The North West Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (DARD) has significantly boosted household food security and in a way of trying to reduce poverty in the Bojanala District.
By providing 50 goats, five rams, and medication to five female subsistence farmers, they aim to encourage sustainable agriculture and entrepreneurship among women.
The initiative supports the recipients and sets an example for other women in the community. Additionally, distributing agricultural produce and vegetable seedlings to indigent families and institutions demonstrates a commitment to improving nutrition and food access.
The department's MEC Desbo Mohono's emphasis on a ward-based approach and targeting vulnerable households reflects the government's dedication to addressing food security and poverty.
The Integrated Food Security Provincial Implementation Plan and the goal of reaching 3 040 households and subsistence producers by the end of the financial year highlight their on-going efforts to combat poverty and hunger in the region.
During the handover, Mohono urged Kedibone Seikanelo, one of the five recipients, to massify her goats, ultimately turning her subsistence farming project into a profitable business that can contribute to the alleviation of unemployment and poverty in Borolelo. Seikanelo, 54, appreciated the government's determination to support various categories of farmers.
"Our government is restoring our trust by fulfilling its promises. This marks the beginning of my goat farming journey and becoming an example to other women that we are equally capable, like men, of starting and growing sustainable businesses in agriculture. "I now have to ensure that I multiply these goats so that other women can learn from me that when you have a passion for farming, it becomes easier to nurture your business," expressed Seikanelo.
In addition, 15 female-headed indigent families and two institutions were supported with agricultural produce and vegetable seedlings for their backyard gardens. Sophia Mothibedi, a pensioner and a subsistence farmer in Borolelo Township, received agricultural produce and seedlings planted in her vegetable garden by Mohono and the DARD officials.
"This initiative truly reflects how our government cares for its people. My vegetable garden is a means for me to supplement monthly groceries. "My old age grant cannot buy these groceries for the month, especially fresh produce, because I cannot buy it in bulk. The seedlings planted add to the variety of vegetables that I have that will assist to feed my family nutritious food," said Mothibedi.
