In a significant development set to reshape sustainable farming in South Africa, Seriti Institute (NPC) has partnered with the DG Murray Trust (DGMT) in a groundbreaking initiative aimed at improving rural livelihoods and strengthening sustainable agriculture. This collaboration will directly benefit 300 small-scale farmers, and 12 community-based organisations (CBOs) located across Limpopo, Mpumalanga, North-West, and KwaZulu-Natal.
The initiative aims to strengthen, deepen and expand Seriti’s Multi-Functional Agri-Nodes (MFANs), which are established as central hubs for agricultural production, innovation, learning, and enterprise development.
The Seriti’s MFAN’s go beyond serving as traditional farming sites. They are designed to empower communities by offering a platform where agroecological practices are not only taught but put into practice to support local food value chains, economic inclusion, and ecological resilience.
Through this grant, Seriti Institute will extend the reach of its MFANs to support nearby CBOs located within a 100km radius. Each CBO will receive grants ranging from R50,000 to R150,000, to help replicate the MFAN model and sustain their agroecological practices.
In addition to financial support, the initiative will provide training and mentorship to participating farmers. These training programmes will cover essential areas such as permaculture training, food safety, soft skills and business development. The goal is to enable farmers to manage their operations not just as subsistence activities but as viable, profitable businesses that can thrive in a modern economy.
Wanga Pholi, Programme Lead in Agriculture at Seriti Institute, reflected on the initiative’s anticipated impact:
“For Seriti, this is more than just numbers or funding, it’s about ensuring that transformation for farmers is practical and sustainable through bridging realistic gap or challenges that farmers encounter on daily basis,” he shared.
“This initiative marks a major step forward in empowering small-scale farmers and CBOs to become self-reliant and economically active. With such support, we are creating opportunities for learning, innovation, and sustainable growth. The impact will be visible in improved production volumes, Agro- processing facilities and sustainable energy solutions,” he added.
Sibongiseni Peacock, Innovation Manager at DGMT, added: “We are honored to support Seriti’s mission and look forward to seeing the positive impact this project will have on farmers and communities. DGMT is more than a funder, it’s a public innovator supporting Seriti to amplify the reach and resilience of smallholder farmers and community-based organisations. By embracing collaboration, South Africa can transform its food systems, making them more resilient and inclusive for future generations.
As the project unfolds, Seriti Institute will continue to provide updates on its development, highlighting progress in growth, learning, and resilience across the communities it supports. This partnership marks a promising step toward a more inclusive, resilient, and sustainable agricultural future.
