E Cape to Launch Rural Food Hubs and Expand Sustainable Agriculture Initiatives

The department is also prioritizing access to water for food production, with plans to implement 10 spring water protection projects across five districts.

The Eastern Cape Department of Rural Development and Agrarian Reform (DRDAR) is set to establish food hubs in rural areas, allowing subsistence and home-based vegetable producers to store, process, and market their produce locally. This is part of the department's broader strategy to improve food security and support sustainable agriculture.

During the department's food security plans presentation on Tuesday, Rural Development and Agrarian Reform MEC Nonceba Kontsiwe emphasized that the initiative will focus on home-based gardens, water conservation, and youth entrepreneurship. "By empowering communities to grow their own food, we aim to reduce living costs, promote self-sufficiency, and foster resilience," said Kontsiwe.

The department is collaborating with the provincial government as part of a coordinated effort to tackle poverty and malnutrition in the province. Kontsiwe acknowledged that previous efforts lacked a unified strategy, but with the Office of the Premier leading the Provincial Food and Nutrition Security Plan, the approach will be more cohesive moving forward.

One of the key components of the plan is the establishment of small-scale vegetable nurseries to provide high-quality seedlings, thereby lowering production costs for rural and peri-urban farmers. Additionally, DRDAR and the Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development (DALRRD) will support 42,000 households in cultivating their own food during the 2024/25 financial year.

The department is also prioritizing access to water for food production, with plans to implement 10 spring water protection projects across five districts. These efforts follow the successful installation of 290 taps in 12 villages during the previous financial year, benefiting 2,263 households and creating 729 jobs.

Kontsiwe highlighted the importance of innovation and technology in reducing production costs and addressing climate change. As part of this, a pilot program featuring 14 climate-controlled tunnels with 3,720 smart planting boxes will be introduced in all districts and agricultural colleges. This initiative will enable year-round vegetable cultivation and is expected to attract more young people and women to agriculture.

The department is inviting all sectors, including churches, schools, and traditional leaders, to support these community food production initiatives. Collaboration with the private sector is also planned to assist households in growing their own food.