In her ongoing efforts to address food insecurity among impoverished households and institutions throughout KwaZulu-Natal, the MEC for agriculture and rural development, Thembeni kaMadlopha-Mthethwa, has urged church leaders to encourage their members to participate in agricultural activities to feed their families and establish agri-businesses.
The MEC said the government alone cannot win the fight against food insecurity, and faith-based organisations are key to spreading the gospel of food-secure households that will ensure that no one goes to bed hungry.
She emphasised that while the government works to help those who want to be food producers, the reality is that not everyone will be helped; however, collaboration could be the answer to establishing food gardens.
KaMadlopha-Mthethwa made these remarks at a business seminar held at Christian Fellowship Centre International Church in Ncotshane, Pongola, as part of the poverty alleviation programme aimed at addressing basic food shortages.
Growing food gardens and hope
The MEC further distributed over thousands of seedlings, encouraging congregants to cultivate their yards in their churches and home gardens. The seedlings included 2 000 spinach, 3 000 cabbage, 10 000 green pepper, and 10 000 onion seedlings.
“We have expanded our One Home One Garden programme to also include churches and government institutions like schools, hospitals, and clinics, ensuring food security in households and in their everyday situations.
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“We will support them by providing seeds and seedlings to make their yards green. Today’s primary objective was to encourage congregants to establish agricultural businesses. We also offer assistance with poultry, cattle, goats, and other farming activities.”
KaMadlopha-Mthethwa encouraged communities to attend agricultural workshops, which will further equip them with skills to manage their poultry and other farming businesses.
According to MEC, such workshops are doors to those who want to venture into agriculture but have little knowledge on how to do so. She said community members do not need big land to start their farming operations, but the piece of land they have can assist in producing food that can help feed those around them.
“Communities and congregants can also seize opportunities and funding through government grants that are made available by the office of the premier, Youth and Women Fund, Agribusiness Development Agency, and the department of agriculture and rural development project funding, which will soon be advertised publicly,” she said.
KaMadlopha-Mthethwa also expressed gratitude to the business seminar organisers for equipping congregants with valuable knowledge to initiate agricultural businesses.
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