Eastern Cape Government Invests R19.5 Million to Revive Irrigation and Rural Economy

A major R19.5 million irrigation scheme is being launched in the Eastern Cape Province to boost agricultural and rural development. MEC Nonceba Kontsiwe of the Eastern Cape Department of Agriculture will formally launch the Provincial Irrigation Schemes Revival Programme on Tuesday. The program's primary goal is to strengthen food security, restore productive underutilized agricultural land, and promote agriculture-based economic activities.

What is the Irrigation Revival Scheme in the Eastern Cape?

This irrigation revival scheme focuses on vegetable production, grain cultivation, and fodder development. Farmers will also be provided with modern machinery and necessary agricultural equipment. The program will develop a total of 1,528 hectares of land across various districts in the Eastern Cape. This initiative is considered a key part of the provincial government's 2025/26 policy commitments.

MEC Nonceba Kontsiwe stated that the government's seventh term prioritized the revival of agriculture, particularly irrigation schemes. According to him, this program will not only ensure food security but also provide concrete support to farmers and strengthen collaboration between the government, private sector, and local communities. He also clarified that agriculture is seen as a key development sector to address challenges such as unemployment and food insecurity.

Investments under this program will be made in three key districts. R5 million has been invested to develop 613 hectares of land in Amathole District. R6 million has been earmarked for the development of 700 hectares of land in Chris Hani District, while R3.5 million will be spent to make 215 hectares productive in OR Tambo District. Additionally, the Eastern Cape Rural Development Agency (ECRDA) has been provided with additional funding of R5 million, which will be used to commercialize production.

ECRDA will use this funding to provide farmers with access to markets, adopt new production technologies, provide technical assistance, and facilitate access to production finance. MEC Kontsiwe explained that funding criteria have been kept flexible to allow for infrastructure repairs and site-specific solutions as needed.

According to data from the National Food and Nutrition Security Survey, approximately 67% of households in the Eastern Cape have access to land, but only 37% of this land is actually productive. The MEC stated that the revival of irrigation schemes is a major opportunity to unlock this underutilized land potential. He added that agriculture is a major source of employment for semi-skilled workers, and investment in this sector can significantly reduce unemployment and food insecurity.

Which districts will be invested in?

The Zanyokhwe Irrigation Scheme in Middledrift has been described as a model and flagship project of the program. The scheme spans six villages and has a total area of ​​635 hectares, of which 412 hectares are irrigated. 87 landowners are involved in this scheme, and seven primary and one secondary cooperative are actively operating.

What will be the benefits to farmers and the rural economy?

The official launch event for this program will be held at the Zanyokhwe Irrigation Scheme. The newly appointed board team will be introduced, a potato harvest demo will be shown, and graduate interns will be welcomed to provide experience in agriculture and agribusiness. The MEC will also distribute vegetable production inputs, irrigation pipes, animal feed, and tractor implements to beneficiaries.

This Eastern Cape Irrigation Revival Program will not only make farming more modern, sustainable, and productive, but will also play a key role in creating employment opportunities in rural areas, strengthening food security, and promoting overall economic development. It is considered a major and decisive step towards fully utilizing the province's agricultural potential.