A partnership between EDF Power Solutions South Africa and the LIMA Rural Development Foundation is helping vulnerable Eastern Cape communities improve food security, create jobs and grow small businesses through sustainable rural development.
Image: Supplied.
A partnership between EDF Power Solutions South Africa and the LIMA Rural Development Foundation is helping to improve food security, create jobs and support small businesses in rural Eastern Cape communities through agriculture, enterprise development and skills training.
The programme, funded by EDF and implemented by LIMA, supports communities surrounding the Wesley Ciskei Wind Farm, including Wesley, Hamburg, Dabane, Gcinisa, Bell, Bodium and Peddie Extension.
It forms part of EDF's broader socio economic development strategy aimed at strengthening livelihoods in communities that host its renewable energy projects.
Keitumetse Matseke, Head of Social Performance at EDF Power Solutions South Africa, said the partnership focused on creating sustainable opportunities that respond to local needs.
"Our partnership with LIMA is rooted in a shared commitment to sustainable, community led development," Matseke said.
"Through this collaboration, we are able to fund and deliver structured programmes that build livelihoods, strengthen food systems, and create measurable impact in the communities surrounding our wind farms."
The need for intervention is significant.
Recent assessments conducted across 1 922 households in the project areas found that 747 households were considered vulnerable, while 455 households were classified as food insecure. The assessments also identified 19 cases of acute malnutrition, with those affected referred for healthcare support.
Xolile Sibisi, Project Manager at the LIMA Rural Development Foundation, said the findings reflected the realities faced by many rural families.
"These challenges are not isolated. They reflect the daily reality for many rural households," Sibisi said.
"Nineteen cases of acute malnutrition were also identified and referred for healthcare support. Rural development programmes are essential because they address limited access to services in underserved areas, unemployment and food insecurity."
The initiative focuses on three key areas.
A partnership between EDF Power Solutions South Africa and the LIMA Rural Development Foundation is helping vulnerable Eastern Cape communities improve food security, create jobs and grow small businesses through sustainable rural development.
Image: Supplied.
These include agricultural support to improve household food production, the Ngqushwa Honey Producers initiative to strengthen emerging beekeepers and local value chains, and collaboration with non governmental organisations to create employment while building local development capacity.
To date, the programme has supported 219 household food gardens and 39 community gardens, benefiting 133 vulnerable households and 15 community organisations, including schools, early childhood development centres and community based organisations.
One of the programme's beneficiaries is Aquila Farming in Peddie, a five hectare farm that employs local workers on both a permanent and seasonal basis.
"The support from EDF Power Solutions and LIMA has helped us improve production and strengthen our farming operations," said Luthango Stamper, Director of Aquila Farming.
"This has benefitted our farm, enabling us to increase agricultural production and create work opportunities, and allows us to make a meaningful contribution to local food security and our community."
Sibisi said agriculture continues to provide one of the most effective foundations for long term rural development.
A partnership between EDF Power Solutions South Africa and the LIMA Rural Development Foundation is helping vulnerable Eastern Cape communities improve food security, create jobs and grow small businesses through sustainable rural development.
Image: Supplied.
"Agriculture remains one of the most practical entry points for rural development. When households are supported to produce their own food, it strengthens resilience and creates pathways to improved livelihoods," Sibisi said.
Beyond farming, the programme is also supporting entrepreneurship and local economic participation.
More than 101 participants have completed enterprise development training, while 20 micro enterprises have received support through the Street Business School programme.
Matseke said these initiatives are helping residents build confidence and generate sustainable incomes.
"The programme is also helping community members to develop the skills, and confidence needed to participate more actively in their local economies," Matseke said.
"These interventions are contributing to stronger, more resilient communities."
Between April and September 2025, Participatory Rural Appraisals were conducted across the project area to allow communities to identify their own development priorities and shape future interventions.
The programme also works closely with the Ngqushwa Local Municipality, the Eastern Cape Development Corporation and the Department of Agriculture to ensure projects align with broader regional development plans.
Sibisi said EDF's ongoing support had strengthened the organisation's ability to expand its reach and deliver lasting impact.
"EDF's partnership has played a pivotal role in strengthening LIMA's capacity to deliver impactful and sustainable programmes," Sibisi said.
"The support has enabled long term planning, stronger stakeholder coordination and expanded reach across participating communities."
The partnership is already producing tangible results across communities surrounding EDF's Wesley Ciskei and Riverbank Wind Farms, with more households producing their own food, stronger community organisations emerging, additional employment opportunities being created and more small businesses taking root.
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