Eastern Cape Allocates R600 Million to Boost Farming and Food Security

The Eastern Cape Department of Agriculture has allocated over R600 million to improve labor efficiency, boost agricultural productivity, and support value addition at household level. This affects households, small-scale producers, schools, and communities across the province. The move tackles food insecurity amid ongoing challenges. MEC Nonceba Kontsiwe announced it in the 2026/27 Policy Speech on March 25, 2026, as reported by SAnews.gov.za.

The department confirmed the R600 million allocation in the speech. It targets tools for better labor and productivity.

Key details from the policy speech include:

• Ilima Lokulima Programme supported over 33,000 households in 2025/26 to produce their own food.
• Expansion to 35,000 households in 2026/27 with R65 million.
• Procurement of 50 hand-held tractors for small-scale producers at R3 million.
• Rollout of nine Climate Smart Tunnels across all districts.
• Spring Water Protection Programme with R9.6 million for 13 additional springs in water-stressed areas.

MEC Kontsiwe shared these facts in her address, per SAnews.gov.za.

The department partners with the Departments of Education and Social Development. It also works with Oxfam, Farmers Network South Africa, the Graca Machel Foundation, Meals on Wheels, and Walter Sisulu University. These ties strengthen community food production.

A key effort involves school gardens at 1,930 schools. This boosts local food and nutrition for learners and nearby communities.

“This effort aims to strengthen local food production and enhance nutrition for learners and the surrounding communities,” Kontsiwe said.

“These combined initiatives are helping to establish sustainable community food systems and promote food sovereignty throughout the province,” she added.

The speech distinguishes past support from future plans, as noted by SAnews.gov.za.

These steps address food insecurity in the province. They build resilience against climate challenges. Tools like tunnels and tractors aid production.

Reliable water from protected springs helps households in dry areas. This supports year-round food and better livelihoods.

School gardens improve nutrition for communities.

“This initiative not only enhances water access but also establishes a solid foundation for consistent household food production and improved livelihoods,” Kontsiwe stated.

All points tie to aims in the speech, per SAnews.gov.za.

The department eyes key actions for 2026/27. It will expand Ilima Lokulima to 35,000 households. Nine Climate Smart Tunnels will roll out across districts.

Procurement covers 50 hand-held tractors. The Spring Water Programme protects 13 more springs. School garden efforts grow with partners.

These plans come from the policy speech, as reported by SAnews.gov.za.

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