The Foundation for Human Rights (FHR) Permaculture Initiative, supported by the Ford Foundation, is a transformative programme aimed at building resilient and inclusive food systems. As a key implementing partner, Seriti Institute has harnessed this opportunity to scale its agricultural innovation model through the development of Multi-functional Agri-Nodes (MFANs) in underserved communities.
This initiative goes beyond sustainable farming—it’s about empowering small-scale producers, especially women and youth, through infrastructure, practical agroecology training, and market access. It restores dignity, creates income pathways, and builds self-reliant, food-secure communities rooted in social justice.
From its inception, the initiative focused on hands-on permaculture and agroecology training, co-funded by SEF, to equip farmers and staff with sustainable skills. Key developments included water storage infrastructure, community food gardens, and seedling facilities.
Since its launch, over 250 individuals —60% women and 30% youth from rural and peri-urban Black South African communities—have benefited directly and indirectly. The project continues to grow, blending food production with gender equity and ecological awareness, sowing seeds of social justice, empowerment, and resilience.
Building on its success, FHR expanded training to Libode, Verena, Zeerust, and Letlhabile—reaching 93 beneficiaries with agroecology training and 12 with seedling production. This scale-up deepened sustainable farming practices and broadened the project’s national impact.
