In a major win for rural development, 73 farming cooperatives in the Umzimvubu Local Municipality, Eastern Cape, have successfully harvested over 900 large sacks of yellow maize. This achievement is more than just a boost to agriculture, its bringing real change to communities fighting hunger and unemployment.
The maize, planted and harvested using traditional farming techniques, has become a lifeline for many families. Small-scale farmers, many of whom are still growing their businesses, are using old traditional methods to produce large volumes of maize with limited resources.
One of the workers involved in the harvest said the job helps her feed her children and pay for school. “I’ve been able to buy maize meal and vegetables even when times were hard,” she shared.
Beyond food, the project is creating opportunities. Local farmers are turning harvests into income, while job creation in planting, weeding, and harvesting stages is giving residents a way to support themselves.
This initiative shows that with proper support and community-led action, even rural areas can make a meaningful impact on food security and the economy. The yellow maize harvest stands as proof that farming can be both a tool for survival and a step toward growth.
