The programme was a joint initiative between Unilever South Africa, the Department of Agriculture, and the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, which aimed to empower 100 smallholder farmers from villages in Ndumo, Makhane, and Mahlabeni, amongst others, by providing them with training in herb and spice cultivation, with an agreement for Unilever to purchase their produce once harvested.
By the time of the launch, the selected farmers had already received AgriSETA-accredited training, which covered aspects related to herb and spice farming. This included organic farming methods, soil conservation techniques, water-saving irrigation practices, crop rotation, and environmentally friendly pest control.
The beneficiaries collectively manage over 480ha of arable land and are primarily members of established agricultural co-operatives, which produce crops like chillies, green peppers, cabbages and green beans.
According to Justin Apsey, CEO of Unilever South Africa, the programme aligned with the company’s commitment to sustainability and empowering local communities, while contributing to a more sustainable agriculture sector.
@farmersweeklysa Unilever and the Department of Agriculture launched the Jozini Smallholder Farmer Programme in Jozini KwaZulu-Natal, which aims to empower 100 smallholder farmers. Video: @Sinenhlanhla Mncwango #FarmersWeeklySA #agriculturetiktok #farmtok #smallholderfarmers #farmersupport #unilever #jozini ♬ Education, science, technology, techno(835583) – zomap
“The [smallholders’] training [aligned] with the cultivars needed for our supply chain. After harvesting, these will be dried and sterilised to meet Unilever’s product standards for the spice products made at our Indonsa Factory in Durban,” he said.
In order to give the selected smallholders a bigger boost in production, New Holland donated a tractor and drying tunnel to the cause.
Sithembile Ngobese, Unilever’s director for corporate affairs and sustainable business, said that these were identified as essential resources for the farmers as they began their practical and technical training.
“The tunnel will assist in drying chilies and other herbs as ingredients for product ranges such as Robertson Spices and Knorr,” said Ngobese.
Minister of Agriculture John Steenhuisen, whom attended the launch, said the programme would help grow the agriculture sector and provide more smallholder farmers with market access.
“We want to turn more small-scale farmers into large-scale and commercial farmers. This will create jobs for the community and create community development,” he said.
He added that it was also part of a larger programme to revitalise agricultural production in rural areas and to promote access to markets through the Agriparks Programme.
