Agriculture is central to cultivating economic growth, reducing poverty, and improving food security?in South Africa. More than 70 percent of the rural population depends on agriculture for their livelihoods.
About two years ago the CEO of Philippi Village, Bushra Razack, wanted to engage with the community and do something with the eight hectares of land that was baron and a dumping ground at the time. After spending a lot of time with them, they came to the realisation that there is a basic need to have space that they can use to plant fresh produce and later a piece of land was also given for chicken farming which is now home to more than 500 chickens called Amaqanda.
Philippi Village used to be an old cement factory and when the Philippi Village Agricultural Project started, the soil first had to be rejuvenated that is rich in nutrients and minerals that are both good for the plants and animals but also the consumer. They have a seasonal system where their chickens are rotated adding minerals back into the soil followed by food growing. The improvement of the soil is so incredible thanks to happy hens!
The Philippi Village Agricultural Project is a sustainable project managed by the community and its leaders. Not only does it keep the community busy and engaged, but they can also make a living from Amaqanda by selling the farm fresh eggs at affordable prices to the community by the community. It is becoming a small eco system in its own right by having the children involved after school where they want to assist with planting seeds, cleaning eggs and hens hatches as well as the bigger community being involved and excited. It is very important to start localising our food and growing our food, the cost of living is just becoming so high. Hence, another reason for this project – to feed the community!
Agriculture is the one sector of the economy that maintained?positive growth momentum in 2020 and into 2021, which policymakers?identified?as part of the sectors to drive economic recovery and job creation. This sector’s potential is also true for much of the African continent when one considers the constraints faced by the manufacturing sector, combined with challenges presented by domestication or regionalisation of global supply chains in manufacturing. Decision-makers must position agriculture more deliberately as a sector that could contribute to economic growth and job creation.
Well thought-out strategies to support the development of the township food economy have the potential, therefore, to strengthen both social and economic development outcomes. Which is part of Philippi Village’s mission to co-create a safe and vibrant space that connects the Philippi community to services, employment, educational opportunities and activities. “The key to the success of the development is the consistent engagement with the local community to better understand their needs, challenges and where the opportunities lie,” explains Bushra Razack.
A process of community engagement and collaboration resulted in the addition of various community facilities and amenities at Philippi Village including a basketball court, 5-a-side football pitch, BMX cycle track, running track, library, sewing school, amphitheatre, coffee shop, health services as well as training opportunities.
South Africa and Nigeria?are the African countries with the largest agricultural areas. Respectively, they devote around 96 million and 69 million hectares of land to growing crops. In townships, most of the local enterprise activity is food-related as well as most local expenditure. This places the food economy at the centre of any strategy for township economic development. The township economy is estimated to provide 17% of South Africa’s total employment and contributes around 6% to the country’s GDP.
Food insecurity in South Africa is an important urban issue, requiring solutions grounded in urban development strategies and policies. With the Philippi Village Agricultural Project, there is some hope to create some hope and engagement in the township.
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