Press release
In regions like South Africa’s Eastern Cape, things are sprouting. Instead of relying on food trucked in from faraway provinces (or even other countries) communities are building their own resilient food systems, from the soil up. New partnerships between RegenZ, the Southern African Food Systems Alliance, and organisations like Wild Coast Foods are helping smallholder farmers become self-sufficient and sustainable.
The power and potential of local food systems
Africa spends billions every year importing food. But this model is neither sustainable nor efficient. It creates dependence, drains local economies, and leaves communities vulnerable to disruptions far beyond their control.
By contrast, investing in local food production improves food security, strengthens local economies, supports job creation, and promotes better nutrition. This is especially critical in rural areas, where farming often forms the backbone of livelihoods.
Practical support for smallholder farmers
RegenZ is leveraging two decades of South African agricultural experience to empower smallholder farmers to grow sustainably, improve their soil health, and connect with local markets.
The team works hands-on with farming groups to develop customised input programmes based on local soil samples, crop types, and growing conditions. Their goal is to help farmers start strong, without compromising long-term soil health.
The tools are simple but effective: organic-based fertilisers, biological crop protection, and low-tech equipment designed for small-scale use.
Above: Smallholder farmer receives his Smallholder Farmer Starter Pack
Alex Platt, Business Develop Manager at RegenZ says: “We’re enabling smallholder farmers to start strong, grow sustainably, and harvest success. With the support of RegenZ and our Smallholder Farmer Pack (including our innovative Beyond product range), Wild Coast Food beneficiaries have the opportunity to embrace regenerative agriculture to improve soil health, increase yields, and create new economic opportunities.”
From soil to school plate
One of the most exciting applications of this work with smallholder farmers is happening in the Wild Coast region of the Eastern Cape. Here, RegenZ and their partner, Wild Coast Foods, a 100% black woman-owned start-up, are distributing 1,000 Smallholder Farmer Starter Packs to local growers.
These packs include everything a small-scale farmer needs to start producing high-quality crops: organic fertilisers, liquid nutrients, and a knapsack sprayer. Even more importantly, the programme is linked to actual market demand.
Through an initiative with the Eastern Cape Department of Education, the food grown by these farmers is destined for local school meals. It’s a win-win: schools receive fresh, nutritious produce, and farmers have a guaranteed buyer. This is significant, considering the province currently spends R1 billion a year sourcing school food, much of it from Gauteng. Localising this procurement puts both money and agency back into the hands of Eastern Cape communities.
What’s in the pack?● 20kg Beyond PSP Organic Fertiliser: Improves soil health and nutrient availability for stronger crops. ● 1L PopUp: Boosts germination and early plant growth. ● 1L RealCal: Adds calcium to prevent deficiencies and improve crop quality. ● 1L SeaBrixNPK: Provides balanced nutrients for healthy growth. ● 16L Knapsack Sprayer: Easy-to-use tool for applying liquid fertilisers efficiently. |
Central to this approach is regenerative agriculture
For many smallholder farmers, particularly those new to commercial agriculture, it makes sense to employ farming practices that restore, rather than deplete, the land. Regenerative agriculture doesn’t rely on synthetic fertilisers or expensive chemicals. Instead, it uses what’s already there—local compost, simple tools, and practical knowledge—to build healthier soil and stronger crops.
And with tools like the Starter Pack, farmers aren’t left to figure it out on their own. Clear instructions, demonstration videos, and even WhatsApp support help make the process straightforward and repeatable.
You may also be interested in: Lessons from the field: RegenZ conservation agriculture trials
A model for the future of food
The approach being tested in the Wild Coast is a blueprint that could work across the continent:
- Empower local farmers
- Build local markets
- Let communities feed themselves with dignity and independence
With partnerships like these, Africa’s food future doesn’t have to be imported. It can be planted, grown, and harvested right at home.
Interested in learning more?
Visit https://regenz.co.za/small-holder-farmer/ to explore how home-grown innovation is transforming smallholder agriculture across South Africa.
WATCH: Smallholder Farmer Starter Pack How to Guide
RegenZ aims to be a global leader in the transformation of human health and nutrition by driving the widespread adoption of regenerative agricultural practices; and discovering, applying and commercialising sustainable and regenerative innovations in crop production technology for the commercial and smallholder agriculture sectors. See https://regenz.co.za/
Wild Coast Foods is a 100% black-owned start-up company operating in the agro-processing and beverage manufacturing sector. The company is currently implementing plans to develop farms across a number of districts in the Eastern Cape to plant fruit and vegetables. Visit https://wildcoastfoods.co.za
Photos: supplied. Feature photo caption: “Smallholder Farmer Starter Pack Distribution”
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Relevant Agribook pages include “Emerging farmer support“. Regenerative farming is included on the “Organic farming” page.
