Local Farmers Urged to Make Full Use of uLima lokuLikulima Inputs at Kidlinks Handover

At a handover ceremony held at the Kidlinks Small Farm Incubator in Kaiser’s Beach, Farmer Nozipho Maweni issued a stern warning to local farmers on the proper use of agricultural inputs received through the Department’s uLima lokuLikulima programme. The event saw 100 farmers from the Gompo Farmers Association receive fertilizers and seedlings, with Maweni emphasizing the importance of accountability and effective utilization of resources. She cautioned that government support should not be treated as handouts, noting that some beneficiaries fail to apply the inputs to their intended purpose.

The ceremony featured a practical demonstration by departmental extension officials and Kidlinks staff on proper fertilizer application. Participants learned how to correctly use lime, vermicompost, and ordinary compost to enhance soil fertility and crop growth. Farmers engaged actively during the session, asking questions and seeking clarification on techniques to ensure maximum impact from the inputs provided. The demonstration highlighted the need for hands-on training alongside resource provision to improve farming outcomes.

Maweni expressed concern over the underutilization of government-provided resources, citing cases where inputs were left unused or gardens were nonexistent. She said, “It’s becoming a norm for people to get inputs from government, but when you arrive at the homestead, you’re told by a child that there is no garden here.” Her remarks stressed the critical role of responsibility and proper planning in achieving the goals of the uLima lokuLikulima programme.

The handover ceremony also underscored the partnership between the Department and Kidlinks to support local farmers. Maweni thanked both parties for their commitment, stating, “We are thankful for the effort done by the Department with Kidlinks to develop us.” Deputy Director for Coordination in the Buffalo City Metro and Great Kei Local Municipalities, Nokubonga Zondi, reinforced the programme’s purpose, highlighting MEC Kontsiwe’s earlier statement that “No one should go to bed on an empty stomach.” The event reaffirmed the programme’s goal of empowering farmers, improving food security, and fostering sustainable agricultural practices in the region.