Farmers in drought-stricken regions of South Africa such as Sekororo are finding success through organic farming methods, thanks to training provided by the Mahlathini Development Foundation. The NGO has trained over 600 farmers in Limpopo, the Eastern Cape, and KwaZulu-Natal, empowering them to sustain their families while protecting the environment.
Turning Dry Land into Bounty
In Sekororo, one of Limpopo’s driest areas, farmers like Magdeline Sekwela have transformed their livelihoods through organic techniques. Facing extreme temperatures, water scarcity, and high unemployment, Sekwela joined the foundation’s program to learn sustainable farming.
“I am able to sell my produce and buy food for my family,” Sekwela said. “We have never gone hungry in this house—there’s always ample fruits and vegetables.”
She now grows and sells vegetables to her neighbors while also raising broiler chickens. The chicken droppings serve as natural fertilizer, improving her crop quality.
A Shift from Harmful Practices
Before the training, Sekwela relied on tractors that stripped topsoil nutrients, degrading her land. Now, she nurtures her soil organically.
“My produce is always succulent and fresh. The taste is amazing, too,” she said.
Innovative Water Solutions
Another farmer in Sekororo has built a man-made dam to store rainwater and stream runoff, covering it with iron sheets to reduce evaporation.
“I never struggle to water my plants,” she said, explaining how she grows beans, spinach, beetroot, and other crops to sell in her community.
Expanding the Impact
The Mahlathini Development Foundation has trained over 400 farmers in Sekororo alone, with an additional 200 in the Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal. The program focuses on organic farming, water conservation, and soil health.
“We’ve seen people start their own businesses,” a foundation representative said. “They’re using nature to farm sustainably.”
With plans to expand to other provinces, the initiative offers hope for rural communities battling climate change and poverty—one organic garden at a time.
