Aiding & Advancing Smallholder Businesses in South Africa

The Abalimi Phambili (Farmers First!) program was launched in the North West province of South Africa in 2021. It currently supports 360 small-scale farmers in maize and sunflower production, both for self-consumption and sale to market, helping to connect smallholders with the broader agribusiness industry and get them market ready.

The project is located in South Africa’s Corn Belt, which is dominated by mid and large-scale commercial producers. Subsistence and smallholder farmers tend to lack adequate support, which negatively impacts their production.

The project provides agricultural technical support, including improved access to markets, mechanization and agricultural advice. Fifteen local farmers received credit from the Revolving Fund (credit provided via inputs distribution, with 50% co-financing from farmers) and all participating farmers were trained in the correct application of inputs, including planter and sprayer calibrations.

The farmers also received business support, creating closer working relationships between isolated farmers and larger agricultural value chains, and by stimulating food production in rural communities, the project will also considerably improve local food security and contribute to healthier diets.

Key Numbers:

360: total number of participants (97 of them women farmers)

10%: average expected increase in productivity vs. baseline