Deputy Minister Rosemary Capa Leads Women in Agriculture Outreach in Ingquza Hill

Yesterday, Deputy Minister of Agriculture, Honorable Rosemary Capa, led a Women in Agriculture Outreach Programme at Sobho Ngxaliwe Community Hall in the Ingquza Hill Local Municipality. The event aimed to recognise the resilience, innovation, and contribution of women in agriculture, with particular focus on subsistence farmers, smallholders, and agro-processors.

The programme highlighted the critical role women play in driving rural development and food security. Deputy Minister Capa encouraged participants to leverage available resources and support to expand their agricultural activities and improve livelihoods. She emphasized that women remain central to sustainable growth in the agricultural sector.

Ms Thembi Ngotho from the Agricultural Research Council delivered a presentation on opportunities for women in agricultural research. She outlined how women can participate in innovation, apply scientific methods to improve production, and access training and mentorship programmes. Her session provided practical guidance for women looking to strengthen their farming practices and engage with research-driven agricultural initiatives.

The outreach programme also served as a platform for networking, knowledge sharing, and showcasing women-led agricultural projects. Participants discussed ways to improve productivity, access markets, and collaborate with government and private sector stakeholders.

The event reinforced the Department of Agriculture’s commitment to supporting women in the sector. By providing access to training, research, and development opportunities, the programme seeks to empower women to grow their agricultural enterprises, enhance economic participation, and contribute to resilient rural economies.