Mossel Bay Municipality Cultivates a Greener Future with Landmark Urban Agriculture Project
In a bold stride toward sustainable development and inclusive economic growth, Mossel Bay Municipality has unveiled a trailblazing initiative under its Agricultural Development Programme—bringing the farm to the city and planting seeds of opportunity in the heart of the community.
The municipality has earmarked approximately 1.5 hectares of urban land and committed R1.6 million to the establishment of a transformative urban agriculture project. This investment includes the installation of critical infrastructure such as irrigation systems, gardening tools, and essential production inputs—laying down fertile ground for a thriving, self-sufficient urban farming ecosystem.
The project, a first of its kind in the Garden Route District, sets a powerful precedent for how municipalities can champion food security, social upliftment, and grassroots economic participation. Far more than a gardening venture, this initiative is a strategic investment in people, purpose, and the planet.
Targeting individuals with agricultural experience, the programme aims to tap into existing local skills while cultivating new avenues for employment, entrepreneurship, and food independence. In doing so, it nurtures not only crops but also long-term resilience and dignity for families and individuals across Mossel Bay.
To steer this initiative to success, the municipality has partnered with Casidra—an implementing Company renowned for its developmental expertise and commitment to building sustainable rural and urban livelihoods. Guided by its mission to empower communities, Casidra brings a holistic approach that fuses environmental stewardship with social cohesion.
“Casidra’s role goes beyond infrastructure, they bring people together—connecting them to nature, to each other, and to new possibilities. I am so proud of the progress,” said Sharion Louw, the Local Economic Development Officer from the Municipality.
Through the creation of vibrant, shared gardening spaces, Casidra is helping transform underutilised urban land into hubs of eco-conscious living and income generation. These green spaces will not only yield fresh produce but also nourish the spirit of community.
Warren Marcus, Casidra’s Project Manager, shared an optimistic progress update from the field and said, “We’ve made significant headway. Infrastructure is already in place, and the first phase of plot allocation is underway. The enthusiasm from the community has been overwhelming—people are ready to get their hands in the soil and start growing.”
Michael Mackenzie, Programme Manager at Casidra, praised the teamwork and momentum;
“We are truly proud of the progress to date. I’d like to thank Warren Marcus and the entire implementation team for their dedication and energy. This project reflects what’s possible when collaboration and community come together with purpose.”
At the heart of the initiative lies a simple yet profound idea: empower people to grow their own food, and you empower them to shape their own future.
Residents are now invited to lease individual garden plots—small but mighty patches of soil that offer the chance to grow fresh, nutritious produce just steps from their homes. These plots promote healthier lifestyles, food self-sufficiency, and a renewed relationship with the environment.
Participants will also gain access to shared tools, compost, and hands-on training through practical workshops focused on sustainable gardening methods. Whether a seasoned grower or an enthusiastic beginner, everyone is welcomed into this green movement.
With this initiative, Mossel Bay is reimagining what urban spaces can be—turning vacant land into productive gardens, and communities into stewards of their own wellbeing.
As cities grapple with food insecurity and social inequality, Mossel Bay’s urban agriculture project is a living example of how local government can lead with vision, compassion, and innovation. One garden at a time, a greener, more resilient future is taking root.
