Free State Agriculture Department Launches Community Outreach to Strengthen Food Security in Koppies

The Free State Department of Agriculture and Rural Development began a week long community outreach programme aimed at strengthening food security and supporting local institutions involved in food production. The programme started yesterday at the Ethiopian Church of Lesotho in Koppies within the Ngwathe Local Municipality in the Fezile Dabi District. Government officials gathered with community leaders, church representatives and early childhood development centres to distribute essential agricultural production inputs. The initiative focuses on encouraging communities to establish vegetable gardens that can supply fresh food to households and local institutions. Through this outreach effort the department aims to empower communities with practical tools that enable them to produce their own food and reduce hunger.

During the first phase of the programme several institutions received tools of trade packages designed to support small scale vegetable production. The packages included fertilisers, vegetable seeds and a variety of garden tools needed to prepare soil and maintain crops. Eight churches and fifteen early childhood development centres have benefited from the programme so far. These institutions often play a central role in supporting vulnerable families and providing meals for children. By equipping them with agricultural inputs the department is helping them expand food production that can directly benefit the communities they serve.

Mr Morethebe Modutwane from the Office of the MEC addressed the gathering and explained the importance of bringing this outreach programme directly to agricultural communities. He stated that the initiative reflects the provincial leadership’s commitment to improving food security across the Free State. According to Mr Modutwane the programme promotes the establishment of vegetable gardens so that communities can produce their own fresh produce. He emphasized that encouraging local food production allows families and community institutions to become more self sufficient. This approach also helps communities understand the value of agriculture as a practical solution to address hunger.

Ms Nozi Mnyaziza from the Fezile Dabi District Office also shared the purpose behind the distribution of tools and inputs. She explained that the programme is designed to raise awareness about food security and the need to tackle hunger through local agricultural initiatives. Ms Mnyaziza encouraged churches and early childhood development centres to establish and maintain vegetable gardens that provide nutritious food for their members and learners. She highlighted that government wants communities to see the benefits of growing their own produce rather than relying entirely on purchased food. The initiative also reflects the government’s commitment to ensuring that no community is left behind in development efforts.

Ms Mnyaziza concluded by reminding the community that agriculture plays an important role in the economy of the Free State. She noted that the sector creates opportunities for income generation, employment and food production. Encouraging communities to participate in agriculture helps strengthen both household food security and the broader provincial economy. Programmes that promote backyard and institutional gardens also build long term resilience in communities facing economic challenges. These efforts demonstrate how agricultural development can directly improve daily living conditions for many households.

The outreach programme will continue throughout the week as officials expand the initiative to other communities. The next distribution of tools of trade packages is scheduled to take place in Ventersburg and Bothaville. By reaching more institutions the department hopes to increase participation in vegetable gardening and local food production across the district. This ongoing effort reflects the government’s commitment to strengthening food security while promoting community participation in agriculture. Through practical support and continued engagement the programme aims to empower communities to grow their own fresh produce and build a more food secure future.