Makana Communities Benefit as Agriculture Department Launches Ilima lokuLikulima Programme

The Department of Agriculture (DoA) in the Makana Local Municipality has launched a series of community-focused handover events aimed at strengthening local agriculture and food security. The initiative is part of the Ilima lokuLikulima programme, a provincial drive to empower rural and peri-urban residents to use land productively.

The programme began at Riebeek East Commonage, where the Department officially handed over a newly built cattle dipping spray race facility and a loading ramp. These structures will improve animal health management and make it easier for local farmers to load and transport livestock safely.

The Department also extended its support to small-scale farmers and households engaged in food production. Through the Umthathi Training Trust, 100 households received essential production inputs and gardening tools. Another 50 beneficiaries were supported through the Methodist Episcopal Church. The goal is to strengthen community-based food gardens and household-level food security.

MEC for Rural Development and Agrarian Reform, Nonceba Kontsiwe, led the launch and reaffirmed her commitment to ensuring that every household with access to land is empowered to produce food. “No-one should be hungry with land in their possession,” she said, emphasizing that food production must become a community priority.

Kontsiwe has consistently called for collaboration between communities, traditional leaders, and church organizations to promote local food systems. She believes that agricultural productivity should not be limited to commercial farmers but should extend to every citizen with access to arable land.

The Ilima lokuLikulima programme is designed to reduce dependency on food aid and encourage self-sufficiency. It provides inputs such as seeds, tools, and training while facilitating partnerships between communities and institutions.

By investing in infrastructure like cattle dipping facilities and providing direct production support to households, the Department aims to strengthen the local agricultural economy and improve livelihoods in Makana.

The initiative reflects a growing commitment by the Eastern Cape government to promote sustainable food production, create local jobs, and reduce poverty through agricultural empowerment.