AGRICULTURE NEWS -The Eastern Cape Department of Agriculture has recognised outstanding women farmers and extension practitioners in the OR Tambo District for their contribution to agricultural development, food security and rural livelihoods.
The department on Thursday hosted the district leg of the Women Entrepreneur Awards (WEA) and the Extension and Advisory Services Awards (EASA), making OR Tambo the fifth district to host the combined awards programme.
The Women Entrepreneur Awards recognise excellence among women in agricultural production and agribusiness, while the Extension and Advisory Services Awards honour extension officers who have demonstrated excellence in providing technical support and advisory services to farming communities.
Speaking at the ceremony, Deputy Director: District Coordination, Andiswa Matinise, commended farmers for their contribution to the province's agricultural sector and efforts to combat poverty and food insecurity.
"We would not achieve our mandate without our farmers. By 2030, we have a mandate to eradicate poverty, and this cannot be achieved without your continued commitment. Your contribution ensures that the Eastern Cape remains one of the country's food baskets," she said.
Matinise also praised extension and advisory services officials, describing them as the department's "ground heroes", who work tirelessly to provide technical guidance and support to farmers across the district.
Giving words of encouragement, local farmer Andile Ndzendze encouraged both farmers and extension practitioners to explore agro-processing opportunities to increase the value of agricultural products and unlock new markets.
Ndzendze also called for the preservation of indigenous agricultural knowledge, while encouraging the commercial development of traditional products through appropriate intellectual property protection.
“We must preserve our indigenous knowledge and ensure that the products we develop are protected through appropriate intellectual property mechanisms so that future generations can benefit from them,” he said.
Director for Extension and Advisory Services Noluvuyo Nqeno challenged farmers to remain focused on their purpose and embrace their uniqueness.
"You must focus on what you are doing, why you are doing it and who you are doing it for. Nothing limits people more than trying to fit in with the crowd. Be proud of your uniqueness and build something that future generations will recognise and continue,” she said," Nqeno said.
She encouraged established women farmers to mentor young people by involving them in farm management, administration and the use of modern agricultural technologies.
“Leave a legacy. Even if your children are not yet interested, remain patient because what we have built should not be lost. Allow young people to participate in bookkeeping, administration, and the use of modern technologies within farming enterprises. This is how we will spark their interest and attract them into agriculture."
She also highlighted the province's food security challenges, noting that about 27% of households experience food insecurity, and called for greater collaboration to strengthen agricultural production and improve livelihoods.
The district awards form part of the department's programme to recognise excellence, promote women's participation in agriculture and strengthen extension services that support sustainable agricultural development across the Eastern Cape.
Women entrepreneur awards winners
- Best Smallholder Producer: Sofika and Van Zyl Trading Enterprise
- Best Commercial Producer: Tyhopho Trading Enterprise
- Best Agro-Processing Producer: Cberkie Projects and Innovations
- Overall Winner: Tyhopho Trading Enterprise
Extension and advisory services awards winners
- Best Extension Practitioner (Candidate Natural Scientist): Winner – Yongama Zantsi; Runner-up – Bavuyise Sondzaba
- Best Extension Practitioner (Certificated Natural Scientist): Winner – Thanduxolo Paliso; Runner-up – Nosihle Mfunduka
- Legend/Lifetime Achievement Award: Dumisa Mlanjeni, who joined the department in 1990. – SAnews.gov.za
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