**SayPro Deputy Minister Nokuzola Capa commemorates International Day of Rural Women

Deputy Minister Capa to commemorate International Day of Rural Women in Nkomazi

The Deputy Minister of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development Ms Capa will on Saturday, 15 October 2022 commemorate the International Day of Rural Women, under the theme: Rural women cultivating good food for all, in Nkomazi local municipality, Mpumalanga.

The Deputy Minister will hand-over the Mzinti fresh produce mini packhouse in the Nkomazi Local Municipality as part of the commemorations. The mini packhouse is a component of the Farmer Production Support Unit which seeks to address transformation challenges in the agricultural sector by creating market opportunities for small and medium size cooperatives and businesses in rural areas.

Crops that will be processed at the packhouse include butternut, tomatoes, cabbages, sweet potatoes and onions. These crops are grown by the Nkomazi farmers’ cooperative, which was established in 2013 by 17 primary cooperatives in different wards in Nkomazi Local Municipality. The female dominated cooperative has been appointed to supply fresh produce for the school nutrition programme.

Rural women play a key role in supporting their households and communities to achieve food and nutrition security, generating income, and improving rural livelihoods. Women also contribute to agriculture and rural enterprises and fuel local and global economies

On the International Day of Rural Women, United Nations calls for action to support rural women and girls and grow their capacities to respond to climate change through agricultural production, food security, and natural resources management.