Afrika Tikkun is empowering and nurturing a new generation of agricultural leaders who are poised to transform the country’s food insecurity crisis.
Johannesburg, South Africa (21 October 2024) – Food insecurity remains a big problem in our country. At Afrika Tikkun, food security isn’t just about providing a meal; it’s about creating sustainable solutions that empower individuals and communities.
Through its agriculture-driven initiatives, the organisation is helping young people reclaim their power by realising the value of planting their own food.
On World Food Day, observed on 16 October, Afrika Tikkun celebrated the success of its Garden-to-Kindergarten (G2K) and Agripreneurship Programmes.
Through the G2K initiative, an understanding of and love for planting vegetables is cultivated for children aged between 2 and 6 years in the Bambanani Childhood Development (ECD) programme. Here, they are also educated about nutrition and the importance of healthy eating.
With a pressing need to address hunger, poverty, and food scarcity in the country, the innovative Agripreneurship Programme, is also equipping young people with the skills and knowledge to become self-sufficient and contribute to their communities’ well-being by completing the 12-month training.
From planting seeds in the garden to managing thriving farms, these young agripreneurs get to learn the art of sustainable agriculture.
Aligned with the 2024 World Food Day theme – Right to Food for a Better Life and a Better Future – the programme drives positive change by nurturing a new generation of farmers who understand the importance of producing nutritious, affordable and safe food for South African communities.
The Agripreneurship programme is currently operational in Diepsloot, Sasolburg and Empangeni in northern KwaZulu-Natal, with a total of 188 active candidates.
According to Afrika Tikkun, the 2023 graduates have already secured positions within retail stores, managing fruit and vegetable sections, highlighting the success of the programme in integrating young people into the agricultural economy.
With practical training conducted in modern greenhouses, these graduates are now fully equipped to grow, cultivate and supply nutritious food, supporting the broader World Food Day goal of increasing food diversity and availability in local communities.
“This initiative, part of Afrika Tikkun’s Cradle-to-Career 360° philosophy, is about more than just farming – it’s about fostering entrepreneurship and ensuring that young South Africans have the tools they need to thrive in the agricultural sector.
“By learning how to establish their own farms and urban agricultural projects, these young agripreneurs are poised to not only alleviate hunger in their communities but also create sustainable livelihoods for themselves,” said Afrika Tikkun Agriculture CEO Alan Fleming.
As South Africa continues to grapple with the challenges of food insecurity, these young agripreneurs are a beacon of hope. They are producing nutritious, affordable food, reducing reliance on imports, and creating a more resilient food system.
Sources: Afrika Tikkun
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