As the world commemorates World Food Day on 16 October 2026, the Western Cape Government is reflecting on the practical interventions implemented across the province over the past year to strengthen food security, create opportunities for sustainable livelihoods and build more resilient communities.
Under this year’s World Food Day theme, “Innovate Today! Nourish Tomorrow,” the Western Cape Department of Agriculture has continued to invest in projects that enable households, schools and communities to grow their own food, improve nutrition and develop agricultural skills.
Western Cape Minister of Agriculture, Economic Development and Tourism, Dr Ivan Meyer, said food security remains one of the Province’s most important priorities.
“Food security and nutrition is one of my Ministerial priorities. Food security is about more than just access to food. It is about creating opportunities, building resilience and empowering people with the skills and resources they need to improve their quality of life. Through targeted interventions across the Western Cape, we are helping communities become more self-reliant while creating pathways to economic participation.”
In the lead-up to World Food Day 2026, the Department supported 106 households, three school food gardens and two community-based food production projects in the Central Karoo. These interventions were implemented in partnership with local municipalities and development partners to strengthen household food production and improve nutrition outcomes.
The support included:
- 62 households in Prince Albert, where 57 vegetable gardens and five chicken production projects were established.
- 24 households in Leeu-Gamka, which received support for vegetable gardens.
- 20 households in Klaarstroom, which benefited from 10 vegetable gardens and 10 piggery projects.
- Agricultural inputs, equipment and training to improve food production and sustainability.
- Water tanks for 25 households in Prince Albert to support rainwater harvesting and reduce dependence on municipal water supplies for irrigation.
The Department also strengthened food production and agricultural learning opportunities at Prince Albert Primary School, Zwartberg High School and Leeu-Gamka Primary School, while supporting food gardens at Prince Albert Clinic and Prince Albert Skills School. These projects contribute to improved nutrition, practical agricultural knowledge and skills development among learners and community members.
A further boost to community food production was provided through the “Plant One Tree, Eat for Free” initiative, which saw the donation of 500 fruit trees to households and communities with the support of the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment.
The Province’s commitment to fighting hunger also extended through the annual Food Mountain Initiative, which mobilised donations for local beneficiary organisations, including early childhood development centres and community care facilities in the Central Karoo.
Recognising the importance of educating future generations about food security, the Department hosted its annual World Food Day schools competition in Prince Albert and Klaarstroom. Learners explored themes of food production, nutrition and sustainability through creative projects, helping to cultivate the next generation of food security champions.
Minister Meyer said the Western Cape Government’s Growth for Jobs Strategy recognises food security, agricultural development and community resilience as important building blocks for inclusive economic growth.
“Every food garden planted, every household supported and every learner empowered contributes to a more resilient Western Cape. On World Food Day, we celebrate not only the progress made but also the partnerships that continue to help us grow food, skills and hope across our province.”
“As the world marks World Food Day, the Western Cape Government reaffirms its commitment to working with communities, farmers, schools, municipalities and development partners to ensure that more households have access to nutritious food and sustainable livelihood opportunities”.
Media enquiries:
Daniel Johnson
Media Liaison Officer to Provincial Minister Ivan Meyer
079 990 4231
