Bisho: The Eastern Cape Department of Agriculture has announced a significant investment exceeding R600 million to enhance agricultural productivity and efficiency in the region. This initiative aims to provide necessary tools to improve labour efficiency and support value addition at the household level.
According to South African Government News Agency, MEC Nonceba Kontsiwe, in her 2026/27 Policy Speech delivered at the Provincial Legislature, emphasized the importance of the Ilima Lokulima Programme in combating food insecurity within the province. The programme, during the 2025/26 financial year, successfully aided over 33,000 households in producing their own food. For the 2026/27 financial year, the department plans to extend this support to 35,000 households, backed by a budget allocation of R65 million.
The MEC mentioned the strengthening of partnerships with the Departments of Education and Social Development, alongside organizations like Oxfam, Farmers Network South Africa, the Graca Machel Foundation, Meals on Wheels, and Walter Sisulu University. These collaborations aim to bolster community-based food production. One such initiative includes working with the Department of Education to establish school gardens across 1,930 schools, enhancing local food production and nutrition for learners and their communities.
As part of the efforts to address climate-related challenges, nine Climate Smart Tunnels will be introduced across all districts to support community food production. 'These combined initiatives are helping to establish sustainable community food systems and promote food sovereignty throughout the province,' Kontsiwe stated.
The department also plans to scale up the Ilima Lokulima Programme by procuring 50 hand-held tractors, with a budget of R3 million, to aid small-scale producers. Additionally, the Spring Water Protection Programme will be expanded to address water scarcity, with R9.6 million allocated to safeguard 13 more springs in water-stressed districts.
Kontsiwe highlighted that this intervention is designed to ensure reliable irrigation water access, strengthen household resilience, and expand local food availability throughout the year. 'This initiative not only enhances water access but also establishes a solid foundation for consistent household food production and improved livelihoods,' she added. - SAnews.gov.za
