The North West department of agriculture and rural development (DARD) is making a significant difference in the lives of residents in Mahikeng local municipality by tackling food security challenges head-on. Recent initiatives by the department bring a much-needed spark of hope to these farming communities.
Recently the department delivered a modern livestock handling facility to Ditshilo village, empowering residents with improved infrastructure for managing their animals. This initiative coincides with their Thuntsha Lerole programme, which promotes food security in the region.
Through Thuntsha Lerole, the department planted vegetable gardens at Lomanyaneng’s Life-Changing Community Feeding Centre, Phakisang Primary School, and Maruping Clinic in Ottoshoop. These gardens are not simply plots of land; they represent a commitment to long-term food production and sustainability.
To ensure success, the department provided essential tools like spades, forks, and wheelbarrows, along with seeds, to make these gardens flourish.
Fighting food insecurity together
“Food security remains one of the biggest threats to various communities across the province,” the DARD acknowledges.
The department’s food security programme combats poverty and hunger by empowering communities to produce enough food to meet their basic needs year-round.
David Molatlhegi Maape, a farmer from Setlopo village, is a prime example of how the department supports new-era farmers.
Maape states, “I am extremely happy to be one of many farmers that continue to receive support from the department. I have received ten goats and a buck,” he said.
These breeding Boer goats represent a significant boost to Maape’s farming operation, and his long-term goal is to become a successful commercial breeder.
While handing over the projects, the chief director of agricultural development services Bothoboile Pule emphasised the importance of collaboration.
“Look after what the department has given them and continue to do what they have been doing because the province needs more producers,” she said.
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