WORK STREAM

Food Sovereignty

At TCOE, we believe that that food insecurity cannot exist without the ability of people to control how their food is grown, distributed and accessed. Our Food Sovereignty stream focuses on empowering communities to shape their agricultural and food systems in ways that are locally grounded, ecologically sustainable and culturally meaningful. Our approach recognises the vital role of agroecology as a policy framework and a practical solution to food security. Agroecology presents an integrated approach to food production that applies ecological and social principles to create sustainable and resilient food systems.

More about Agroecology Hubs

Food Sovereignty FAQ

More about our Local Markets

Agroecology

Through agroecology, TCOE pioneers a practical response to food security and climate change through the development and support of agroecology hubs and community food gardens. There are currently 22 active hubs in various provinces across the country. Sixteen of these hubs feature nurseries and produce seedlings and plant materials tailored for local agroecological conditions. The Food Sovereignty Stream also host agroecology schools in the Eastern Cape, Free State, Limpopo and Western Cape.

Monthly Local Markets

Monthly local markets were established as a response to the dominance large businesses exert over farmer livelihoods and access to food. At these markets, we encourage agro-processing and value addition, practices that help reduce food waste and increase profits for producers. We currently have seven monthly markets across the country in the following provinces:

Western Cape: Mowbray Market
Eastern Cape: Mdantsane: Shoprite
Eastern Cape: Wilsonia
Eastern Cape: Berlin
Eastern Cape: Beacon Bay Organic Market
Free State: Shoprite
Limpopo: Dzumeri MFA Market

Read more about our Local Markets

Livestock Farming

Livestock farming forms a key part of our Food sovereignty and is being strengthened through targeted support, organisation, and mobilisation of livestock farmers. We work at the intersection of animl products and agroecology, looking at sustainable systems focusing oin animal feed, animal production and animal welfare. Our work with livestock farming is currently concentrated in the Western Cape. Eastern Cape and Limpopo.

Policy Engagement

TCOE also assists movements, communities and affiliates with policy submissions to strengthen the voice of rural people in national debates on land, water, and food systems. Through the Food Sovereignty Stream, we support grassroots formations to draft and present submissions to parliamentary committees, government departments, and policy forums. These include inputs on agroecology, land redistribution, water governance, and tenure security. Through consultations and engagements, TCOE continues to contribute to national agroecology and climate change policy frameworks, advocating for community-led, ecologically sustainable food systems. The stream also facilitates workshops and leadership formations to deepen policy literacy and ensure that rural perspectives shape legislative and policy outcomes.