The Gauteng Department of Agriculture continued to promote urban farming, smart agriculture and sustainable food systems as part of the Gauteng City-Region's inclusive food security agenda.
This is achieved through the implementation of targeted interventions within Township, Informal Settlements, and Hostels (TISH) areas, in partnership with key sector departments and the private sector. 
The department continued to implement the commercialisation programme, which aims to systematically lead the transformation of the agri-food value chains, making the sector more inclusive and sustainable. 
Furthermore, it has committed to contributing to a 50% reduction in food insecurity through the implementation of community-based food gardens, as well as supporting smallholder farmers and agricultural cooperatives within TISH areas.
The department has prioritized supporting the Township Farmers Markets program to create more market opportunities for smallholder farmers by ensuring that they benefit directly from consumers in various Townships.
While some grocery stores do carry a small number of local and organic products, most cannot match farmers' markets in terms of variety and quality of local foods, let alone guarantee farmers a fair price. 
Shopping at a farmers' market is also a wholly unique experience, where farmers and shoppers get to know each other, do business, and help one another.  Meeting friends and neighbours at the farmers market while shopping and supporting local businesses is just fun.
Last year, the department hosted five farmers in different townships of Gauteng. These farmers' markets benefited more than 30 smallholder farmers by providing them with markets to sell their produce. In July, the department issued a call for farmers and entrepreneurs.
To facilitate market access by connecting TISH areas with suppliers and manufacturers of different goods and services within the Gauteng province. The department will provide sponsorship to these entrepreneurs to conduct a farmers' market in their neighbourhood. This will increase the number of markets and benefit more communities. 
These farmers' markets serve as gateways to sustainable farming and economic empowerment, ensuring food security while transforming the lives of township communities.