By Maile Matsimela, Digital Editor at African Farming
Limpopo Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (LDARD) MEC Nakedi Kekana recently spent a day engaging with inspiring women urban backyard farmers in Polokwane, who warmly opened their homes and gardens to showcase their food production efforts within city spaces.
As part of a Women’s Month programme, the MEC visited Patience Lowani in Flora Park and Fikiswa Ndumbu in Broadlands Estate, two remarkable women who are leading the way in urban farming in Polokwane. From repurposing old vehicle tyres and mealie meal sacks to building backyard sheds for crops and chickens, these women are proving that food security begins at home.
“I am truly inspired by the creativity, resilience and innovation these women have shown,” said MEC Kekana. “They are not just feeding their families, they are building sustainable livelihoods and contributing to our local economy.”
The MEC was joined by a delegation of experts and leaders, including representatives from the University of Limpopo’s Green Biotechnology Centre, Capricorn District MMC Cllr Matome Masoga, University of Limpopo professors and aspiring urban farmers.
The department said the hands-on visit reaffirms its commitment to supporting women in agriculture and scaling up innovative urban farming models across Limpopo.
Why Backyard Gardens Matter More Than Ever
The success stories of Patience Lowani and Fikiswa Ndumbu highlight a growing reality that backyard gardens can be essential pillars of household food security across South Africa. These small-scale growing spaces offer families direct control over their food production, ensuring fresh vegetables and proteins are available regardless of market fluctuations or supply chain disruptions.
In urban areas where space is limited and grocery prices continue rising, backyard gardens provide immediate relief to household budgets while improving nutrition. A family growing its own spinach and tomatoes, and keeping a few chickens, can reduce its monthly food expenses significantly while enjoying fresher, healthier meals.
Also read: Farming emakhaya | 8 essential tips for raising backyard chickens
Building Skills And Confidence
Backyard farming serves as an excellent training ground for agricultural skills that can grow into larger opportunities. Many successful farmers started with small backyard plots, learning crop rotation, pest management and animal husbandry on a manageable scale before expanding their operations.
These intimate growing spaces allow families to experiment with different crops and techniques without significant financial risk.
Supporting Backyard Farmers
Government recognition through visits like MEC Kekana’s highlights the important role backyard farming plays in broader food security strategies. Supporting these initiatives through extension services, access to quality seeds and training programmes can multiply their impact across communities.
The delegation of experts and academics joining the MEC’s visit shows growing institutional support for small-scale urban agriculture. This recognition helps connect backyard farmers with resources and knowledge that can improve their productivity and expand their impact.
