Appropriate farmer classification is key to agricultural development: rethinking subsistence agriculture in South Africa

Purpose This viewpoint argues that appropriate farmer classification is key to the success of agricultural development programs. Focusing on South Africa's small-scale agricultural households, who are often referred to as “subsistence” farmer, we show that the nomenclature creates the impression that these farming households live from agriculture, which is not the case. Design/methodology/approach This study utilized secondary data obtained from Statistics South Africa's General Household Survey. The data were analyzed to illustrate that the majority of small-scale farming households in South Africa engage in agricultural activities primarily to supplement their household food supply and income. Descriptive statistical methods were employed, with results presented through figures and tables to highlight key trends and patterns. Findings We show that this inappropriate farmer classification has already hampered the success of small-scale agricultural development programs in at least one of the South African provinces, Eastern Cape. We recommend that appropriate and practical farmer classification should be one of the priorities in rural and agricultural development policy and practice. Originality/value This viewpoint is one of the few articles that amplifies the argument about inappropriate farmer classification with a focus on subsistence farmers referencing the recent Statistics South Africa's data. Peer review The peer review history for this article is available at: https://publons.com/publon/10.1108/IJSE-04-2025-0401.