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Advancing Women In Agriculture: ECRDA and Sefa Support Boosts Cingisitha Piggery

Feb 24, 2026

Empowering Women in Agriculture: A Visit to Cingisitha Piggery

We had the privilege of visiting Phumza Sifingo, Managing Director of Cingisitha Piggery, one of the beneficiaries of the ECRDA and sefa Blended Finance Scheme. This visit allowed us to witness firsthand the power of women’s empowerment in driving meaningful change in rural communities.

Cingisitha Piggery is a black woman-owned enterprise specialising in the production and processing of pork.

During our visit, Phumza received her first herd of 40 pigs, which she purchased following our recent engagement.

This marks a significant milestone in her agricultural journey and showcases her dedication to building a thriving agribusiness.

Our visit stands as a testament to the real impact of the ECRDA and sefa Blended Finance Scheme, a funding model that combines grant and loan support to enable sustainable agricultural development.

Through initiatives like these, we are investing in inclusive growth and strengthening the agricultural economy of the Eastern Cape.

Video Link: https://share.icloud.com/photos/06aJHsHhBnILeP5Uo8ECAU9Hg

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Grain, fodder and vegetable (food) crops

Grain, fodder, and vegetable crop production is a catalytic intervention that transforms underutilised rural land into commercially viable agricultural production hubs.

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The forestry, timber processing, and horticulture intervention expands commercial production in these sectors while deliberately integrating small-scale producers and millers into the mainstream economy.

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The livestock commercialisation initiative transforms the Eastern Cape’s substantial livestock resources into sustainable, competitive, and export-oriented commercial

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Rural enterprise development hubs are strategically designed geographic interventions that target specific rural areas to create economically viable clusters anchored on local commodities and comparative advantages.

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This strategic initiative identifies and develops fibre-based opportunities derived from both crop and animal resources within the province.

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