Eastern Cape Farmers Gain Access to Water and Production Support

The Eastern Cape Department of Agriculture has delivered new water infrastructure and production inputs to vegetable farmers in Nqanqarhu, easing long-standing irrigation challenges. The initiative is part of the Ilima/Letsema Lokulima Programme, which supports productive land use and household food security.

Agriculture MEC Nonceba Kontsiwe officiated the handover of the Sigoga and Saqhuthe village spring-water schemes. The projects provide 26 water points supplying clean water to 205 households for domestic use and irrigation. Production inputs, including seedlings, fertilisers, and gardening tools, were distributed to 120 small-scale farmers, helping them boost yields and prepare for market opportunities.

“The programme brings communities together to work their gardens, produce food, and fight poverty. The new spring-water infrastructure means farmers no longer have to travel long distances to fetch water, which is crucial in areas with low rainfall,” Kontsiwe said.

Farmers welcomed the support. Ntombizanele Sonkwenye from Sigoga Village said access to clean water allows the community to expand vegetable production while engaging local youth in productive activities. Simthembile Folotyi of Upper Tsitsana Village added that the inputs will help them grow a wider variety of crops and improve food security.

The programme highlights the importance of linking water access with productive farming, supporting small-scale farmers, and strengthening rural livelihoods through sustainable agricultural practices.