As I reflect on the state of food security in South Africa, particularly in provinces like the Eastern Cape, I cannot help but feel a deep sense of urgency. Poverty is rampant, with the Eastern Cape having one of the highest poverty rates in the country—around 61.7% of the population lives in poverty, according to Stats SA. Other provinces, such as Limpopo and KwaZulu-Natal, face similar challenges. In these regions, hunger and malnutrition are not just statistics; they are daily realities for many families.
That’s why I’m inspired by the recent announcement from the Eastern Cape Department of Rural Development and Agrarian Reform (DRDAR). They’ve committed to establishing food hubs in rural areas—places where subsistence and home-based vegetable producers can collect, store, and process their produce for local markets. This is not just about feeding people today; it’s about empowering communities to take control of their own food production and build resilience for the future.
MEC Nonceba Kontsiwe’s vision to improve food security through sustainable agriculture, water conservation, and youth entrepreneurship resonates deeply with me. These initiatives, aimed at reducing living costs and promoting self-sufficiency, can truly change the landscape of food production in rural areas. But, as Kontsiwe wisely acknowledges, the department alone cannot solve this problem. Poverty and food insecurity are deeply entrenched, and only a unified strategy will lead to meaningful change.
The Eastern Cape has long been plagued by disjointed efforts to address food insecurity, despite various programs in place. However, the provincial government, under the Office of the Premier, is finally coordinating departments and agencies to develop a comprehensive Provincial Food and Nutrition Security Plan. This collaboration is a beacon of hope for a region where malnutrition is a persistent issue.
The plan to support 42,000 households in growing their own food during the 2024/25 financial year is ambitious but crucial. I believe that, with proper support and the involvement of multiple sectors, this goal is within reach. The project to expand household food production, especially in rural and peri-urban areas, is set to make a significant impact. The department’s focus on establishing small-scale vegetable nurseries to provide high-quality seedlings will reduce production costs and encourage even more families to participate.
It’s not just about providing seedlings or equipment, though. The emphasis on innovation and technology—such as the installation of climate-smart boxes and tunnels—offers a lifeline for farmers facing the unpredictable effects of climate change. Controlled environments for year-round cultivation could revolutionise the way food is grown in the Eastern Cape. This kind of thinking is exactly what’s needed to inspire the youth and women in our province to see agriculture as a viable, modern career.
As Kontsiwe pointed out, it’s time for all sectors of society—elders, schools, churches, traditional leaders, and the private sector—to come together in this fight against hunger. Together, we can create food-secure communities across the Eastern Cape and, eventually, all of South Africa. By investing in people, land, and innovation, we’re not just growing food; we’re sowing the seeds of self-reliance and resilience.