This paper will critically analyze Chapter 6 of the National Development Plan which focuses on the inclusiveness of the rural economy in development planning in South Africa. Rural integration is vital to reinvigorate the economies of rural areas which have been relatively marginalized in development planning since the apartheid era. The government therefore deemed it necessary to stimulate economic growth in rural areas in order to promote employment opportunities and empowerment for local rural communities. Notably, this integration of rural areas into development planning will also impact other rural-specific issues, such as healthcare provision and access, as well as water and sanitation issues. Additionally, the NDP also intends to curb the growing problem of rural-urban migration that is devastating rural human capital, vital to local economic development. However, a critical analysis of the feasibility and sustainability of the work is necessary. creation in the agricultural processing sector proposed by the government given the current forces of globalization and climate change. In an attempt to address climate change issues affecting agricultural activities, the document proposes the establishment of irrigation schemes in rural areas which in a sense contradicts with the 2030 vision of a “healthy” environment in chapter 5 [ it is necessary to declare the health environmental perspective regarding the issue of irrigated agriculture]. This paper will therefore consider the government's policy positions and its feasibility in relation to current issues and debates on economic development and mainstreaming development in rural areas. A key concept highlighted in this chapter is "participation" which requires... article ......rtfall, 2008:451). Community marginalization is then alluded to political structures such as those that characterized the apartheid era, which were not open enough to allow rural areas to participate. From this point of view it is therefore justified to believe that the NDP itself does not do justice in allowing the participation of rural communities due to its “top-down” approach which undermines notions of social inclusion. Therefore, it is necessary for planners and government to also consider and value the different dimensions that comprise participation or inclusion as a whole. This also requires careful examination of the NDP document itself in relation to its availability and accessibility, so we cannot talk about inclusive development when the people involved are not even aware of or cannot access the document that determines their future..