100 SMALLHOLDER FARMERS IN JOZINI TRAINED TO SUPPLY UNILEVER IN LANDMARK AGRICULTURE PARTNERSHIP
- BEE NEWS
- 3 days ago
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Nkosana Khumalo | 13 April 2025
One hundred smallholder farmers in KwaZulu-Natal have received training in herb and spice cultivation enabling them to become suppliers for Unilever’s supplier localisation programme, the Department of Agriculture has announced. The initiative, known as the Jozini Smallholder Farmer Programme, is a partnership between the Department of Agriculture (DOA), Unilever South Africa, and the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (DARD).
The programme is a bold step toward inclusive agricultural development, combining public and private sector efforts to support sustainability, improve livelihoods, and create new opportunities for small-scale farmers in the rural Jozini region. The farmers completed an intensive training course aligned with Agricultural Sector Education and Training Authority (AgriSETA) unit standards, focusing on both theoretical knowledge and practical skills in herb and spice farming.
This training now positions them as legitimate and competitive suppliers in the value chain of one of the world’s largest consumer goods companies.
Empowering Farmers With Skills and Market Access
The training initiative is not only equipping the farmers with valuable agricultural expertise, but also connecting them to commercial markets—one of the biggest barriers facing smallholder farmers in South Africa. Participants learned how to prepare soil, identify and address crop issues, and manage the full cultivation cycle for herbs and spices—key ingredients in the fast-moving consumer goods industry.
Zinhle Manzini, a participant in the programme, shared her enthusiasm for the opportunities it has opened.
“Through the programme, I’ve gained important skills for nurturing crops, preparing soil, identifying issues, and taking necessary actions to support crop growth. It has also taught me the steps involved in the farming process.
“I’m happy that Unilever is assisting us by providing access to marketplaces to sell our produce, helping to prevent financial losses. I encourage young people and women to join such programmes to learn about farming, which can be a viable source of income,” she said.
Unilever’s involvement includes assisting with market access, which is expected to boost the farmers’ income stability and protect against common financial risks in agriculture.
Enhancing Local Infrastructure and Support
The Jozini farmers were also presented with a new tractor and witnessed the unveiling of a drying tunnel—an important addition to the local farming infrastructure. The drying tunnel will allow the farmers to process their produce to meet commercial standards and prolong shelf life, thus improving their ability to compete in larger supply chains.
These contributions go beyond training. They provide tangible support that can significantly improve productivity, reduce post-harvest losses, and ensure higher returns for rural farmers.
This initiative is part of a larger vision to strengthen agricultural value chains in underdeveloped rural communities and transform them into dynamic hubs of economic activity.
Public-Private Partnerships Driving Inclusive Growth
Agriculture Minister John Steenhuisen praised the initiative, highlighting the critical role of partnerships in tackling South Africa’s socio-economic challenges.
“Partnerships are very important… we recognise that if we try and do things on our own, we won’t get far, but if we work together, we can go far. Partnerships go beyond just something on paper, or what we say is a priority. Partnerships are rooted in our core philosophy as South Africans – Ubuntu,” the Minister said.
He stressed that such collaborations are not only about resources, but about shared responsibility in transforming rural livelihoods and making agriculture more inclusive and equitable.
The collaboration between government departments and Unilever is an example of how public-private partnerships can function effectively to bring change to marginalised communities.
Corporate Commitment to Local Development
Unilever South Africa CEO Justin Apsey emphasised the company’s commitment to empowering rural communities and supporting sustainable agriculture.
“This initiative will not only improve the livelihoods of smallholder farmers but also contribute to a more sustainable agricultural sector. This is a capacity-building initiative empowering and alleviating unemployment while providing a decent life in the heart of KwaZulu-Natal,” said Apsey.
He further noted that Unilever is committed to sourcing more of its ingredients from local suppliers, in line with its global sustainability goals and localisation strategy. By working with smallholder farmers, the company also reduces its environmental footprint while helping to uplift communities.
The Jozini programme aligns with Unilever’s broader sustainability mission, which includes inclusive sourcing, reducing poverty, and supporting resilient food systems.
AgriSETA-Aligned Training: Building Professional Farmers
The farmers received AgriSETA-accredited training that covered every aspect of herb and spice farming, from soil preparation and crop rotation to pest management and post-harvest handling.
The training sessions were delivered by qualified agricultural instructors and supported by extension officers from DARD. By aligning the training with national standards, the farmers are now equipped with certified skills that enhance their credibility in the formal agricultural sector.
Importantly, the focus on herbs and spices reflects growing market demand, both locally and internationally, providing the farmers with a niche opportunity to enter profitable supply chains.
Women and Youth at the Forefront
The programme has placed a strong emphasis on including women and youth in agriculture—two demographics often underrepresented in the sector.
Many of the participants are first-time farmers who now see agriculture as a viable livelihood, not just for subsistence but for commercial growth. The involvement of young people also provides a critical response to rising rural unemployment and economic stagnation.
With support from experienced mentors and government agencies, the farmers are now equipped to expand their businesses and employ others in their communities, multiplying the programme’s impact.
Promoting Sustainable Farming Practices
Sustainability lies at the heart of the Jozini Smallholder Farmer Programme. Farmers were trained in:
• Organic farming methods
• Soil conservation techniques
• Water-saving irrigation practices
• Eco-friendly pest management
These methods are essential for improving long-term productivity while protecting natural ecosystems and ensuring food safety.
Unilever and the DOA have committed to continuous technical support for the farmers, ensuring that sustainability is not a once-off lesson but a daily practice.
Contributing to Regional Development
Jozini is one of KwaZulu-Natal’s most rural and poverty-affected municipalities. This initiative is set to transform the local economy by creating employment, enhancing food security, and stimulating entrepreneurship.
By producing herbs and spices for a multinational like Unilever, these farmers are becoming part of a global supply chain, proving that rural communities can thrive with the right investment and support.
The Department of Agriculture said this programme will serve as a blueprint for future rural development projects across the country.
‘Disclaimer - The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author(s) and not necessarily those of the BEE CHAMBER’.