Bhisho, Eastern Cape – The Agricultural Research Council (ARC) has raised concerns over delayed government intervention in addressing critical infrastructure challenges faced by smallholder farmers in the Eastern Cape, hindering their ability to monetize their farming businesses.
Speaking at an agricultural show in Bhisho, the ARC highlighted that, in addition to infrastructural limitations, both crop and livestock farmers lack knowledge of available markets, further stifling their growth.
Infrastructure and Disease Control Woes
Despite having the highest number of livestock in the country, Eastern Cape farmers face significant hurdles due to poor land quality for feed production and inadequate disease control infrastructure.
“We have challenges with not having enough infrastructure for controlling diseases transmitted via ticks because we are not dipping enough these days,” an ARC representative said. “If left to the farmers, it’s not always possible—some can afford tick treatments, but others cannot.”
Market Access Barriers
Local farmers say that while they battle infrastructure issues, the lack of reliable markets remains their biggest obstacle.
“The challenge is that we have produce, but we don’t have a market to sell it,” one farmer explained. “We wish an abattoir could be built here so we could store and sell our produce like in metros.”
Nonprofit organizations have stepped in to assist, helping farmers connect with buyers. “Before, our produce would just get eaten by our own animals because there was nowhere to sell it,” a farmer shared. “Now, when we have produce, we call a company, and they take it to the market.”
Government Plans for Intervention
The Eastern Cape Department of Agriculture says it is working on solutions, including establishing local food hubs and revitalizing fertile land for cultivation.
“We are working with agencies like the ECRTA, allocating funds to support communities and ensure their produce reaches the market,” a department official stated. “Engagements with major retailers are at an advanced stage, with more planned for the next financial year.”
Additionally, the ARC revealed plans to integrate local farmers into livestock auctions, potentially opening new revenue streams.
However, with infrastructure backlogs persisting and market access still limited, farmers remain hopeful that promised interventions will materialize soon—before more livelihoods are lost.
