The 11th Hour Project is a community-driven agroecology initiative coordinated by the Seriti Institute and supported by partners including the Agroecology Fund, Citi Foundation, the IDC-SEF, and Standard Bank. Originally launched in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic to promote local food production and resilient food systems, the initiative is now entering an exciting new phase through the development of the Modimolle Agroecology Node.
This emerging hub is rooted in collaboration, innovation, and participatory community impact. It brings together local farmers, community members, agricultural practitioners, researchers, and technical experts with a shared purpose of strengthening sustainable farming systems while revitalising local food economies to advance food security and food sovereignty.
At the core of the initiative is a strong commitment to agroecological principles that respect nature, regenerate soils, protect biodiversity, and promote low-cost, climate-resilient food production methods. The Modimolle Agroecology Node is designed as a holistic learning and innovation space where farmers and communities can exchange knowledge, build practical skills, and participate in environmentally responsible farming practices that are both productive and economically sustainable.
Through hands-on technical training, participatory research, demonstration plots, farmer-to-farmer learning exchanges, and expert-led agroecology engagements, the node aims to spread innovation in sustainable agriculture and encourage local solutions to local challenges. The initiative also supports farmers with access to sustainable local and large-scale organic market linkages, helping strengthen resilient, community-driven food systems that benefit households, consumers, and the environment alike.
The project has already begun building momentum through the recruitment of 25 local participants and 12 interns in collaboration with IDC-SEF and Standard Bank respectively. This marks more than the growth of a farming initiative; it is an investment in community stewardship, shared prosperity, and a future where people and nature can thrive together. As the Modimolle Agroecology Node expands in the coming months, more local farmers will be integrated into the platform, further strengthening collective learning and collaboration.
In addition, through a collaborative partnership between the 11th Hour Project and the Agroecology Fund (AEF), targeted technical support and capacity-building initiatives have already been provided to an average of 26 farmers in Bela-Bela. This support has strengthened farmers’ agroecological knowledge, practical skills, and confidence while preparing them for integration into the Modimolle Agroecology Node.
By connecting these farmers with the broader Modimolle platform, the initiative is creating a dynamic space for co-creation, peer-to-peer learning, and context-specific knowledge exchange. Through continuous collaboration and mutual support, farmers are better equipped to address local agricultural and environmental challenges, foster innovation, and contribute to the long-term sustainability and resilience of farmer-led food systems across their communities.
