Building food security from the ground up

What if the answer to Africa’s food security challenge isn’t in global imports, but in the rich soil beneath our feet?

In regions like South Africa’s Eastern Cape, things are sprouting. Instead of relying on food trucked in from faraway provinces (or even other countries) communities are building their own resilient food systems, from the soil up. New partnerships between RegenZ, the Southern African Food Systems Alliance, and organisations like Wild Coast Foods are helping smallholder farmers become self-sufficient and sustainable.

The power and potential of local food systems

Africa spends billions every year importing food. But this model is neither sustainable nor efficient. It creates dependence, drains local economies, and leaves communities vulnerable to disruptions far beyond their control.

By contrast, investing in local food production improves food security, strengthens local economies, supports job creation, and promotes better nutrition. This is especially critical in rural areas, where farming often forms the backbone of livelihoods.

Practical support for smallholder farmers

RegenZ is leveraging two decades of South African agricultural experience to empower smallholder farmers to grow sustainably, improve their soil health, and connect with local markets.

The team works hands-on with farming groups to develop customised input programmes based on local soil samples, crop types, and growing conditions. Their goal is to help farmers start strong, without compromising long-term soil health.

The tools are simple but effective: organic-based fertilisers, biological crop protection, and low-tech equipment designed for small-scale use.

Alex Platt, Business Develop Manager at RegenZ says: “We’re enabling smallholder farmers to start strong, grow sustainably, and harvest success. With the support of RegenZ and our Smallholder Farmer Pack (including our innovative Beyond product range), Wild Coast Food beneficiaries have the opportunity to embrace regenerative agriculture to improve soil health, increase yields, and create new economic opportunities.”

From soil to school plate

One of the most exciting applications of this work with smallholder farmers is happening in the Wild Coast region of the Eastern Cape. Here, RegenZ and their partner, Wild Coast Foods, a 100% black woman-owned start-up, are distributing 1 000 smallholder farmer starter packs to local growers.

These packs include everything a small-scale farmer needs to start producing high-quality crops: organic fertilisers, liquid nutrients, and a knapsack sprayer. Even more importantly, the programme is linked to actual market demand.

Through an initiative with the Eastern Cape Department of Education, the food grown by these farmers is destined for local school meals. It’s a win-win: schools receive fresh, nutritious produce, and farmers have a guaranteed buyer. This is significant, considering the province currently spends R1 billion a year sourcing school food, much of it from Gauteng. Localising this procurement puts both money and agency back into the hands of Eastern Cape communities.

Central to this approach is regenerative agriculture

For many smallholder farmers, particularly those new to commercial agriculture, it makes sense to employ farming practices that restore, rather than deplete, the land. Regenerative agriculture doesn’t rely on synthetic fertilisers or expensive chemicals. Instead, it uses what’s already there—local compost, simple tools, and practical knowledge—to build healthier soil and stronger crops.

And with tools like the Starter Pack, farmers aren’t left to figure it out on their own. Clear instructions, demonstration videos, and even WhatsApp support help make the process straightforward and repeatable.

Source: RegenZ