Eastern Cape Agriculture LandCare Evaluation Programme Highlights Sustainable Farming Progress in Joe Gqabi District

The Eastern Cape Department of Agriculture is currently carrying out a structured month long evaluation programme across all six districts to measure the implementation and impact of LandCare supported projects. The programme focuses on assessing how agricultural investments are improving productivity, environmental sustainability and rural livelihoods in farming communities. Officials are visiting project sites to verify progress on the ground and engage with beneficiaries who are actively involved in production. The evaluation also looks at whether projects are meeting their intended goals in conservation farming and job creation. This approach ensures that public resources are tracked and that agricultural support continues to deliver measurable outcomes for communities.

One of the key sites assessed during the programme was the Chevy Chase Landcare Project located within the Elundini Local Municipality under the Joe Gqabi District Municipality. The project was visited by a team from the Department’s LandCare Unit together with Extension Advisory Services officials who reviewed its operations and infrastructure. The project focuses on Conservation Agriculture practices that aim to improve soil health and long term productivity. It also includes fencing of arable land to protect crops from damage and to improve land management efficiency. Wattle management forms part of its environmental control strategy, ensuring invasive species are managed while still generating economic value.

The project has developed a diversified production system that supports both agriculture and natural resource utilisation. It supplies wattle pulp to NCT Forestry Cooperative Limited, creating a structured market link for harvested biomass. In addition to forestry related activities, the project produces maize, cover crops and potatoes which contribute to local food security and sustainable farming output. A multipurpose shed has been constructed to store harvested produce and to protect tractors and farming implements that were sponsored by the Department of Agriculture. This infrastructure improves operational efficiency by reducing post harvest losses and protecting equipment from weather damage. The integration of crop production, forestry resources and storage facilities strengthens the overall resilience of the project.

The Chevy Chase Landcare Project also plays an important role in local employment within its surrounding community. It provides job opportunities for residents of Chevy Chase and helps support household incomes through seasonal and permanent work. The project has reached a level where it can now pay worker wages independently, showing progress toward financial sustainability. This independence reduces reliance on external funding and strengthens long term viability. The combination of Conservation Agriculture, infrastructure development and market integration demonstrates how targeted agricultural programmes can transform rural livelihoods. The ongoing evaluation by the Eastern Cape Department of Agriculture ensures that such projects continue to grow in productivity while delivering lasting economic and environmental benefits to farming communities.