MATATIELE- Community-based agri-entrepreneurs supported by the Eastern Cape Rural Development Agency (ECRDA) have surpassed key agricultural production and job creation targets, demonstrating resilience and growth despite challenging climatic conditions that included heatwaves and damaging hailstorms.
The agency says the strong performance reflects the determination of emerging farmers across the province and highlights the growing impact of programmes aimed at strengthening rural agricultural development and food security.
According to ECRDA, job creation has significantly exceeded expectations over recent months, with 184 full-time jobs created or sustained against an initial target of 83. In addition, a further 308 seasonal employment opportunities were generated through agricultural activities supported by the agency.
Crop production figures also recorded impressive gains. Grain production reached 1,839 hectares, exceeding the target of 1,756 hectares. Vegetable production achieved 78.1 hectares compared to a target of 50 hectares, while fodder production slightly surpassed expectations with 253 hectares planted against a planned 250 hectares.
The achievements are attributed to more than 100 agri-entrepreneurs participating in ECRDA’s Grain, Fodder and Vegetable (Food) Crops Programme, which focuses on improving crop production systems, enhancing food security and promoting the commercialisation of rural agriculture.
Furthmore, the farmers are located across the OR Tambo, Amathole, Chris Hani, Joe Gqabi and Alfred Nzo district municipalities.Among the programme’s success stories is Kevinot Farming, a rural enterprise managed by young farmer Nonopa Tenza in Matatiele.
The farm, which was previously in a state of disrepair had no fencing, inadequate livestock handling facilities, limited equipment and poor storage infrastructure.
Farmhouses on the property were also in need of substantial rehabilitation.In addition through ECRDA’s support, the enterprise received production assistance, regular monitoring and sustainability interventions. Financial support enabled the purchase of a tractor, fencing and livestock, including an initial flock of 42 sheep comprising two rams and 40 pregnant ewes.Today, Kevinot Farming has expanded significantly and now owns more than 135 cattle and 279 sheep.
“We are deeply thankful to ECRDA for the significant support they provided to Kevinot Farming,” said Tenza. “Their investment came at the right time and gave us the foundation to grow our business. Because of this support, we are now able to create jobs, uplift our community and contribute to economic activity in our rural area,” she added.
ECRDA said Kevinot Farming represents one of many successful agricultural enterprises benefiting from integrated support aimed at transforming rural livelihoods and stimulating local economies.
The agency works closely with the Eastern Cape Department of Agriculture and several strategic partners, including the Land Bank, African Seed Group, HelloChoice, Potato SA, the Eastern Cape Development Corporation and the Small Enterprise Development and Finance Agency.
These partnerships have assisted farmers with production expansion, improved access to markets and strengthened efforts to commercialise agriculture in rural communities.
ECRDA Chief Executive Officer(CEO) Simpiwe Somdyala said the results demonstrated that the agency’s interventions were helping to build a more inclusive and sustainable rural economy.
“As the agency, we are pleased to see that our plans are yielding positive results in making an inclusive and sustainable rural economy a reality in communities across the province,” said Somdyala.”
Early last year, we issued a call for expressions of interest to partner with ECRDA in transforming and commercialising rural agriculture in the Eastern Cape, and today the stakeholders who joined us are doing an excellent job,” he emphasised.
He said the agency remained committed to working with partners and farming communities to expand opportunities and improve livelihoods across the province.
Agriculture continues to play a critical role in creating sustainable livelihoods, empowering young people and women, and building self-reliant communities throughout the Eastern Cape.
As production levels rise and more jobs are created, the success of these agri-entrepreneurs is providing tangible evidence of the sector’s potential to drive rural economic growth and food security across the province.
Photographs: ECRDA
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