Abalimi Phambili has a food security element to the programme where Lima facilitators demonstrate the correct planting and farming techniques through a series of trainings within the project funded by Anglo Platinum.

For farmers who are not equipped with the correct skills in agriculture, basic level farming is a positive way of combating poverty and increasing food security levels.

Lima facilitator, Makhosazana Dlamini held a training session in Mthatha, where she taught a large number of people how to increase the productivity of their land by incorporating methods of correct trenching, water conservation techniques, spacing of seeds as well as the importance of using compost and manure to enrich the soil.

Makhosazana explained to the farmers that if they want to be able to sell their produce to commercial stores, they need to ensure that their produce competes with the standards of a commercial farmer’s crops.

By following the steps demonstrated, they too could produce vegetables of this standard stated above. Once this quality is achieved, it is important that linkages be created with local stores or markets, which ensure that farmers receive a regular income.