NEW ERA FARMING

Organically-farmed cabbage at Thembabantu farm.

DID YOU KNOW? In 2015, Thanda’s farming programme had 89 farmers who collectively produced R26 297 worth of vegetables. By 2018, 314 farmers produced Organic farming addresses environmental problems by prioritising R1.5-million worth of vegetables that year. This fi gure increased further safe and sustainable land-use practices. to R2.18-million in 2019. Companies such as NIVEA, Wesbank Trust, Distell Development Trust and the HCI

FARMING FOR approach, aimed at improving farm resilience, Foundation fund the programme. Source: Thanda A BETTER FUTURE yield and profi tability, to organic farming. This systems-thinking approach builds the links in the decision-making process of the farmer. It looks at soil health, biodiversity health, irrigation development and climate change response effi ciency, waste reduction and plant health Organic and sustainable farming are popular responses to improvement. “Our programme assists farmers global warming and important for future food security, to reduce their operations, carbon and water writes DENISE MHLANGA footprint per ton of food produced, resulting in the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions,”

By 2050, South Africa will likely need avoidance of environmental problems. It also to increase its food production by contributes to biodiversity, which is one of South SUPPORT FOR FARMERS 50 per cent to meet the needs of the Africa’s unique value propositions globally in WWF-SA says smallholder farmers can benefi t growing population. To achieve this terms of tourism, and foreign direct investments.” from organic farming if supported. Increasing and ensure long-term success, farming He explains that unlike conventional farming, consumer demand for organic produce will should be done in a sustainable manner, organic farming uses inputs generated at farm enable government and relevant organisations says Angela Larkan, executive director at level, and, therefore, contributes to a climate to see untapped growth opportunities locally Thanda, a community-based organisation positive and circular economy. “It enhances soil and internationally. that provides innovative solutions for fertility and improves soil carbon content.” Pienaar says Woolworths initiated and piloted sustainable development. Silandela adds that farming practices that the Farming for Future programme in 2004 with

“A third of all South African children are improve the conservation of natural resources 14 suppliers. It was offi cially launched in 2009 malnourished, and with the high rates of like soil and water are even more critical for as part of the company’s responsible sourcing unemployment, it is important that we South Africa’s achievement of not only climate strategy. The programme currently supports empower more households to grow their change goals, but also all the Sustainable 379 farmers, which equates to 778 farms, and own food,” says Larkan. Development Goals. “And, organic farming has a model that specifi cally assists small and

She points out that rural communities are presents an opportunity for smallholder medium enterprises (SMEs). “We are also using especially well suited to farming. However, farmers to produce for the formal market the programme principles on a community they require farming techniques that are and possibly earn premium incomes while learning farm being piloted with Spier and the not harmful to preserve their land for future benefi tting from eating safe and clean food,” Sustainability Institute to train young farmers to production. “Organic farming is the most Silandela explains. improve food security in their communities.” sustainable, cost-effi cient way to farm in most Kobus Pienaar, Woolworths’ foods technical Larkan says that the Department of Agriculture, situations, making it a logical solution. And, it manager and Farming for the Future expert, Land Reform and Rural Development provided enables rural households to develop nutritious agrees that the adoption of sustainable farming seeds for some farmers in their communities food sustainability for their families.” practices helps to address South Africa’s during lockdown. “There is great potential in

WWF-SA senior manager Mkhululi Silandela climate change and food security challenges. and support for organic and sustainable farming says: “Organic farming should be one of the key He says that Woolworths’ Farming for the in South Africa due to heightened consumer contributors to any country’s long-term food Future programme uses a scientifi c data awareness,” she concludes. he explains. strategies. It contributes to an inclusive climatesmart country. “In South Africa, organic farming can “Organic farming should be one of the key contributors to any country’s long-term food development and climate change response contribute to effective natural resource use and strategies.” –Mkhululi Silandela, senior manager, WWF-SA

Patience Mbili, organic farmer at Thembabantu.

Resilient landscapes support not only the natural environment, but also the livelihoods of local communities and the businesses that produce our food, fuel and more.

COLLABORATIVE PROJECT HELPS POTATO FARMING

Potato farming is expensive and technically complex. Collaborative projects offering funding and technical support are key in helping emerging farmers realise pro ts, and run sustainable businesses in the long-term.

In February 2020, Kagiso Trust Fund, through its Tyala Impact Fund, AFGRI and Potatoes SA entered into a collaborative project aimed at developing new blackera potato farmers.

The project addresses the structural and historic impediments in agriculture and provides holistic solutions to funding and technical support.

“Tyala blends commercial expectations and impact and seeks to be an intermediary of choice for black emerging farmers. It aims to be a template of successful collaboration,” says Mohlolo Selala, head for Socio-Economic Development at Kagiso Trust Fund.

He explains that Tyala’s mandate is to offer developmental nancing to farmers who might not be able to access traditional funding. AFGRI Agri Services assists bene ciaries with technical and nancial needs and trains, develops and mentors new-era farmers while Potatoes SA – through the co-operation agreement – shares its wealth of technical expertise within the potato crop industry. Potatoes SA’s mentorship programme assists with the set-up, support and development of viable black-owned potato-producing enterprises.

Selala says that Tyala has invested R20-million over ve years, amounting to 40 per cent of the total project with the other 60 per cent funded by Unigro Financial Services. Other partners like Potatoes SA will provide a seed grant for ve years as well as an enterprise development programme for potato farmers. Funding ranges from R3-million to R10-million per transaction annually.

The selection criterion is based on business viability and the growth potential of the applicant. Tyala, which was set up in 2019, has supported 70 farmers countrywide. This support extends to farmers who are growing avocados, maize, lucerne and other cash crops.

TRAINING AND MENTORING ORGANIC FARMERS

Although some people naturally have green ngers, organic and sustainable farming requires certain skills and technical support.

For Patience Mbili, a farmer from Thembabantu in KwaZulu-Natal, becoming part of the Thanda organic farming programme has transformed her life. She is now able to feed her family and also make money from selling her vegetables.

“I have been with Thanda for ve years and was growing vegetables four years before this.”

The training and mentoring approach to organic farming has been tremendous. She explains that when she joined the programme, she was introduced to Mdedelwa Mkhize, a mentor and manager for Thanda Organic Farming Programme.

“Previously, I used to buy small R10 seedlings and then plant the vegetables. Among other things, Mkhize taught me how to shop for seedlings, especially when buying in bulk, and plant vegetables in beds.

“Thanda provided compost as well as water pipes and tanks and this has helped a lot with watering the crops. I am growing more vegetables like cabbage and spinach and my family has adopted healthy eating,” she says.

“I am grateful for the mentoring and support from Thanda and the level of expertise that I’ve gained so far.”