nkosana khumalo | April 13, 2025
Kwazulu-Natal's 100 smallholder farmers are trained in herbs and spice cultivation and can become suppliers of Unilever's supplier localization program, the Ministry of Agriculture announced. The initiative, known as the Jozini Smalmholder Farmer Program, is a partnership between the Department of Agriculture (DOA), Unilever South Africa, and Kwazulu-Natal Agriculture and Rural Development Authority (DARD).
The programme is a bold step towards comprehensive agricultural development, combining public and private sector efforts to support sustainability, improve livelihoods and create new opportunities for smallholder farmers in the rural Jozini region. Farmers completed an intensive training course in line with the standards of the Agriculture Sector Education and Training Office (Agriseta) unit, focusing on both theoretical knowledge and practical skills in herb and spice agriculture.
Today, the training positions them as a legal and competitive supplier of the value chain of one of the world's largest consumer goods companies.
Empower farmers with skills and market access
The training initiative not only has valuable agricultural expertise for farmers, but it also links it to the commercial market, one of the biggest barriers faced by smallholder farmers in South Africa. Participants learned how to prepare soil, identify and address crop problems, and manage the complete cultivation cycle of herbs and spices.
Zinhle Manzini, a participant in the program, shared her enthusiasm for the opening opportunities.
“Through this program, I gained important skills to grow crops, prepare the soil, identify problems, take the necessary actions to support crop growth, and also taught me the steps involved in the agricultural process.
“We are pleased that Unilever is supporting us by providing access to the market to sell agricultural products and preventing economic losses, encouraging young people and women to participate in such programs and learn about agriculture.
Unilever's involvement includes supporting market access, which is expected to increase farmer income stability and protect against common financial risks in agriculture.
Improved local infrastructure and support
The Jogini farmers were also presented with new tractors and witnessed the announcement of the drying tunnel. This is an important addition to your local agricultural infrastructure. Drying tunnels allow farmers to process produce, meet commercial standards, extend their shelf life, and improve 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 of strengthening agricultural value chains in underdeveloped rural communities and turning them into dynamic hubs of economic activity.
Public-private partnerships to promote inclusive growth
Agriculture Minister John Steenhuisen praised the initiative and highlighted the important role of the partnership in addressing South Africa's socioeconomic challenges.
“Partnerships are very important…we realize that when we try to do things ourselves, we don't go far, but if we can work together, we can go far. Partnerships are beyond something on paper.
He emphasized that such collaborations are not just about resources, but also about a common responsibility in changing rural livelihoods and making agriculture more comprehensive and equitable.
The cooperation between the government department and Unilever is an example of how public-private partnerships can function effectively and bring about change in marginalized communities.
Companies' commitment to local development
Unilever South Africa CEO Justin Apesy highlighted the company's commitment to empowering rural communities and supporting sustainable agriculture.
“This initiative not only improves the livelihoods of smallholder farmers, but also contributes to the more sustainable agriculture sector, a capacity building initiative that strengthens and alleviates unemployment while providing substantial living in the heart of Kwazul-Natal.
He further noted that Unilever is committed to sourcing more ingredients from local suppliers in line with its global sustainability goals and localization strategies. By working with smallholder farmers, the company raises its community while reducing environmental footprints.
The Jozini programme is consistent with Unilever's broader sustainability mission, including comprehensive sourcing, poverty reduction and support for a resilient food system.
Agriceta Aligned Training: Building Professional Farmers
Farmers received agriceta certified training covering all aspects of herb and spice agriculture, from soil preparation and crop rotation to pest management and post-harvest handling.
Training sessions were provided by a qualified farm instructor and supported by Dard's extension officers. By coordinating training with national standards, farmers now have certification skills that will increase their reliability in the formal agricultural sector.
Importantly, focusing on herbs and spices reflects increased market demand locally and internationally, providing farmers with a niche opportunity to enter a profitable supply chain.
Frontline women and young people
The program focuses on including women and young people in agriculture. These are two demographics that are often underestimated in the sector.
Many of the participants are now the first farmers to see agriculture as a viable livelihood, due to commercial growth as well as self-sufficiency. Youth involvement also provides a critical response to the rise in rural unemployment and economic stagnation.
With support from experienced mentors and government agencies, farmers are now ready to expand their businesses and hire others in their communities, increasing the impact of the program.
Promoting sustainable agricultural practices
Sustainability is at the heart of the Jozini Smalmholder Farmer program. The farmers were trained:
Organic farming methods
•Soil conservation technology
Water-saving irrigation practices
Environmentally friendly pest management
These methods are essential to protect natural ecosystems and improve long-term productivity while ensuring food safety.
Unilever and DOA are committed to continuing technical support for farmers, ensuring that sustainability is a daily practice rather than a lesson that turns off at once.
Contribution to local development
Yojini is one of the most rural and poverty-affected municipalities in KwaZulu-Natal. The initiative is set to transform the local economy by creating jobs, strengthening food security and stimulating entrepreneurship.
By producing herbs and spices for multinational companies like Unilever, these farmers become part of the global supply chain, proving that rural communities can thrive with the right investment and support.
The Department of Agriculture said the program will serve as a blueprint for future rural development projects across the country.
“Disclaimer – the views and opinions expressed in this article are the views of the author and are not necessarily those of the Bee Room.”
