Story: Nikilitha Burns
Department of Economic Development, Environmental Affairs and Tourism (DEDEAT) in the Eastern Cape was part of the Farmers Indaba organised by the Eastern Cape Group Farmers, aimed at supporting and developing the agricultural sector in the province.
Speaking on behalf of the department, Nokubonga Mayeki said DEDEAT participated in the event because it is committed to growing Eastern Cape farmers, particularly by equipping them with the necessary skills and knowledge to expand their businesses.
Chief Director responsible for Farmer Support and Development at the Department of Agriculture, Ms Elder Mtshiza, explained that her role includes managing conditional grants and the blended finance scheme. She said these funding instruments make financial resources available for farmer development, while also providing training and ongoing support programmes.
Mtshiza said the department attended the Farmers Indaba to listen to the challenges facing farmers and to deliver important messages. She emphasised the importance of farmer registration, stating that it is critical for the implementation of the Comprehensive Producer Development Support Policy. According to her, the farmer register will help government determine how many farmers there are in South Africa, what resources they have, and where the development gaps exist.
She said it is important to distinguish between developing farmers and those who are already fully developed so that support can be properly targeted. She encouraged farmers to understand their own stage of development, assuring them that developing farmers continue to receive structured support.
Highlighting common challenges, Ms Mtshiza said farmers generally face similar issues, including access to inputs, infrastructure, mechanisation and markets. She added that being organised is essential, as it helps farmers strengthen and develop the entire agricultural value chain.
A learner from the Fort Cox Agriculture and Forestry Training Institute said she learned a great deal during the two-day event, especially about issues affecting small-scale farmers and the differences between registered individual farmers and broader sector challenges. She said she also gained valuable insight into agro-processing, noting that many rural communities lack adequate facilities and resources in this area. She expressed gratitude for the experience.
Vuyolwethu Silwana from the Eastern Cape Group Farmers said the initiative aimed to bring together sustainable farmers to share experiences and strengthen collaboration within the sector.
Executive Mayor the Chris Hani District Municipality, Cllr Lusanda Sizani, joined the second day of the two-day event, demonstrating local government’s support for farmer development and the growth of the agricultural sector.
