MEC Nakedi Kekana Evaluates Flood Damage and Support for Masisi Farmers

The Member of the Executive Council (MEC) Nakedi Kekana recently visited the Masisi area in Vhembe District to assess the impact of recent floods on local farms. Her mission focused on understanding the challenges faced by farmers and identifying practical solutions to support recovery and future resilience.

At the Nwanedi Agri Hub NPC, MEC Kekana met with 69 farmers cultivating 71 hectares of land. These farms grow key crops such as dry beans, butternut, tomatoes, and maize. Farmers reported challenges including flood damage to crops and soil erosion affecting yields, disrupted irrigation and water supply due to damaged infrastructure, and limited access to local and regional markets for selling produce.

The provincial government is focusing on solutions to help farmers recover and prepare for future climate events. These include restoring and improving irrigation systems to ensure sustainable water use, introducing water conservation techniques such as rainwater harvesting and drip irrigation, linking farmers with local and regional buyers to secure stable market access, and providing technical guidance on soil restoration and flood-resilient planting.

This visit is part of a broader strategy to position Limpopo as a major agricultural region. The province’s fertile soils and favorable climate offer strong potential for high yields and profitable farming. By addressing water management, market access, and climate resilience, the government aims to support smallholder farmers and strengthen food security.

MEC Kekana emphasized ongoing monitoring of flood-affected farms and the implementation of support programs. Farmers are encouraged to adopt water-saving techniques and diversify crops to reduce vulnerability to future floods. The initiative also includes training programs to improve productivity and profitability.

This effort demonstrates the province’s commitment to practical, on-the-ground support for farmers, ensuring Limpopo’s agriculture sector continues to grow and thrive.