Deputy Minister Nokuzola Capa Leads Food Security Drive in Kariega to Strengthen Household Self-Reliance

Deputy Minister Nokuzola Capa is currently engaging subsistence farmers in Kariega within the Nelson Mandela Bay Metropolitan Municipality as part of the department’s Food Security at Household Level Programme. The engagement focuses on practical community participation in food production and aims to strengthen long term household resilience. The initiative places strong emphasis on encouraging families to take ownership of their own food systems. It also highlights the importance of small scale farming as a reliable way to reduce household food insecurity. Communities in Kariega are being supported to shift from dependency toward active production of food at home.

The programme encourages households to expand and maintain productive household gardens that can provide daily nutritional needs. Officials are working directly with residents to demonstrate sustainable farming practices that can be applied even in limited spaces. These practices include soil preparation, crop rotation, water conservation and seasonal planting methods. The goal is to make food production simple, affordable and repeatable for every household involved. By focusing on accessible methods, the department ensures that even low income families can participate meaningfully in food production. This approach helps communities build consistent food sources while reducing reliance on external supply chains.

The engagement also reflects a wider government strategy focused on empowerment through knowledge transfer and practical support. Residents are not only given tools but are also trained on how to maintain productive gardens over time. This includes ongoing mentorship that helps farmers deal with challenges such as pests, drought conditions and limited land availability. The programme strengthens local confidence by showing communities that food security can be achieved through consistent effort and informed practice. It also promotes cooperation among neighbours who share knowledge and resources to improve yields. In Kariega, this shared learning environment is becoming a key driver of sustainable household agriculture.

The initiative in Kariega demonstrates a strong commitment to building resilient communities that can sustain themselves through local food production. By supporting subsistence farmers, the department is laying the foundation for long term food stability at household level. The focus on education, participation and practical support ensures that the impact goes beyond short term assistance. Instead, it creates lasting change in how communities approach food security. As the programme continues, more households are expected to adopt gardening practices that improve nutrition and reduce vulnerability. This ongoing effort reinforces a clear message that sustainable food security begins at home and grows through consistent community action.