-
Eastern Cape Agriculture MEC, Nonceba Kontsiwe says she wants to prioritise agriculture in small communities
Eastern Cape Agriculture MEC Nonceba Kontsiwe says increasing food production in rural areas is potentially changing the economic outlook of the province.
Kontsiwe was addressing the Smallholder Farmers Agricultural show in Mthatha.
Emerging farmers in attendance raised concerns about unequal commercial opportunities and urged government to introduce inclusive commercial policies.
Local farmers from different parts of the OR Tambo region showcase the quality of their fresh produce. The show traditionally focuses on product quality, market access and fostering commercial opportunities for smallholder farmers.
“We are excited as a Department because this is exactly what we want. We want people to produce food to sustain themselves. We can defeat poverty if we work like this. People must love agriculture and nature as well as contribute to local economic development,” she says.
Watch: Agriculture MEC Nonceba Kontsiwe speaking at the DoA Agricultural Show held in Mthatha earlier today. pic.twitter.com/DZzZtFV1nW
— Eastern Cape Department of Agriculture (@DOA_EasternCape) September 4, 2025
Small-scale farmers want government to open trade market doors for emerging commercial farmers.
“We are producing vegetables, seedlings, maize, sweet potatoes, and rabbits. There are many challenges, ranging from water scarcity. Also in terms of the market, big retail stores do not want to take our produce, but they prefer produce from other provinces, so we would like the government to make sure that the marketing space is levelled,” says farmer Nombuyiselo Mlonyeni.
“I do a lot of things; farming and sewing clothing like uniforms. I display at Port St. Johns and Mthatha airports. I produce quality and quantity, but the challenge is the market. We are still lagging behind when it comes to venturing into commercial space, and we need help,” says farmer Nobuntu Saka.
Government says the fight against poverty and unemployment in the countryside can be addressed if communities prioritise agriculture.
“We will definitely assist farmers to enter the commercial market. We need to sustain and be consistent in our productivity and supply food to the retail stores that are operating in our space, but also look for other opportunities to can sell our produce,” adds Kontsiwe.
Farmers have been urged to venture into the continental and international markets. Water scarcity was raised as a major concern for the emerging rural farmers.
RELATED VIDEO | Eastern Cape | Local govt encourages communities to play role in tackling poverty and hunger
