THE FUSE

Agriculture has an important role to play in creating opportunities for young people, improving household food security and building stronger communities. Eastern Cape MEC for Agriculture Nonceba Kontsiwe has called on young people to take agriculture seriously and become active participants in strengthening the province’s food systems. Her appeal highlights the need for greater youth involvement in farming, food production and the development of sustainable agricultural livelihoods. The call was reinforced by the handover of household agricultural inputs to the community of kwaNonjoli, an initiative intended to help residents grow their own food. By encouraging communities to participate in agriculture at household level, the initiative promotes self-reliance and recognises farming as an important part of everyday life.