Department of Agriculture Empowers Cookhouse Community Through Successful Roadshow

The Department of Agriculture, through its Customer Care and Extension and Advisory Services units, hosted a successful community roadshow at Madiba Hall in Cookhouse. The event aimed to raise awareness about the Department’s programmes and services designed to support farmers, smallholders, and local communities.

The roadshow brought together agricultural experts, farmers, and residents to discuss key initiatives that strengthen food security, improve productivity, and promote sustainable farming practices. The interactive sessions provided participants with information on how to access government support and participate in ongoing agricultural development programmes.

Viwe Dyafta led the presentation on Food Security and the Ilima/Letsema Programme, highlighting available opportunities for household and community food production support. The programme aims to empower families and cooperatives to produce their own food and reduce dependency on external sources.

Athenkosi Maseti presented on Livestock Improvement, explaining the Department’s interventions to improve animal breeds, enhance productivity, and promote better herd management practices across farming communities. Home Industry and SHEP (Smallholder Horticulture Empowerment and Promotion) were also key focus areas, with discussions centered on helping farmers adopt a market-oriented approach to horticulture. The initiative supports farmers in understanding consumer demand, marketing produce effectively, and improving income generation.

Khuselo Jokazi discussed LandCare, a programme promoting the sustainable use of natural resources. Jokazi emphasized soil conservation, water management, and rehabilitation of degraded land as essential steps toward long-term agricultural sustainability.

In the area of animal health, Tshegofatso Msomi provided an overview of Veterinary Animal Health programmes, including ongoing disease control measures and vaccination campaigns aimed at safeguarding livestock health. Bonakele Mjuza addressed Veterinary Public Health, focusing on maintaining high standards in abattoirs and ensuring that meat products reaching consumers are safe and of high quality.

Sandiswa Keva presented the Comprehensive Agricultural Support Programme (CASP), highlighting its role in providing infrastructure support to farmers. She also outlined available training and entrepreneurship development opportunities to strengthen the capacity of local farmers. The Eastern Cape Rural Development Agency (ECRDA) team shared information about their collaborative programmes that promote rural development through funding, technical support, and partnerships with small-scale farmers.

Organised by Sandiswa Keva from the Extension and Advisory Services Unit in partnership with Customer Care, the event ensured that Cookhouse residents gained a deeper understanding of the Department’s services and how to access them. The Cookhouse roadshow reflected the Department’s commitment to inclusive agricultural growth. By connecting directly with communities, the Department continues to build awareness, strengthen partnerships, and promote sustainable agriculture that supports food security for all.