On 15 December 2017 the second Keiskammahoek farmers’ market day took place in the open area next to the Keiskammahoek Post Office and opposite the taxi rank. As with the first market, the event was a collaboration between the Department of Rural Development and Agrarian Reform (DRDAR), the Keiskammahoek District Farmers’ Association, ARDRI, Umtiza, and Ntinga Ntaba kaNdoda. ARDRI’s participation in these farmers’ markets was driven by findings from a research project funded by the United States Department for International Development (USAID).
There was a positive response from farmers and consumers as they seemed to like and appreciate the farmers’ market approach. Although overall, Keiskammahoek did not seem as busy as on 1 November when people flooded the town to receive their grants, people came in numbers to the farmers’ market to buy, indicating that people were well aware of the market. Indeed, it seemed that there was a bigger turnout of both buyers and farmers as compared to the first farmers’ market in Keiskammahoek. There was also a slight increase in the diversity of produce on offer; for example, this time a local farmer known for her dairy processing, Mrs Maso, was at the market selling her cheese.
Mr Ngqokweni from DRDAR said, “It is heart-warming to see farmers making income out of their produce; when we deliver seeds to farmers and see no progress we get worried, but this initiative is the manifestation of the good work of Keiskammahoek farmers on their fields.” Counsellor Mr Mzili, said “I decided to come and see the initiative for myself and I’m impressed by the good work done by farmers. This market is one of key strategies towards poverty alleviation and it even contributes to household food security. Look, I even bought some spinach at a very reasonable price.”
The third and final Keiskammahoek farmers’ market for 2017 was on 22 December, and it also went very well. The Keiskammahoek farmers’ market will resume in 2018 on 1 February. Many thanks to our partners, and to all of the farmers and consumers who have made these events so far a success.