of Origin product Karoo Lamb;

• The high-intensity crop farming area on the southwestern boundary of the Karoo Region, which includes a substantial Rooibos farming area which also enjoys international Place of Origin recognition;

• The high-intensity crop farming area on the eastern boundary of the Karoo Region, which forms part of a nationally significant agricultural production region. The importance of the region will increase in future, as the western parts of the country will be increasingly affected by higher temperatures and reduced rainfall due to climate change; and

• The irrigation agriculture regions, which make a significant contribution to the regional agriculture market.

The four focus areas are supported by a network of infrastructure elements and connected facilities. In addition to maintenance of facilities, the roads/rail lines that connect these facilities to agricultural areas are of critical importance:

• Markets;

• Abattoirs;

• Silos;

• Grain Cellars;

• Ginners;

• Feedlots; and

• Supportive facilities such as Agri-Hubs and FPSUs.