Blouberg Team Supports Smallholder Farmers in Avon Village

The Blouberg team from Lima Rural Development Foundation, together with Lima’s Managing Director Lynette Parsons, recently conducted farm visits in Avon Village as part of the Smallholder Farmers Support Programme. The visits allowed the team to engage directly with farmers, monitor progress, and provide practical technical support. By assessing crops on the ground, the team could identify challenges and recommend solutions to improve yields and farm management. These engagements reflect Lima’s commitment to hands-on support, knowledge sharing, and sustainable agricultural practices tailored to smallholder farmers.

During the visits, the team met with Mr Martin Masipa, who is cultivating piquanté peppers, and Mr Dankuru Abram, who is producing cabbage. The team advised Mr Masipa on managing soil fertility using compost and organic fertilizers, as well as strategies for controlling common pests like aphids and caterpillars. For Mr Abram, guidance focused on proper spacing and irrigation scheduling to improve cabbage head formation and reduce water stress. Farmers also received tips on crop rotation and integrated pest management to maintain soil health and minimize losses. These practical interventions are designed to increase productivity while keeping operations sustainable.

The farm visits are part of Lima’s broader initiative, in partnership with De Beers Group Managed Operations South Africa, to strengthen smallholder farming and build resilient local agricultural systems. The programme emphasizes practical skills, from planting and fertilization techniques to harvesting and post-harvest handling. Farmers are encouraged to adopt methods that improve quality, extend shelf life, and increase market value. Knowledge sharing during the visits also helps farmers learn from each other’s experiences, fostering a community of practice that strengthens the local agricultural sector.

Lima Rural Development Foundation continues to support smallholder farmers beyond technical guidance by facilitating access to resources and markets. The foundation helps link farmers to buyers, provides mentorship on farm planning, and encourages the adoption of climate-smart practices. These measures aim to create sustainable livelihoods and increase the economic viability of small-scale farming in Avon Village.

Through these visits, Lima demonstrates the value of direct engagement and practical support for smallholder farmers. By combining technical expertise, mentorship, and market facilitation, the programme helps farmers overcome challenges, increase production, and adopt sustainable practices. Initiatives like this not only boost productivity but also strengthen the long-term resilience of the farming community in Blouberg.