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Organic farming in Limpopo
Some subsistence farmers in Sekororo, outside Hoedspruit in Limpopo, say they are reaping the rewards of using environmentally-friendly farming methods.
The Mahlathini Development Foundation, a non-governmental organisation, introduced them to organic farming. It has trained over 600 farmers in Limpopo, the Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal.
Magdeline Sekwela, who has joined the foundation’s training programme, says she plants vegetables which she sells to her neighbours.
‘I am able to sell my produce and buy food for my family and we never go hungry in the house as there is always ample fruits and vegetables. Before I was trained, I would get a tractor to plough through the garden and the topsoil’s nutrients would be dug out and flow into the river stream. Now, I don’t do that anymore. I treat and fertilise the soil before planting. My produce is always succulent and fresh; the taste is amazing,” says Sekwela.
[WATCH] Farmers say they are reaping the rewards of alternative farming methods while conserving the environment. They were introduced to organic farming by the non-governmental organization, the Mahlathini Development Foundation. pic.twitter.com/wO7FJnKD6U
— SABC News (@SABCNews) July 20, 2025
The foundation’s Betty Maimela says about 400 farmers around Sekororo have been trained in organic farming.
Maimela says they are committed to helping rural communities find ways of sustaining themselves in the midst of climate change.
“We have seen a big number of farmers coming in, and we have trained many. Since then, people have built their own businesses. And not only have we looked at organic farming, where people nurture their farms, but also look after their resources like water, and care for the soil,” she adds.
VIDEO | Organic farming boosts local farmer’s harvests
