THE Mpumalanga department of agriculture, rural development and land administration faces serious management challenges with a vacancy rate of more than 50percent.

THE Mpumalanga department of agriculture, rural development and land administration faces serious management challenges with a vacancy rate of more than 50percent.

According to the portfolio committee report the department is unsustainable and dysfunctional.

On the other hand the report indicates that the private agricultural sector has, despite the challenges, continued to sustain some world-class farming facilities in the province.

A total of 105 vacant posts in veterinary services need to be filled, says the report.

While the department has identified inaccessibility of information technology as a major challenge to emerging farmers, the department has budgeted R3,5million for a website.

Departmental spokesperson Victor Nkwalase said while they faced challenges with regard to vacant posts, the report was "not accurate".