Smallholder Farmers Transform Rural Livelihoods Through Climate-Smart Agriculture and Digital Innovation

Smallholder farmers across KwaZulu-Natal, Limpopo, North West, and Mpumalanga are proving that sustainable farming can also be profitable. Supported by the Seriti Institute and the Citi Foundation Global Innovation Challenge, 312 farmers have moved from subsistence farming to running thriving agri-enterprises between 2023 and 2025.

The two-year project has established 50 new farming businesses, providing farmers with training, tools, production inputs, and infrastructure such as irrigation systems, shade nets, poultry houses, and storage facilities. The initiative is part of Seriti’s Multifunctional Agri-Nodes model, designed to strengthen local food systems and promote climate-smart farming practices.

“When farmers are equipped with proper support, they become agents of change,” said Dr Siphesihle Qange, programme lead. “This initiative has improved livelihoods while strengthening South Africa’s local food systems.”

Farmers received training in permaculture, food safety, and financial and business management. More than half a million seedlings were produced and distributed across project sites, encouraging production not only for household consumption but also for local markets.

To strengthen market access, Seriti hosted five value chain dialogues with national fresh produce markets in Gauteng, North West, and KwaZulu-Natal. These events connected farmers with retailers, buyers, and policymakers, helping them understand pricing, quality standards, and supply consistency.

The results are visible on the ground. In Deelpan, farmers now supply Sannieshof Spar with lettuce, spinach, and cabbage. Lesiba Daniels from Mokopane supplies eight Boxer stores, Roots, and Spar with fresh spinach. In Standerton, farmers provide vegetables to Astral Foods’ canteen.

To modernise trade, Seriti launched the Community Fresh App, a digital marketplace linking farmers directly with consumers and retailers. The app promotes fair pricing, reduces postharvest losses, and supports real-time demand-driven sales, enabling farmers to better manage production and connect with buyers.

Over 60% of project beneficiaries are women and youth, many gaining access to land for the first time through partnerships with traditional leaders. Women-led cooperatives, such as Ladies First in Agriculture in Deelpan, received support to refurbish poultry houses and expand production. Across all nodes, more than 30 agri-enterprises were formally registered, with 24 more in the process, reflecting a growing culture of entrepreneurship in rural communities.

“We are not just growing vegetables; we are growing independence,” said Caroline Molokela, chairperson of Ladies First Cooperative.

Seriti’s training also emphasises environmentally sustainable practices, including composting and waste reduction, reducing reliance on synthetic inputs. Tri-sectoral partnerships with government, NGOs, and private sector organisations have strengthened the project’s long-term sustainability. Deelpan traditional authorities allocated 15ha of land, Afgri in Standerton provided mentorship, and WD Seedlings donated over 21,000 seedlings to increase production.

“This initiative has changed how communities perceive farming; it is now seen as a business and a livelihood,” said project manager Elizabeth Ralefatane.

Seriti’s success has earned them selection for the Citi Foundation 2025 Global Innovation Challenge for the second time. The recognition places the organisation among 50 global non-profits advancing youth employability through innovation.

With Citi Foundation support, Seriti will scale the AgriFuture Pathways Initiative, equipping young people with skills in the green economy, mechanisation, and agribusiness. This approach creates pathways for business and employment while fostering community-led innovation that strengthens local food security and economic opportunities.

Through strategic partnerships, climate-smart farming, and digital innovation, smallholder farmers in South Africa are transforming rural livelihoods, building sustainable businesses, and contributing to stronger local food systems.