Kgakala Resident is growing food security

By Botlhale Leepile

Lawrence Maseko’s small plot of land is poised to become more than just a backyard garden. It’s a lifeline for his family and a potential source of income. Last Thursday, October,23, Maseko received a set of gardening tools from the North West Department of Agriculture and Rural Development during the provincial World Food Day event, held in collaboration with the Department of Social Development.

“This is going to help me a lot. I am grateful to the Department,” Maseko said, holding the spade and watering can that will allow him to expand his vegetable garden.

 For Maseko, the support represents more than equipment, it is an investment in self-sufficiency and a chance to tackle the food insecurity that affects many households in the region.

World Food Day in Kgakala was held under the theme “Hand in Hand for Better Foods and a Better Future” and focused on both immediate relief and long-term solutions to food insecurity.

Families across the township received vegetable starter packs, fruit trees, and gardening tools to help establish or expand their own gardens. In addition, 300 households were provided with basic food supplies to meet urgent nutritional needs.

Agricultural experts say initiatives like these are crucial in areas where nearly one in four households experience food insecurity. Small-scale gardening not only provides access to fresh produce but also reduces dependence on volatile markets and enhances dietary diversity.

For Maseko, the support extends beyond personal benefit. “This garden will feed my household, but any surplus I can sell, which will help with household expenses,” he explained.

His plans reflect a growing trend among rural families who view backyard gardens as both a food source and a micro-enterprise—a model recognized by development specialists as vital for sustainable livelihoods.

The Rekaofela Community Project also benefited from the event, receiving seedlings, equipment, and a water storage tank to support its communal garden. Ten other households received specialized garden tools for small-scale cultivation, while the North West Secondary School of the Deaf was provided with eggs and vegetables for its feeding program, demonstrating the province’s inclusive approach to food security.

MEC Madoda Sambatha highlighted that the province’s approach goes beyond food handouts. “The work we are doing is not just about handing out food, but about responding to the district model offerings, underscoring the combination of immediate relief with sustainable development strategies,” he said.