The Department is mandated to drive the comprehensive and integrated program of rural development. It reported it would continue endeavouring to address challenges in the rural areas so that the lives of rural dwellers are improved. The Cabinet Lekgotla held in July 2011 identified 22 poorest districts where government needs to up - scale delivery of services through rural development programmes. The Committee noted that the Department has identified up-scaling of rural development programmes aimed at: expanding agricultural production by small-scale farmers; extending core infrastructure to rural areas; increasing jobs and skills; and revitalization of small towns.