Bukiwe Civane, a member of the Nontsomi Cooperative in Coza locality under the Nyandeni Local Municipality, has raised concerns about how water shortages are crippling their farming efforts.
Speaking at an Agricultural Show hosted by the Department of Agriculture at Mthatha Stadium last week, she highlighted the financial burden of securing water for their farming operations.
Civane said that while they began farming to feed their families and generate an income, the rising costs of water have put their livelihoods at risk. “We are spending more money buying water because our rivers are far. We pay R30 per bucket when hiring donkeys and R1,500 per truck delivery, sometimes as many as 10 times a month,” she explained.
Nontsomi Cooperative, which represented the Nyandeni Local Municipality at the Agricultural Show, is just one of many groups facing such challenges. Civane shared that they had taken up farming after struggling to find jobs and viewed it as their only viable option for a sustainable future.
“We used to do piece jobs to make ends meet, but we decided to invest that money into farming. It’s the only plan we had for a better future,” she added.
However, in addition to water shortages, farmers are battling theft due to a lack of fencing and the absence of consistent market access. “We need government support, especially with fencing and access to markets. Right now, we just sell to local shops,” said Civane.
At the Agricultural Show, the MEC for the Department of Agriculture, Nonceba Kontsi we, commended the hard work of farmers but acknowledged the significant challenges they face, notably the lack of market access and exploitation by retailers.
“Farmers are working hard, but they lack markets. Retailers often prefer sourcing from companies in other provinces, which undermines local cooperatives,” she noted.
Kontsiwe stressed that the department is committed to helping farmers grow their operations and become business owners so that the Eastern Cape can rely less on imported products from other provinces. She expressed her appreciation for the active involvement of women and young people in farming, a sector often misunderstood as being solely for older individuals.
“Young people used to think farming was for older people, but we are pleased to see them taking part now. Regarding the water challenges, our department has a programme aimed at bringing water closer to the farmers. We will engage with the O.R. Tambo District Municipality, which holds water authority in this municipality, to work together on resolving this issue. We’ve already supported many farmers by bringing water closer to them,” said Kontsiwe.
She pledged to improve access to finance and markets for farmers and emphasised the role of agricultural high schools in building the entrepreneurial skills needed for success in the sector. Kontsiwe also applauded seamstresses supported by the department for showcasing their products during the event.
The Agricultural Show concluded with cooperatives from the King Sabata Dalindyebo Local Municipality receiving a cheque for R20,000, while cooperatives from the Nyandeni Local Municipality were awarded R15,000.
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